Hannah Baker

Program of Study prior to attending the HBA Program.

Queen’s University - Psychology

Extra-curricular activities in the first two years of University.

• Queen's Model Parliament Research Assistant - Cognitive and Psychotic Disorders
• Lab Volunteer - PREVNet (Promoting Relationships Eliminating Violence) & Bully Lab

Why Ivey?

I chose the HBA program because of the flexibility it allowed me to spend my first few years pursuing other interests combined with its high placement rates and the academic caliber of the program.

Ivey has given me both new knowledge and new skills. Aside from the significant content knowledge I gained in the subjects of finance, accounting, marketing, operations, management etc., Ivey helped me improve my ability to work with people - people with diverse backgrounds and to do so in high pressure situations. Finally, Ivey taught me how to learn - how to problem solve in ambiguous situations.

What was one highlight of your Ivey Experience?

An ongoing highlight of my Ivey experience is the exposure we receive to a wide range of people in industry. An example would be Leaders Forum where leaders across industries come to speak to us. The opportunity to speak with highly successful and often high profile business professionals brings the classroom into context and greatly enriches the learning experience.

What advice would you give incoming HBA students?

Use the resources available! Ivey is a tight knit community and everyone from faculty to the program office to older students want to see you succeed and can help. I would especially encourage new students reach out to older students as they have most recently been through the adjustment and often received help themselves so are eager to return the favor.

Given the demanding curriculum in HBA1, what support is available for students?

The Ivey Environment was very welcoming. I was a transfer student and knew no one, but as it turns out most of my section hadn't known each other before. Being in the same classroom with the same people every day made it very easy to make friends quickly.

There are many formal support programs available to students through the HBA association that involve peer advisors, there are also formal programs made available through the administration. These programs are designed to help with everything from career, school and personal challenges. Beyond formal programs there is a very strong supportive culture that is primarily exhibited through older student mentorship (set up through clubs and informally) and faculty, who are always willing to chat.