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Karen Yu

Program of Study in Years 1 and 2:

Media, Information and Technoculture

Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university:

  • Vice President of Communication at the Pre-Business Students' Network
  • Marketing & Recruitment Director at MEDLIFE Western
  • Committee Member at University Student Council Awards Committee

Additional Information

Why Ivey?

As a high school student, I knew I wanted to pursue business but wasn't sure which university to choose. In grade 11, I participated in the Ivey High School Case Competition, which was the first time I was exposed to the interactive case method. During the 3 day case competition, I felt myself breaking out of my shell.

A big part of the Ivey experience is the social aspect - your section, your peers and your mentors. I learned that being successful at Ivey and in business is not just having the book smarts, but learning to open your mind to different perspectives and treating everyone with respect.

What has one highlight of your Ivey Experience been so far?

While there have been many highlights, an experience I’m looking forward to is the Ivey LEADER Project. LEADER sends HBA and MBA students to emerging markets to teach entrepreneurial skills. I'll be going to Ethiopia this summer and can't wait to share my learnings from Ivey with entrepreneurs who can use it to make an impact in their respective communities.

What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?  

Be open to all experiences - cases may seem very overwhelming and it's easy to want to shut down all your other activities and just focus on school. A big part of the Ivey experience is meeting your section over O-week activities or joining extracurricular activities you're truly interested in.

How has Ivey’s Career Management set you up for success?

Ivey's Career Management provided professional guidance during difficult decision making processes such as which job offer to accept, how to cater my resume to my dream job, etc.

With the intense curriculum in HBA1, what support is available for students?  

It was overwhelming at first – 75 students, just like me, eager to participate and excel. Later in the year, you look around and you realize that the people around you are 75 friends.  A big support system is your section - everyone is going through the same experience and it is important to know that you are not alone.

HBA '16

Ivey Business School

Karen Yu

Karen Yu

Connect with Ivey Business School