Where are you from? What high school did you attend?
I am from London, Ontario where I attended St. Andre Bessette Catholic Secondary School.
What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.
First Year:
- First Year Representative on the Western Pre-Law Society
- Peer note taker
- BUS1220 case competition finalist
- 2 part-time jobs: retail and serving
Second Year:
- Vice President of Member Relations of the Western Pre-Law Society
- Social Science Faculty Orientation Leader (Soph)
- Content Coordinator on the Social Science Students’ Council
- Part time job: serving
Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?
I chose Ivey for many reasons, but primarily because of the way it shapes how you think. Its case-based learning model teaches not only how to apply business principles, but why they matter and how they function in real-world settings. Instead of simply learning how to structure a balance sheet, for example, Ivey emphasizes why businesses care about it, how to draw implications, and how stakeholders use that information in everyday decision-making. I was also drawn to Ivey’s strong alumni network. There is a distinct pride within the community, and graduates are genuinely eager to support current HBA students as they explore career paths and prepare for internships. Finally, Ivey instills a unique confidence in its students. Beyond academics, the school provides workshops and resources that help students excel in interviews, professional environments, and social settings, ensuring we are prepared to lead and make an impact in the workforce.
Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.
A highlight of my Ivey experience so far has been working with my Learning Team (LT). Each LT is made up of six students from your section, and together you complete presentations, case competitions, and 24-hour reports. I’ve found this experience especially meaningful because it mirrors the realities of the working world: you don’t always get to choose your teammates, but you learn how to collaborate, communicate, and achieve success with anyone you’re paired with. Beyond developing my teamwork and leadership skills, I’ve also gained five new friendships through my LT, adding to the strong sense of social support I feel at Ivey. It’s a uniquely rewarding experience that has had a far more positive impact on me than I expected.
What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?
My advice for incoming HBA students is to slow down. It’s easier said than done, especially after spending at least two years working incredibly hard just to get into Ivey, but it’s essential. The HBA program is fast paced by design, and if you become too focused on the daily hustle, you’ll miss the incredible experiences happening around you. Academics matter, but they are not your entire life. Make time to see your friends, go to club events, volunteer, and most importantly, take care of yourself. Whether that means prioritizing self-care, going to the gym, or simply giving yourself a moment to breathe, filling your own cup is crucial. You need to take care of yourself first to truly appreciate everything this program has to offer. The HBA experience goes by quickly, so slow down and make the most of every moment.
How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?
Beyond practical supports like application refinement, Ivey’s Career Management team has set me up for success by helping me strengthen my social and interview skills. Something I didn’t realize before starting HBA1 is that they actually offer a “Career Management Essentials” course, where you participate in up to 12 sessions throughout the year to guide your career exploration. Some of the most valuable sessions for me focused on interview preparation. For example, I attended a workshop on perfecting the “Tell me about yourself” question, and the very next day I had a final-round interview for a summer internship. I used what I had learned in that session, and I got the job.
What kind of support did you find the mcost helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?
The support I find most helpful in navigating the intense HBA1 curriculum is my social support system. Being part of a section immerses you in an environment where 77 other students are experiencing the same challenges, pressures, and learning curve. Building friendships and genuine connections helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in the HBA1 whirlwind. Knowing that everyone is doing their best, and that your section mates truly want to see you succeed, changes everything. Once I embraced this, my mindset and daily experience shifted. My section mates became not just classmates, but close friends who uplift and encourage me. Taking a step back, allowing myself to rely on others, and prioritizing social connection had a profound impact on both my attitude and the quality of my work. HBA1 is demanding, but with a strong support network, it becomes far more manageable and meaningful.
What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?
For me, the most challenging part of Ivey’s program has been learning to manage task tension. There are constantly a million things happening at once, and at first, I found it overwhelming and discouraging. It felt impossible to accomplish everything within 24 hours while still taking care of myself on a personal level. Over time, I learned to overcome this by creating and sticking to structured schedules (Google Calendar truly became my best friend) and by not being afraid to lean on the supports around me. Once I allowed myself to accept help, for example the incredible guidance offered by Ivey’s Career Management team, I realized I wasn’t alone. Everything became not only more manageable, but genuinely exciting.
How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?
What’s special about Ivey is the way it develops you into a well-rounded individual. This presents itself clearly in the working world; you can always tell when someone is from Ivey. Their confidence in business settings, the quality of their contributions, and their overall presence are unmistakable. Ivey has given me the confidence to speak up, articulate my thoughts, and take initiative. Its strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement, from high school through undergrad and beyond, has taught me how to collaborate effectively, balance competing priorities, and be a dependable team player. Most importantly, Ivey has shaped me into a leader who isn’t afraid to influence the world around me. It’s taught me how to guide teams through ambiguity, bring people together around a shared goal, and step forward when it matters. I carry that sense of responsibility with me by using my voice, my ideas, and my actions to create meaningful impact wherever I go.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to move to Toronto to pursue a career in business consulting. I’m drawn to this path because it pushes me to think critically, tackle complex and meaningful problems, and collaborate with diverse teams every day. I feel most fulfilled when I can see the impact of my work, and consulting offers the opportunity to create tangible value for people and organizations. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the chance to help build a better working world and contribute to a more innovative, forward-thinking future.
