Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
My name is Jake Girling. I grew up in Vancouver, B.C., and kicked off my post-university life in Toronto. Now, I find myself across the pond in London, U.K. I graduated from Western University in 2020 with a dual degree in Chemical Engineering and an HBA from Ivey. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding combination that taught me how to think critically, lead confidently, and solve just about any problem thrown my way.
While my academic experience gave me a strong foundation, what really shaped my time at Western was being part of the Ivey Pride Club. That community sparked a passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy that has stayed with me ever since. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Pride Lead on the Ivey Alumni Network Board’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Since settling overseas in London, I’ve also joined the steering committee for Out Investors, a global organization working to make the alternative investment industry more inclusive for LGBTQ+ professionals. It’s wild to think about how a campus club kickstarted a lifelong passion, but that’s exactly what happened.
What led you to your career and how has it evolved over time?
During my time at university, I was intentional about gaining a broad range of experiences. I spent two summers in engineering internships before transitioning to Ivey, where I initially set my sights on a career in investment banking. As I began my professional journey, I realized I was drawn to a path in finance that combined strong technical foundations with more interpersonal, relationship-driven work. That interest ultimately led me to Dawson Partners, where I am currently a Senior Associate on the Capital Management team. Our team is responsible for investor relations, fundraising, and syndication. Since relocating to London, I have been focused on institutional capital formation across the Northern European market. Looking back, while I loved the rigor of engineering, I found myself missing the collaborative teamwork that is so integral in a business environment. In banking I was able to dive into analysis, but it felt misaligned with my goals. Working at Dawson allows me to combine the technical part of my brain with my interpersonal side into one role, allowing me to capitalize on one of my strengths – people!
Who inspired you?
My mom has always been a constant source of inspiration in my life, not only as a self-made professional but also as someone who lives with integrity and compassion. Her incredible work ethic taught me the value of perseverance, and her steady support gave me confidence to pursue my goals with purpose. Overcoming the barriers of being a woman on a male dominated trading floor over the last 30 years, it showed me firsthand that when you perform, you deserve a seat at the table regardless of pre-conceived notions. But success is about more than just hard work; it is about staying true to your values and treating people with kindness and respect. The drive and care I bring to everything I do are deeply rooted in the example my mom set for me.
How did Ivey play a role?
My experience at Ivey played a foundational role in shaping both my career and who I am today. Beyond the technical and leadership skills I gained, what stood out most was the sense of community. I formed close bonds with my section and broader class, and those relationships have continued to be a source of support, inspiration, and collaboration. The strength of the Ivey network goes far beyond graduation. Whether it's seeking advice, navigating career transitions, or championing shared values, the alumni community has consistently shown up for one another. That sense of connection also inspired my ongoing involvement in the Ivey Alumni Network Board and my commitment to equity and inclusion work. This small but mighty community is powerful, tight-knit and unique – it’s where I met four of my best friends that I now have matching tattoos with!
Why did you choose the HBA program specifically?
I chose Western and Ivey because I wanted the opportunity to pursue a dual degree. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be in a lab or a boardroom when I grew up, so I kept both doors open! I was also drawn to Ivey’s case-based learning model, which offered a more interactive and practical approach to business education.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Building a meaningful network since relocating to London, U.K. has been one of my proudest accomplishments, both personally and professionally. Moving to a new country can be daunting, but being an early part of Dawson’s expansion into Europe gave me an incredible opportunity to grow and contribute in a tangible way. Alongside that, I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with so many inspiring people in the industry who have become not just colleagues, but close friends. It’s been a reminder that success isn’t just about the work you do, but the relationships you build and the community you create around you.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Travel is one of my biggest passions. I love exploring new cities, trying local foods, and immersing myself in different cultures. One of the best parts is that, thanks to the global Ivey network, I often have friends or fellow alumni to meet up with wherever I go. Whether it's discovering a hidden restaurant in Copenhagen or catching up with a classmate over coffee in San Francisco, travel has become a way for me to stay connected, make new memories, and continue learning outside of work.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’m a bit of an F1 junkie. I’m a huge McLaren fan, always yelling at the TV on race weekends, and doing my best to make it to at least one Grand Prix a year. I was also part of the Western Formula Racing build team when I was at university! It’s an engineering marvel, high drama, and just the right amount of chaos.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
One of my favourite memories from university was working on the New Venture Project. It hardly felt like a school assignment and more like a passion project. I had the chance to build a business from the ground up with some of my closest friends, and we created Melotea, a sleep-aid tea infused with melatonin. It was an incredible learning experience that pushed us creatively and entrepreneurially. The fact that we ended up winning the top project that year made it even more special. More than anything, it was the late nights, the many laughs, and the sense of building something meaningful together that made it so memorable.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
Always be overprepared, you never know when you’ll rip your pants and need a spare.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
Yes, I’m still very connected to Ivey. I currently serve on the Ivey Alumni Network Board as the Pride Lead for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, which has allowed me to stay actively involved with the community. The work has been incredibly meaningful and has given me the opportunity to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while staying connected with fellow alumni around the world. Additionally, when I moved to the U.K., the Ivey community here played a huge role in making the transition easier. Through our shared experiences and connections, having a familiar support system in a new city reminded me just how strong and welcoming the Ivey network truly is, no matter which London you're in!
