2021 MEM Insider

LETTER from the

Editor

Dear readers, When last year’s edition of the MEM Insider was issued, virtual meetings and public mask-wearing were new and awkward experiences. By the time of this year’s publication, they have become routine ways of life. The writers of this year’s MEM Insider reflect, above all else, upon the extraordinary ability of the School of MEM to adapt to an unprecedented time in its history. ‘While everything has changed,’ they seem to observe, ‘nothing has really changed.’ Professors have strived to make learning as fair as possible for their students, but this has always been their practice. Workshops and internships have had to be held online, but students attended them and benefited immeasurably from these opportunities. This year’s writers have even pointed out the ways in which change has worked to their advantage: In the words of contributor Christopher Quadros, “we are all learning a skill other students have not had the chance to learn— how to work from anywhere, at any time, independently, while using our resources.”

I would like to thank the School of MEM for honouring me with the invitation to return as editor of the MEM Insider this year. Working with its talented, optimistic writers has been a personal pleasure as well as an inspiration.

Sincerely, Josephine Bondi ’21 (Certificate in the Teaching and Practice of Writing)

DEPARTMENT CHAIR REPORT

By Dr. Grigori Erenburg, Associate Professor and Director of the School of MEM

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t has been an extraordinary year for all of us, students, staff, and faculty members.

Having spent the entire year in the online environment, we all had to embrace a very different approach to learning, with its benefits and drawbacks. This new experience will, no doubt, enrich and extend our teaching methods, formats, and techniques once we are all back to campus.

While the online experience has been educational, we look forward to going back on campus as soon as it is safe. Whatever the new levels of public health restrictions may be, we have plans in place to provide as full an experience as possible to our students in the 2021-2022 year. We cannot wait to meet all our students in person and enjoy our beautiful campus again.

I would like to commend everyone in our community for great engagement, despite the communication challenges imposed by the online format. Most of our usual events and activities carried on virtually throughout the past year. Our student clubs (Accounting Club, King’s EconoMath Society, BMOS Association, and King’s Capital Markets investment club) have met regularly and held various events throughout the year. Under the coordination of our School Administrator, Estelle Van Winckle, and Program Manager, Lydia Li, the School of MEM maintained multiple career-related events. Our professors served as experts in various media outlets: Dr. Vincent Geloso’s in the National Post’s “When Acadians and Mik’Maq Coexisted in a state of Peaceful Anarchy”, and Jordin Kotick’s Global News

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Radio interview “Markets Rebounding after taking a hit due to the coronavirus pandemic” to name just two. I continue to be amazed by the connection with our alumni, who are involved with the School of MEM and King’s even after they leave their “alma mater.” This year was no exception as you will see in the KEMS Club feature. Our clubs were busy helping their fellow students prepare for a career and stay connected. You can read more in “Challenges and Opportunities in a New Era”.

MEM and its alumni didn’t disappoint with our March Career Readiness series featuring alumni discussing different aspects of the world after university.

The School of MEM is poised for continued development in the upcoming academic year, and we have plans to further strengthen our curricula and academic experience for our students.

To keep my report short, I will only highlight a few select things.

The year 2021-2022 will mark the second year of our Analytics and Decision Science Minor (ADS) program. While all foundational courses were already introduced last year, in the upcoming year, we will round out the module by offering the full range of ADS courses. In addition, several of our courses in MOS and Economics will be updated to include Data Analytics component in line with new requirements by the related professional institutes (CPA, CFA, CHRP, etc.).

I am happy to report that we have three

I would like to commend everyone in our community for great engagement, despite the communication challenges imposed by the online format.

amazing professors joining us in the upcoming year as new full-time faculty members.

•

Dr. Jason Dean (PhD, McGill University) will be joining our Economics group. Dr. Dean is an experienced teacher and productive academic having produced a large number of research works in the areas of Labour Economics, Housing Economics and Health Economics.

• Joining our Mathematics and Data Analytics group is Dr. Tyler Pattenden (PhD, Western University). Dr. Pattenden’s research is in theoretical biology, a field that inspires mathematical modelling methods in Economics, Finance, and other business disciplines. Dr. Pattenden is likewise interested in education research, well aligned with his other passion – teaching. With Dr. Pattenden aboard, we see many potential cross-disciplinary research opportunities ahead of us.

• Our third addition to the MEM faculty in 2021-2022 is Mr. Amanjot Singh (completing his PhD at Deakin University) who will be joining our MOS (Finance) group. Mr. Singh’s research focuses on Corporate Finance, Shareholder Activism, Corporate Governance, Financial Accounting, Environmental, Social & Governance, and Empirical Asset Pricing. With another full-time Finance professor among our faculty, we continue to strengthen and enhance our Finance curriculum throughout MOS and Econ programs.

The School of MEM continues to pursue fruitful partnerships with educational institutions overseas. This year, we have signed an exchange agreement with Yeditepe University, located in Istanbul, Turkey. This adds to an array of international partner schools offering a broad global experience to our students, both in terms of international exchange opportunities and student diversity on the King’s campus.

The School of MEM and King’s continue our commitment to high quality university education within the community of a small liberal arts college. We believe that the challenges of the past year made us stronger, more resilient, more innovative. We are looking forward to the new 2021-2022 year!

Sincerely, Grigori

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CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN A NEW ERA MEM CAREER READINESS SERIES: MARCH 2021

By Lydia Li Program Manager for the School of MEM

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t has been a challenging and difficult year for many of us. Under the circumstances of the past year, we adopted new methods and channels to deliver the annual MEM Career Day event. Different from the previous events of inviting guest speakers of King’s alumnus coming to campus to speak to students, this March, we scheduled four Zoom interviews with King’s graduates hosted

by MEM faculty members. We realized that it is more challenging to find a job this year. Thus, we designed the topics of these interviews to focus on perseverance, resilience, new styles of leadership during COVID-19, and the power of getting connected. We hoped to encourage, motivate and inspire students to do better and achieve more.

Episode 1

“What’s It Really Like in the Work-World?” (https://youtu.be/yXfO3NS_ILw) March 4, 2021 Interview with Dr. Trevor Hunter, Business professor at School of MEM at King’s.

Special Guest - Matt Wiseman ’17, MOS in Finance and Administration. Global Cybersecurity Marketing Leader. Honeywell.

Dr. Hunter warmly welcomed Matt to attend the Zoom meeting. During the interview, Matt recalled the four years he spent at King’s as a BMOS student, an executive member for student clubs, and as a member of the Head Soph team. Matt emphasized how the BMOS program at King’s prepared him for his career path. He mentioned that King’s smaller

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class sizes, versatile lecture delivering methods, broader view in subjects and a world view are important to students to build a vision for a “global citizen.”

Matt took Dr. Hunter’s classes when he was at King’s and, since then, they established life-long connections. When Dr. Hunter asked what advice Matt could provide to current students about building relationships with classmates and professors, Matt offered the following tips: • Building relationships is important, at work and in daily life, especially under COVID-19.

• Try to set up LinkedIn to establish and maintain professional connections.

• Have a mentor at school and at work.

A mentor does not need to be a formal arrangement, but it is important to have someone you can trust. Students can turn to mentors for opinions when they have questions or need advice.

• King’s is full of truly incredible people. Put yourself out there and you can make relationships that last a lifetime.

Matt also emphasized the importance of “keeping non-work relationships going under COVID-19. Learn about your co-workers and try to maintain social connections. This can be

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. It is okay to go at your own pace. a challenge while not being together in the office. Also, try not to put too much pressure on yourself. It is okay to go at your own pace.”

Since all courses were offered online in 20202021, Matt suggested students learn how to send out proper Zoom meeting invites and how to write meeting agendas, which he considered as “new skills” we all need to learn and develop. Matt also advised students that good time management skills, prioritization skills, and online courtesy are not only crucial for a good employee but they are also important for studying online courses.

Dr. Trevor expressed students’ concerns about finding the first job: should they be selective, but not to be too selective? Matt commented that the first job gives lots of benefits in both the financial aspect and experience-wise.

New graduates should be prepared to learn and build a broader knowledge and understanding of the organization at the first job, then, when opportunities appear, students should be ready to take on the challenge and progress.

At the end of the interview, Matt gave some further advice to students: • Be open minded and adaptive to change • Try to be positive • Surround yourself with good people • Don’t put too much pressure on yourself Episode 2 “Perseverance, Resilience, and Motivation: handling academic and professional pressure in a challenging environment” (https://youtu.be/vWb5iya16vE) March 11, 2021 Interview with Dr. Joseph Turnbull, Math professor at School of MEM at King’s.

Special Guest – Chris Campkin ’16, B.A. in Financial Economics. Senior Account Executive. Allied Technical Solutions.

It is the second time that Chris was invited to talk to King’s students. He has been featured in the MEM Insider before. Because of his unique experiences, we invited Chris to discuss qualities that may help students effectively handle pressure under COVID-19.

Dr. Turnbull was impressed with Chris’ dedication while taking his Math courses at King’s.

Dr. Turnbull invited Chris to share the lessons he learned during his time at King’s. He indicated one important factor that contributed to his academic success was to make conscious choices and have self discipline.

Chris emphasized that setting up goals is crucial; however, establishing a daily routine to help achieve those goals is also essential.

He further explained that having good study habits have positive impacts in the long run, in terms of securing a first job and performing well to meet the employer’s expectations.

Chris also urged students to reach out for help, either from professors or professionals working on campus when students are under stress and the pressures of living under COVID-19.

Dr. Turnbull noted that students are going through a tough time in their lives. He invited Chris to provide students with suggestions about studying and living during COVID-19.

Chris said that COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives. Meanwhile, “we should focus on what is in our power to control, and what we have control on making changes to,” he said, adding that students can learn to make adjustments and “find the best study habits” to succeed with online teaching and learning methods.

Along with this, Chris encouraged students to build a solid foundation at university: not only for academic excellence, but also for career development over the long term. He noted

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that students should have a drive and work hard towards their goals. “Make efforts, day in and day out,” Chris added. This will help students get through the tough times, which in return, makes them stronger, perseverant and resilient.

Episode 3 “The Power of Getting Connected” (https://youtu.be/pgnAX_bkMTc) March 18, 2021 Interview with Katrina Clarke, Alumni and Development Officer at King’s.

Special Guest – Brianna Newman ’13, BMOS Global Commerce and Social Justice and Peace Studies. Vice-President. The Minery Ltd. Brianna has been actively involved with alumni affairs at King’s. Katrina asked Brianna to share her King’s experiences with current students. Brianna said to be “open minded, and getting involved with on-campus clubs, student council, and events” is the first step to “building strong networks with peers and professors.” Brianna added studying at King’s also helped her develop “life skills: time management skills, negotiation and coordination skills.”

There is no standard manual for what's next once you graduate.

On the topic of building strong and effective networks, Brianna shared the importance of maintaining good relationships. “LinkedIn is a powerful tool to keep in touch with classmates,” she said. It is also an effective tool to “keep in contact with King’s professors, as well.” As for the benefit of keeping connected, Brianna said it is a good platform to stay up-to-date and in contact with your network. She added that professors could be a source of being a mentor. When students have questions, they can turn to professors for their opinion. It is

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extremely helpful when students “are at the early stages of their careers.”

Katrina also asked Brianna about working during the pandemic. Brianna mentioned that she sees work culture changing. More companies have become understanding and this time of COVID-19 has given a glimpse into the personal lives of employees. Companies have had to learn to be more empathic to the challenges employees are dealing with in their personal lives. Now they have to develop programs that address the biggest challenges their employees are experiencing.

Working under COVID-19 also poses challenges to leaders. “Leadership styles have had to change,” Brianna added, “to motivate employees when working off site, and have them engaged and connected.”

When asked why she became involved with Alumni at King’s, Brianna shared her experiences, with great excitement. “I wanted to keep connected with classmates and friends.

Beyond that, I wanted to further relations with other King’s alumni, to help make connections to others, and to help students make the transition from school to workplaces. There is no standard manual for what’s next once you graduate. Most importantly, is to remind students that their King’s experiences do not end (after graduation), but continue through life, after graduation.”

Brianna also shared her insights with recent graduates when looking for jobs: • Make sure the cover letter and resume are updated to meet each job application requirement; • Show interest in not only in the role, but in the company overall; • Be well prepared for an interview; • Take ownership over your career path.

Don’t expect people to open the door for you. You have to learn to ask for help and mentorship.

Brianna emphasized that networking is about

“keeping thread of communication, and keeping connected,” and it is also imperative to find a way to serve others.

Episode 4 “Navigating Finance Jobs Market: Wealth Management” (https://youtu.be/G_zkxvU8asI) March 25, 2021 Interview with Dr. Grigori Erenburg, Finance Professor at King’s.

Special Guest – Yousef Nassereddine ’17, BMOS Finance and Administration. Wealth Management Associate. ScotiaMcLeod.

Yousef worked as a teller, and from entry level to senior level of financial planner in a financial institution, starting his new role as Investment Associate in May 2021. Just like the other guest speakers mentioned, Yousef has kept close relations with King’s professors, especially with Dr. Erenburg, who teaches Finance.

Dr. Erenburg noted that, under COVID-19, it is difficult for new graduates to find a job. He challenged Yousef with a question that many students have: how do you prepare for the job market and stand out among new graduates? “It is important for recent graduates to be confident and knowledgeable,” Yousef answered. In terms of how to become more confident, Yousef added, “it is crucial to be prepared and not be afraid of making errors.” Only when students are prepared with plenty of research on the position, as well as the company, can they present themselves in great confidence during interviews. On the other hand, Yousef mentioned, “trial by error” is a learning opportunity for new employees. “To learn as you go is one channel to gain experiences,” said Yousef.

“participate in more activities hosted by Alumni at King’s,” where he could have met more King’s alumni working in different fields, and established lifelong friendships and connections.

Yousef started working as a teller when he was in his second year at King’s and has been working for the same financial institution ever since. He encouraged students to get involved earlier, either with club activities, or in the job market to “get a foot in the door.”

Another great quality for students to have to stand out is a good work ethic. Yousef encouraged students to have a strong drive and motivation with their current studies and future career which help them reach a higher goal.

When he was asked to share personal experiences about starting early in the job market, Yousef noted that studying towards professional certification is a great asset. For instance, students may “look into Canadian Securities courses (CSC offered through CSI) or their Investment Funds in Canada course (IFIC offered by IFSE)”. Yousef added, “the CSC allows you a broader range of investment products to sell for your licence, so it is better, but for anyone looking for a quick start, the IFIC allows you to sell mutual funds and is all any entry level financial advisor applicant needs to stand out when applying at banks.”

“Never be afraid of asking questions,” Yousef commented, “take ownership of your study and career. Keep in mind that it is about what you can do to get where you want to.”

With regards to how to maintain connections with King’s after graduation, Yousef echoed other speakers’ views which is “(to) begin the connections when at King’s, and keep connections after graduation.” One thing Yousef said he should have done is

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ECONOMY, KING'S, AND CRISIS: HOW COVID-19 HAS SHAPED US AND WILL STRENGTHEN US

By Stephanie Figueiredo and Andrew Medeiros

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ondon is a city that many King’s students and faculty have called home through some part of their lives. In the past year, home has looked different for all of us.

In the early months of 2020, life as we knew it was shaken. Universities and many professions adapted to remote communication; public health faced great struggles; the economy was left in major shock.

Many locally owned businesses faced a great blow. While some small businesses in London responded quickly to the pandemic and to the changing economy, others were forced to close as the financial burden became heavy.

Local businesses are the heart of this community.

When a local business closes, it has a ripple effect, consuming all stakeholders involved: loyal customers, owners, employees, and the network of businesses connected to it. Each individual person in this chain holds their own life and their own story.

Through these difficult times, it is important for the student community to come together and share the knowledge of these locally-owned businesses.

Students have the power to explore, discover and support many different businesses. Western, Huron, Brescia, Ivey, and King’s comprise 40,000 students; more than 6,000 of them come in from 128 countries.

Western alumna Nicole Haney, founder of Nicole Haney Business Coaching and business advisor at Ivey, believes that London’s student community has the power to change consumer trends. “If there

are 40,000 students, and a quarter of them are buying a product, the word is going to spread, having an enormous ability to support locals,” Haney believes. Imagine the power students from various communities, cultures, and continents have to spread the word about local businesses out to their diverse networks.

Since 1954, King’s students have contributed in many ways to the prosperity of London. Many

When a local business closes, it has a ripple effect.

King’s graduates have followed an entrepreneurial career path and felt rewarded by the meaningful and hard work it takes to create and establish a product or service. It is important to recognize their efforts, and support them. Here are a few: • Sidetrack: A Wortley Cafe is a cozy spot established by two King’s alumni, Mano Majumdar and Richie Bloomfield. A place to read, write, or wander off in your thoughts, Sidetrack has added to London’s charm. For many students, it is the perfect study spot; for others, it can be the best place to unwind.

• FiveOneNine Clothing is run by Taylor

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Norris and Tyler Wilson, two current King’s students. Their mission statement is: "To offer products our customers are proud of wearing, while raising awareness for the ongoing battle with mental health."

• London Brewing is a certified-organic, worker-owned cooperative craft brewery that focuses on quality over quantity and on bringing the community together to share a pint. King’s alumnus David Thuss '05 is a founding worker-owner who manages new membership and cooperative development. Sister businesses of London

develop value in your product or service by solving a problem for the consumer, and you are set! The question is not if you can do it, but how you want to do it. There is always a way forward.”

As an entrepreneur herself, she understands the difficulties the COVID pandemic has presented, but there is always a silver lining in the challenges; finding it is what she refers to as “true entrepreneurial spirit.” Haney offers her business coaching services to Western students seeking advice or looking to kickstart their entrepreneurship path.

To aid those interested in starting their own business, here are some fundamental resources that can assist you in the process: The City of London’s Service London Business website provides steps and resources for those planning on launching or growing their business. https://www.servicelondonbusiness.ca/ Propel is a Western University service that offers mentorship, training, events and workshops for startups and businesses at any stage. https://propel.uwo.ca/ Developing Entrepreneurial Success (provided by the London Small Business Centre) is a not-for-profit organization aimed at providing entrepreneurs with necessary training and support to start and grow a successful business. https://www.sbcentre.ca/index.php

Brewing includes On The Move Organics, Forest City Botanicals, LOLA Bees, and The Root Cellar Organic.

• The Green Window is alumna Emily Cuddy’s '14 response to two major ongoing issues in Canada: climate change and healthy eating. Her business brings “fast food that is fresh, healthy, delicious, satisfying, and convenient” to London, and it allows London to connect to its local farmers.

Haney advises young entrepreneurs to remember that “some of the greatest companies have been born out of recessions. You need to first

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To address the many issues facing London businesses, the London Economic Development Corporation, London Chamber of Commerce, and London Small Business Centre have partnered to provide resources and information to businesses, both new and old. https://london-business-covid19.com/

The MEM Insider supports the local economy by encouraging students, alumni, and faculty to support local businesses and/or to become entrepreneurs. The MEM Insider has compiled a variety of locally owned businesses, voted by students, faculty, and alumni as some of their favourite spots, into one integrative Google Map. Scan the QR code to gain access and check out this personalized list!

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GLOBAL CAREER SEMINAR IN CANADA (GCSC): A POWERFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

By Justin Arcese

partnered up with one of the three host organizations. I was very fortunate to be place in the group partnered with Ernst & Young (EY), one of the biggest accounting firms in the world. This placement aligned perfectly with my Finance and Administration program at King’s. The course consisted of two parts: the individual assignments and pre-lectures that took place in November 2020, and the six-day intensive group work that took place over the February 2021 Reading Week.

B

eing part of this year’s Global Career Seminar in Canada (GCSC) was not how I expected to spend my February Reading Week, but I’m so grateful that I did! When I received an email from Professor Jeannette Eberhard describing this 0.5 credit course opportunity, I felt like it was impossible to say no. I participated in Cross-Cultural College (CCC), a Canada-Japan collaborative program for educating world citizens and leaders. Students from Canadian universities work together with students from Japan’s Kwansei Gakuin University on real-world business cases assigned to them by companies based in Canada.

The GCSC is an amazing course that was held online this year. Participants were separated into groups which were then

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The individual assignments required each of us to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of our respective organization, as well as to create a Business Model Canvas for it. Then, we each created our own personal business plan based upon the assignment questions we were given. EY assigned the following questions to me: How do we enrich employees’ experiences in a post-COVID world, and what challenges should they expect? What are some best practices for mentoring and coaching virtually? How do we strengthen connections with people working from home because of COVID? How do we create shared memories and how do we avoid insider/outsider dynamics when some employees are working on-site, and some are working virtually?

One of the main reasons I loved the GCSC experience was that I learned a great deal not only about EY as an organization but also about the industry as a whole. From just the assignment questions alone, I quickly learned that this industry cares about more than just profits and public relations; it cares about its workers—it cares about them a lot!

Even though EY feels that it is already doing very well in the area of employee care, it sought external input into this real-world problem. Through research, I dove

deeply into the internal and external goals of EY as a company as well as into the history and background that led to its evolution into one of the ‘Big 4’ accounting firms in the world. A highly valued reputation, a diverse workforce, and a global scale are among EY’s many strengths. The financial industry is built upon a strong foundation of trust and experience. COVID-19 has been devastating, but it has also created some new opportunities for companies to pursue, such as expanding their digital services and channels. I detailed the company’s key partners, main customers, main revenue-generating activities and services, as well as its cost structure, resources, and the channels they have been using to provide services.

After the individual work, we started our six-day intensive group work period. That week was one of the fastest-paced I had ever experienced. And it was the most intensely group-oriented work I had ever participated in. Working with students from both Japan and other Canadian schools was an extremely powerful learning experience for me. I learned that my usual perception of, and attitude towards, group work could be changed for the better. Up to that point in Working with students from my university both Japan and other career, I had always felt that Canadian schools was an working independently extremely powerful learning experience for me. was just easier than working in a group. But, in the case of the GCSC project, relying on my group was essential because of the quantity of work that had to be done. I learned that every single person in my group had amazing ideas and insights to share to enhance our project as a whole. All it required was for me to take a bit more time to listen and understand the ideas of my group members.

Working with this diverse group made me realize that I need to adjust my usual fast-paced thinking, talking and texting style. By doing so, others can understand me better, and I can understand the benefits and drawbacks of my own ideas by creating space to receive 15 • MEM INSIDER • June 2021

constructive feedback. GCSC group work taught me that every bit of input and feedback on the part of each member is valuable.

Over the course of the six-day intensive group work period, everyone in our group shared their individual work with one another. Every single day, we were given an assignment, paired with a presentation, to prepare for the next day. One of these involved creating a small-scale app prototype. Our final presentation to EY was a compilation of all this work. Together, we created an even stronger analysis and business plan for EY. For the longest time I had this idea that my future career in the financial industry would consist of me sitting at a desk in an office, wearing a suit and working alone to get all my tasks done. After my GCSC experience, I realized not only that group work is beneficial but also that it is unavoidable in the world of business or in almost any field, for that matter. Now, when thinking more specifically about what kind of job I want to hold in the future, I don’t just consider what that job will entail for me. I also consider who the people around me will be and in what ways I will benefit from working with them in a group setting.

I now know that I would like to redefine my career goal into something with a focus on global teams that will ensure the best work experiences and outcomes, both for me and for the companies I will work for.

To anyone who has the opportunity to be part of the Global Career Seminar in Canada in the future, I highly recommend that you take it. Even with COVID-19, I was able to gain so much unforgettable knowledge and experience from this course and the people I worked with during the February 2021 Reading Week. https://learningabroad.utoronto.ca/experiences/ kwansei-gakuin-university-cross-cultural-college/

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GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER HANQI WANG: THE VALUE OF PASSION AND PET THERAPY

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By Shreya Sharma

o appreciate their hard work and determination, King’s University College proudly presents a Gold Medal Award to the graduate in each academic category with the highest average in the last year of their module. In 2020, Hanqi Wang was awarded the Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies Honours Gold Medal Award. He credits his achievement to his passion for Economics and Mathematics and to the amazing support he received from his professors and the entire King’s community.

Wang did not begin his undergraduate studies at King’s as an Economics major.

During his third year, he became interested in Economics and changed his degree to Accounting and Economics. When asked which one of these fields he would prefer if he had to choose, Wang says he is interested in research in the field of behavioural economics. “Behavioural economics can be seen as applying economic theories to the real business world,” he points out. “Therefore, I prefer a combination of both Economics and Business, rather than choosing one over the other.”

Currently, Wang is pursuing a Master of Arts in Economics at the University of British Columbia.

Wang has many precious memories of King’s. He was a big fan of the pet therapy days and meditation events, as occasions like these helped him to overcome the stress he experienced during exam days.

He cherishes

memories of conversations with professors, such as the time he and his fellow classmates engaged with Dr. Joseph Turnbull, talking about spies and threats in the technology world. Dr. Turnbull, of whom Wang is very fond, advised him not to turn on his phone while having a private chat and not to create easy passwords. Wang also praises Economics professor Dr. McFarlane who always demonstrated care for his students by stopping in between lectures whenever they needed a break.

Wang emphasizes the crucial role of good professors in a student’s academic life. To exemplify, he reminisces about some excellent advice he was given early in his academic career. One of his professors advised him to take a course in mathematical thinking as part of his undergraduate degree, and that course proved to be extremely valuable to his present studies which are based upon mathematical logical reasoning.

This year, Wang is studying virtually, and he has mixed feelings about the Zoom learning experience. “If the lectures are recorded,” he reasons, “students get the flexibility to pause whenever they feel tired or cannot seem to understand something. But virtual learning will only be a blessing if a student is good at time management.” Wang prefers live classes over online classes, as it is quite hard to socialize and make friends in online lectures. He believes that having a good social circle is vital to one’s academic and emotional wellbeing.

Wang’s advice to students applying for graduate school this year is to research the courses required for the desired program and talk to professors or to alumni who are already in it.

“Your program should be something you really like. That is because completing a master’s degree is extremely challenging, and the only way to accomplish that challenge is to be passionate about what you’re studying.”

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MY KING’S JOURNEY: A GRADUATING STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

By Christopher Quadros

H

ello, my name is Christopher Quadros, and I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying Finance and Human Resources at King’s University College. I want to reflect upon my King’s journey, from first year all the way up to senior year. What a journey it has been!

As a local Londoner, my goal was to study here to be close to my family. I had participated in various on-campus tours at Western, Huron and King’s. After attending two King’s campus tours, I realized for myself the value of a smaller campus, and I applied to the BMOS program. I was accepted! Fast forwarding into Frosh Week, I met many students from the London and Toronto region and others from around the world. This experience left an impression on me that I carry to this day: King’s gives you the chance to connect with so many individuals because of its smaller environment. The world is truly at your fingertips!

At the beginning of my first year, I was nervous about classes, making friends, and expanding my network, but that feeling quickly diminished as I started seeing familiar faces in almost all of my classes. We all follow the same general approach in our first year, giving us the chance to meet students who are on a similar journey. We are all trying to meet others and leave our mark on this campus before we graduate. Yes, first year came with its challenges, from four-hour case exams to group presentations and reports, but it also came with students looking to help one another after class and to collaborate during study sessions. And professors were always willing to lend a helping hand. A balance between working independently and collaborating on projects, assignments

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and homework is an approach that King’s has fostered throughout my academic career.

Transitioning into my second year, I really began to focus on campus involvement. I was inspired to do so by senior year students Daniel Khayat and Eugenia He who, until this very day, I consider to be my mentors.

They encouraged many younger students to branch out and try new things at King’s. They introduced me to King’s Economics-Mathematics Society (KEMS), the biggest business club on campus. This club focused on developing students’ professionalism in the corporate space by introducing career fairs, speakers’ conventions and countless student workshops.

Initially, I took a general executive role, but ended up leading Marketing and Events throughout my second, and for part of my third, year. Little did I know that this club would become such a big part of my university experience; I am extremely grateful for it.

Through fully immersing myself in university culture, I discovered the MOS Industry Internship Program (IIP). As interns, students spend 8-16 months working in industry between their third and fourth years of their BMOS degree. After going through countless applications, interviews and rejections, I finally received an opportunity to work in London for Grant Thornton LLP as an Assurance Intern for 8 months. This internship required me to spend my fourth year at King’s away from full-time studies to gain valuable industry experience.

On top of that, I had the opportunity to lead KEMS as President. In this role, I continued the tradition of former Presidents by introducing a few networking events and a LinkedIn workshop. I also represented the BMOS

King’s gives you the chance to connect with so many individuals because of its smaller environment. The world is truly at your fingertips!

program as an Ambassador for King’s University College Students’ Council. Being part of these organizations for those eight months introduced me to a whole different world within a corporate space and allowed me to connect with professionals from London and the Greater Toronto Area. One thing I learned from those experiences is the importance of following your passion regardless of the noise around you. You need to disconnect from the end goal and enjoy the process, because you may find things along the way that you never knew you were good at.

As my internship and other positions came to an end in 2020, little did I know how much all our lives would change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning to full-time studies meant adapting to Zoom lectures and an overall online learning environment.

Admittedly, I was extremely worried, as this was something completely new for both students and faculty. However, as the academic year began, I appreciated how professors revamped their classes, made course loads and evaluations more flexible, and introduced an open communication channel via email with their students. Our campus found a way to ensure students had the appropriate resources to complete tasks from their own homes.

I can reassure students entering their first year at King’s University College with worry and concern that your professors are here to guide you every step of the way and will always encourage you to reach out if needed. We are all going through a historical moment with this pandemic, but remember that we are all learning a skill other students have not had the chance to learn—how to work from anywhere, at any time, independently, while using our resources.

By reflecting on my King’s journey, I do not mean to boast. I mean to showcase what each and every student reading this article can do.

King’s has provided me with endless opportunities, and it all came to fruition after I took that first step. Now, as I approach the final few months of my undergraduate studies, I am again both nervous and excited for the new, upcoming chapter in my life. King’s is truly ‘a place to become,’ and I encourage everyone to use the resources it has to offer to discover their true selves.

Thank you to each and every person who has been part of my King’s journey!

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HOW TO ADAPT TO ACADEMIC WRITING EXPECTATIONS: A CHALLENGE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

By Dongrui Chen

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nternational students may have mastered two or more languages, but many of them are puzzled by the problem of how to adapt to foreign academic writing when they go abroad to study. A student’s identity influences their writing. A writer’s personal identity affects their thoughts, and their cultural identity affects the structure of their papers.

Personal identities affect writers’ thoughts.

There are no two people in the world who have the exact same idea, because their experiences are totally different. Writers with different personal identities have different thoughts and unique ways of developing their topics.

It is difficult for people to change habits, such as changing from their original cultural writing expectations to new ones.

Writers’ cultural identities, based upon the history of writing in the countries they come from, influence the structure of their academic papers. Different languages have different references of well-done academic writing.

Chinese writers often develop their topic step by step, from the surface to the core.

This writing style, according to Fan Shen of Marqette University, can be attributed to the model of Confucius.

It is difficult for people to change habits, such as changing from their original cultural

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writing expectations to new ones. There are two different ways international students can more easily adapt to a new academic culture.

Firstly, they should determine the similarities and differences between the expectations of their home cultures and those of their host cultures and make connections. By understanding both cultures, these writers will grasp the core point of a new academic culture easily. Then they will change their writing style to adapt to the new expectations and become a writer who meets local expectations.

Another solution for international students is to get more writing feedback through an evaluation of their articles by local scholars.

Since a local writer has a better understanding of local academic expectations, they can find the aspects of an article that do not satisfy the local expectations and give recommendations. Getting this feedback will help international students adapt their writing styles to the new expectations.

The responsibility of a writing teacher is to guide international students to understand the new academic culture and make sure these writers are familiar with the new expectations, but I do not think the instructors need to modify all of their expectations. For example, it is not necessary for instructors to change expectations about paper format.

These expectations have developed over a long time and are consistent with the host culture’s general perception of academic writing. Instructors cannot change these

expectations to meet another culture’s expectations. If students chose to study in a particular academic culture, they must obey the rules and learn the expectations there.

International students can learn these rules and expectations.

However, they may not be able to meet the expectations of their instructors from the beginning. They should be given time to become familiar with them. Their ability will improve with experience.

While I think the writing teachers and instructors of first-year students should change their expectations a little and guide students to a clearer understanding of the local academic culture, instructors of second-year students and higher should not modify their expectations.

International writers should realize that both personal and cultural factors affect academic writing, and should make connections between the two different sets of expectations. They can improve their English academic writing by taking advice from both instructors and peers who guide students to adjust to new expectations.

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LEARNING ONLINE AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT: IT’S COMPLICATED!

By Shreya Sharma

Being around family and friends has made the difficulties and fears imposed by the pandemic more bearable.

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he impacts of the global pandemic have been easy for no one, but they have been especially difficult for international students. Being thousands of miles away from family and friends has made it scarier for them. King’s University College, along with other academic institutions, switched to digital learning in March 2020. The move to online learning has given international students two options: They can continue to study locally or move back to their home countries for the time being and attend classes from there. I studied at King’s while living in London, ON, for the first term of this academic year and in my home country, India, for the second. Because I know both sides of the story, I feel obligated to raise the awareness of all students about the realities of online learning for international students.

The biggest plight associated with attending Zoom lectures held in Canada from home countries is the time difference. Students need to attend meetings as late as 2 a.m. in the middle of the night or as early as 5 a.m. These ill-suitable times conflict with their sleeping schedules, ultimately affecting their performances in class. Moreover, the time difference makes it hard for international students to contribute actively to class discussions. To exemplify, most students working from their home countries are living with their families, and not having their own

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spaces can be an issue. If the class happens during the nighttime, and if students also share their spaces with siblings, they may find it difficult to turn on their videos and unmute themselves. This leads to low class participation marks for them and less interactive learning for the whole class. The time difference can also hamper the organizing of group projects by making it hard for groups to find a time that is convenient for all members to meet to work together. It often leads to the neglection of international students’ preferences or, even worse, the occurrence of meetings without their presence. Consequently, they prefer pursuing assignments independently rather than collaborating on them with other students.

Despite the comfort of instant messaging and video calls, living in another country can make international students feel less connected with their Canadian peers. Because they are mostly exhausted from accommodating to the times for class lectures and group meetings, international students are left with little to zero enthusiasm to attend online social events. For this reason, they are not often seen participating actively in the extra-curricular events hosted virtually by social clubs at King’s, such as trivia nights and paint nights. This is unfortunate, as social occasions like these can act as a refreshing break from everyday academic life and give students the opportunity to network and make new friends.

Despite the various drawbacks, online learning has benefited international students in some ways. A lot of students fear the decision to study abroad, as it means living away from the comfort of home and culture. Online learning has given them the option of remaining at home while earning a degree from a prestigious Canadian university. For these students, being around family and friends has made the difficulties and fears imposed by the pandemic more bearable. As well, these students have been granted something which formerly seemed like a wild dream—the ability to start their college journey free from panic about living expenses and about being on their own for an extensive period.

King’s teaching staff has been trying hard to accommodate the needs of international students. To illustrate, professors have been grouping students in similar time zones together for collaborative projects to ease communication.

Moreover, some professors give a time frame within which to complete an exam instead of assigning it to a specific time; this ensures that international students can focus on their preparation rather than worry about how they will attempt the exam at an unsuitable time.

Some professors are even beginning to post pre-recorded lecture videos rather than live lecture meetings to let students manage time on their own.

As a final thought, it is apparent that both students and professors are doing their best to meet the academic expectations set up by King’s University College. The conditions of this academic year were something no one had ever experienced before, but the King’s community worked hard, as it will always do, to make our college shine.

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Life After King’s Mentor Program: Building Mentorships and Friendships

By Stephanie Figueiredo

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ing’s University College network is composed of not just faculty and students but also thousands of alumni with successful professional careers.

All members are intertwined, and being part of this network enables them to help one another. Life After King’s Mentor Program acts as a bridge which connects established King’s alumni with students presently studying at King’s. It connects mentors with mentees.

Mentorship is an engaging and meaningful way for alumni to give back to King’s, and to help students in a way that they might have been helped at the start of their careers.

The Mentor Program is organized by King’s Career Services. Katrina Clarke, Alumni and Development Officer, personally helps students make these invaluable connections. Clarke describes the mutually beneficial relationship between mentor and mentee: “Mentorship is an engaging and meaningful way for alumni to give back to King’s, and to help students in a way that they might have been helped at the start of their careers. And all it costs them is a bit of time. Alumni can give students and recent grads an inside look at their industries and identify opportunities.” Alumni enroll in the Mentor Program by applying to be considered as mentors. They are added to a list curated

by Alumni and Development. After extensive research, ideal matches are made between alumni and students.

I was first made aware of the Mentor Program after I approached my professor, Jeannette Eberhard, and asked her how to gain understanding about the business consulting industry. From there, I was connected to 24 • MEM INSIDER • June 2021

Katrina Clarke who made the process easy and stress-free. I expressed my curiosity about the industry and communicated back and forth about my interests.

After a couple of short weeks, I was connected with my mentor, Jennifer Lomax.

Jennifer is a graduate of both King’s and Ivey and founder of boutique consulting firm Lomax & Co. Since then, Jennifer and I have spoken countless times through email and had multiple phone calls that have bettered me as a student.

She has calmed many of my post-graduation concerns, and has helped me find answers to my questions, both personal and professional, regarding the business consulting industry.

Her continuous advice, encouragement, and support has increased my awareness of opportunities in my network and my confidence in my capabilities. Jennifer and I share passions for problem solving, marketing, travelling, and lateral thinking. She has taken time out of her day to review my resume, connect me with colleagues for prospective internship opportunities, and conduct an online training through King’s Economics-Mathematics Society.

Now, standing here with two more years until graduation, I have a clearer sense of direction and of establishing my goals thanks to Life After King’s Mentor Program. My experience with this program has been invaluable. I have encouraged my friends to apply, and now I encourage readers to make this connection for the benefit of their futures.

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES (BMOS) ASSOCIATION: LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED

By Amisha Nunes

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MOS Association is designed to provide academic support to BMOS students. It builds a network which facilitates students’ access to resources and workshops. BMOS Club works closely with the School of MEM faculty, business professionals in the community, and other clubs at King’s to provide students with exceptional events to enhance their academic experience and to aid them in their future professional careers.

We aim to bring awareness of various opportunities that are available on and off campus for students to have a chance to build their resume.

Because the 2020-2021 academic year was anomalous, events were held virtually. BMOS Association organized a bundle of events which included a workshop given by a local Human Resources professional from the Davis Martindale accounting firm, a marketing information session for BUS 1220 students, and an Ivey HBA information session.

Shehnaz Sarkar, president of BMOS Association, expresses its main goal: “We aim to bring awareness of various opportunities that are available on and off campus for students to have a chance to build their resume.” To this end, BMOS Association partnered up with King’s Economics-Mathematics Society (KEMS) to conduct an Interview Skills Clinic which helped its members to prepare for life after graduation. Along with the customary academic events, BMOS Association, in 26 • MEM INSIDER • June 2021

collaboration with KEMS, organized a Movember fundraiser in an effort to give back to the community.

Going into the heart of the second semester, BMOS Association planned exciting events. Members of the executive team held consultations for BUS 2257 students to provide them with advice on the best ways to approach the course’s Feasibility Project. Following that, BMOS Association organized a workshop on how to create engaging PowerPoint presentations, an event which was highly applauded by participating students.

BMOS Association not only conducted events for current students but also catered especially to the graduating class of 2021. It partnered with Fanshawe College to educate students about post-graduation degree options and with Ivey Business School to inform students about MSc programs.

King’s BMOS Club has left no stone unturned in its ongoing efforts to help students transition smoothly to a virtual model of learning and living.

Be sure to follow its social media platforms for events updates.

Email: kings.bmos@kucsc.com https://kingsbmos.wixsite.com/website-1 Facebook: King’s BMOS Association Instagram: kingsbmosclub

KING’S CAPITAL MANAGEMENT CLUB (KCM)

By Amisha Nunes

Because KCM manages real money, the club members and analysts perform extensive research and analyses to assess all the risks associated with a potential investment.

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ing's Capital Management Club (KCM), formerly known as King’s Investment Club, prides itself on being Ontario's first student-run investing club. KCM consists of an executive management team and a team of analysts and portfolio managers who work concomitantly to find and discuss relevant investment opportunities for the KCM fund. This club is for students who are interested in learning about the capital markets and for analysts who want to obtain first-hand experience with the investment of funds. KCM’s goal is to yield a high return on the investment fund.

Since its inception, KCM has managed a fund of $10,000. Members perform a thorough examination of the market and strive to invest the funds in companies or sectors that operate sustainably, in alignment with the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment criteria. Because KCM manages real money, the club members and analysts perform extensive research and analyses to assess all the risks associated with a potential investment. This research is then presented as a formal pitch to the team for its approval.

KCM hosts weekly educational meetings to

guide members and encourage them in their academics. Additionally, it hosts various special events. This year, members participated in two “Basics of Capital Market” sessions. KCM also organized a three-part Excel Academy, conducted by Professor Josephine Gemson, which provided the students who completed it with certification. In addition, a mock interview event was held for graduating students or students who will be seeking employment shortly. This event provided students with relevant information about professional interviews and prepared them to face any interview question. It provided them with information on how to market themselves successfully in front of a prospective employer.

The events were conducted virtually, but all of them were successful thanks to the indefatigable efforts of KCM Club members.

Be sure to follow King's Capital Management Club’s social media platforms for events updates.

Email: kcm@kucsc.com Instagram: @kingscapitaluwo Facebook: King’s Capital Management Club 27 • MEM INSIDER • June 2021

KING’S ORGANIZATIONAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES GROUP

By Amisha Nunes

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ing’s Organizational and Human Resources (OHR) Group, a new initiative this year, demonstrates the commitment of King’s faculty and students to providing as many opportunities as possible for academic and professional enhancement.

the world. He talked to King’s students about the relevance of Human Resources to the field of Veterinary Medicine. Ardeline has more than 10 years of management experience in the veterinary field. She described the key role that communication between colleagues plays in any successful business.

The OHR Group provides a platform to The amazing team behind King’s OHR Group support the learning of business students, consists of student executives Kennedy Rock, especially those specializing in Organizational Julia Hunter, and Jared Armstrong. Professor and Human Resources, but it welcomes the Jeannette Eberhard has been instrumental in participation of anygetting the OHR one who is interested.

Group off the The OHR Group offers ground, and many Accessing networking opportunities and comprehensive inforother faculty members learning tips about how to succeed in the have been working mation about the vast number of career opjob market are invaluable to students of behind the scenes. portunities in the field every discipline. of HR, and it introducEveryone is welcome es various professionto join King’s OHR als working within it.

Group. With its clear goal, enthusiastic members and promising The OHR Group’s first-ever Professional Caevent lineup, getting involved with the OHR reer Talk was held in January 2021 and feaGroup will benefit any King’s student. Accessing tured King’s BMOS graduate Shreya Raj, networking opportunities and learning tips presently working as a University Relations about how to succeed in the job market are Recruiter at Ericsson. Raj talked about the invaluable to students of every discipline.

Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation, salaries, interview For all the updates on King’s OHR Group’s techniques, and resources available to upcoming events, be sure to follow its social prospective HR professionals. In February media platforms.

2021, the OHR Group’s guest speakers were Mike Pownall and Katie Ardeline. Pownell, a Facebook: @King’s OHR Team veterinarian and the co-owner of McKee-Pownall Instagram: @kingshrgroup Equine Services, offers business management and education to veterinarians throughout

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KING’S ECONOMICS-MATHEMATICS SOCIETY (KEMS): FROM THEIR SCREEN TO YOURS

By Stephanie Figueiredo

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he 2020-2021 academic year brought much uncertainty about the success of clubs and events around King’s campus. Could clubs

I was awed to see students unite through a virtual network despite the conditions.

thrive in the face of lockdowns and social distancing? As the Vice President of Human Resources and the Communications Liaison for KEMS, I was awed to see students unite through a virtual network despite the conditions.

KEMS’s first event of the semester was held in October 2020, in collaboration with King’s BMOS Association. Sue Marsh, Director of Human Resources at Davis Martindale, conducted a Zoom Interview Skills Workshop. A few weeks later, Cindy Zarnett, Virtual HR Expert and founder of Squaredots, conducted a Zoom LinkedIn Workshop. KEMS’s goal in organizing these workshops was to support students in acquiring a new skill set for virtual networking and professional communication.

In November 2020, KEMS and King’s BMOS Association collaborated once again.

Together they participated in the Movember social media fundraiser for men’s health. KEMS’s first annual Networking November was hosted asynchronously and featured Diane Nash, Wealth Advisor at

National Bank; Liwordson Vijayabalan, CEO of Tmrw Inc; and Dan Towers, Digital Director of Arcane. This event provided personalized industry information and was accessible to students around the globe. The professionals invited participating students to connect further with any questions they might have.

After the long winter break, KEMS brought in a fun trivia night for members during Clubs Week. Following this event, an internship panel was held by King’s University’s fourth year students who had themselves taken part in internships. Here, interested students gained valuable insights into the benefits of internships and learned how to apply for the MOS program’s Industry Internship Program (IIP).

In March 2021, KEMS ended the academic year with another excellent skill-building workshop. King’s and Ivey alumna Jennifer Lomax, founder of Lomax & Co. Consulting, gave advice on how to write effective resumes and cover letters.

Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, KEMS was dedicated to creating a smooth virtual transition for the student experience.

From their screen to yours, there is strength in staying connected. Be sure to follow KEMS’s social media platforms for events updates.

Email: kems@kucsc.com Instagram: @kemsclub

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PROFESSOR JORDAN KOTICK, FROM WALL STREET TO EPWORTH AVENUE

By Stephanie Figueiredo

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here’s a new wolf at Western, straight from Wall Street. He doesn't bite, but he does have a few tricks up his sleeve.

Jordan Kotick had the top tier position of Managing Director for JPMorgan Chase, Barclays, and RBC Capital Markets in the heart of New York City. Before that, he was as a Government Bond Trader, a Global Macroeconomist, and Head of Cross Asset Strategy at CIBC World Markets. Kotick was also President of the Board of Directors in New York that successfully petitioned to change the definition of a Wall Street Analyst with the New York Stock Exchange and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. From 2007-2012, he hosted his own international show on CNBC, Kotick:Tick by Tick, a platform through which he covered the 2008 economic recession, front and centre.

Now, Kotick’s next chapter in life is right here in the heart of London, ON. His newest big-time contract is not on Wall Street but on Epworth Avenue at King’s University College. His new clients, as he likes to say, are his students. In 2019, Dr. Erenburg and Dr. Ibbott first asked Kotick to guest lecture, then to teach a single course, and now he is a part-time professor in the Economics and Finance stream of the School of MEM. During the 2020-2021 academic year, Kotick taught ECON2300: Financial Markets and Economics. His teaching strategy, inspired by his personal experiences, ultimately encourages students to establish their own perspectives: “Listen, learn, and then, most importantly, take your own view.” He asks his students to work hard, but he expects himself to work harder.

Kotick’s teaching philosophy is guided by three pillars. The first one is based upon a saying by Confucius, one of his favourite philosophers: ‘Tell me and I will forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.’ In his classroom,

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he uses active discussions to stimulate new thought processes. The second pillar is the importance of thinking independently, always distinguishing between necessary and sufficient conditions. Kotick constantly reminds students that while it is necessary to understand textbooks, it is not sufficient. The third pillar is founded upon his belief that the real world is the best textbook. Based upon his understanding that the world outside the classroom is where most students hope to work, Kotick pulls current news into every class.

Tying the real world into the classroom in real time, Kotick taught a special topics Economics course on COVID-19 at King’s last summer. “COVID is happening; what value are we bringing if we don't talk about one of the most dramatic and important things that has occurred in the last 100 years?” The crisis presents students with an opportunity to practice critical and abstract reasoning, a key skill set: “Since COVID touches every aspect of our lives, in every part of the world, it is a rare opportunity to understand economics and finance on both a microscopic and a telescopic level,” says Kotick. Having been on the front lines of economic booms and busts, Kotick thinks back to the economic crash of 2008, just over a decade ago; he observes that there are usually empirical regularities in the economic and financial data that lead to a crisis. COVID has played out in a similar way so far, though COVID has been more extreme, and future crises are likely to do the same.“History repeats itself because we paid such little attention to it the first time,” he observes.

Kotick has never, and will never, set limits on personal success. He believes that where you started is not necessarily where you will end because “life happens” in the meantime. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Intellectual History at the University of Toronto before taking a pause to join a circus in the Caribbean. After two years of performing the acrobatic arts of the flying trapeze, Kotick readily completed his Master of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Windsor. He was about to embark on his PhD, but ended up in the world of economics and finance instead. He has lectured in over 35 countries throughout his lifetime, most recently as an Economist in Zurich, Switzerland for the Swiss Finance Summit.

No individual will live a life parallel to another, but Kotick advocates sharing his experiences. His advice has universal meaning, as his background is diverse. As a final takeaway, Kotick offers four things from his academic work that have been particularly helpful to his success: critical thinking, abstract reasoning, logic, and the theory of argumentation.

Kotick believes students should choose King’s for three reasons: Its class sizes are advantageously small, its professors are strong teachers, and it is a caring institution. These qualities in King’s have attracted him as well. His global experience has helped him recognize the importance of creating strong international bridges. He believes a global focus provides a great trajectory for King’s future.

At the end of his courses, he likes to leave his students with some advice for their future from his favorite thinker, Thomas Huxley, “Learn something about everything and everything about something.” And, he adds, “Don’t forget to smile along the way.”

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PROFESSOR JOHN SIAMBONOPOULOUS, “WORRY IS A WASTE OF TIME.” Interview By Christopher Quadros

1. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, how has teaching changed for you in terms of studentteacher relationships, projects and exams?

I always look to make things as fair as possible for all my students; this year, I have done this by running an asynchronous learning approach, allowing students to view my pre-recorded lectures anytime, anywhere. In order to have a fair year for my students, I have tried introducing more consistent evaluations, such as weekly quizzes, that take the weight off the midterm exams. Also, I have encouraged my students to ask questions via email as much as possible. It is important to me that my students know I am always there for them.

This year has come with challenges for both professors and students. It has required both parties to adapt to teaching and understanding new materials from their own homes. However, we should all remember that this is not forever.

Moving forward, we are all hopeful for an in-person campus as soon as possible.

2. What is your definition of success?

Happiness should be the goal for everyone. Be who you truly are; it will take the least amount of effort. It gets easy to start comparing yourself to others, but you have to realize that everyone is different. It is important to find what you truly appreciate in life. Make sure that you are finding things that you deem important because, at the

end of the day, it’s your life and your career.

3. If there was one thing you could tell your past self, what would it be?

“Do not worry about what other people think.”

In high school, I was a shy kid who did worry about others’ opinions more than I should have.

So, in university, I promised myself that I would be who I truly wanted to be, deep down. I wanted to get myself out there and build relationships.

As soon as I got to university, I started exploring, and I found a few things I had a passion for. I started doing stand-up comedy, playing musical instruments, participating in plays and being involved in student-run organizations.

Worry just holds us all back, so I advise every student to take initiative and try new things.

Do not hold back, because regret is the worst feeling in the world.

4. What made you realize the important of connecting and maintaining personal relationships?

University made me realize how important it is to build valuable relationships. In school, you will often be tasked to work in teams, so you should aim to be the best team member you can be. This attitude will help build personal relationships with your peers and can, in turn, lead to long-lasting friendships both personally

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and professionally after graduation.

5. What strategy did you use to be successful during your undergraduate studies?

During my undergraduate studies, I really tried to follow the philosophy of not waiting for the ‘right’ moment. There is no right moment; do not wait; dive in! Yes, certain tasks are difficult, but the ability to participate in new activities has become easier because of technology, so take advantage of this resource.

6. What are your thoughts on professional designations such as the CPA, MBA, CFA, and CHRP? Should students pursue these designations right after university? Or should students take some time to understand the work culture prior to focusing on the next step?

Being certain about pursuing a professional designation really depends upon how confident you are in the career you are looking to pursue. If you are certain about pursuing a career in Human Resources, Accounting or Finance, I suggest you obtain a CHRP, CPA, or CFA as fast as you can.

There is no benefit in waiting if you are certain about developing your career in those respective fields.

For students looking to pursue an MBA, remember that it usually requires work experience, so it’s important to get yourself out there prior to choosing a master’s program to see what the right fit for you is. An MBA is very specialized. It comes in different ‘flavours,’ so take the time to see what category you may fall under.

7. What should students keep in mind when working towards any personal or professional goal?

Keep in mind that education will not stop once you have graduated. So, it is important to be open minded about new experiences. Take the time to put yourself in positions you have never thought of before, as these positions will help you learn the most. Always look to improve yourself, as you will never stop learning.

8. Do you have any advice about written materials students interested in working in business should read?

With technology innovating at an exponential rate, take the time to investigate the latest trends in the business world. Thanks to the convenience of the internet, it is easy for students to stay up to date with what is happening around the world by checking resources such as Bloomberg, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review.

Above all, take advantage of all the opportunities the School of MEM provides for its students by joining the student clubs and by offering to work on volunteer boards and to assist professors in research.

9. Any final words for the students?

I want to make sure students realize that they will never be alone during their time as an undergraduate student at King’s School of MEM. I love all of my students, and I am looking forward to meeting more over the coming years. Please feel free to reach out, and remember: Don’t live and regret; worry is a waste of time.

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THE INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (IIP): A 3M INTERN’S PERSPECTIVE

By Carter Spence

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y name is Carter Spence, and I am a fourth-year Business Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) student at King’s University College at Western. In my third year, I came across the Industry Internship Program (IIP), which intrigued me enough to attend Western University’s mandatory information session; in attending, I realized that the IIP was right for me, and I enrolled in the program.

Throughout the application process, I received highly valuable assistance with resume and cover letter writing. Shortly after applying to 3M Canada, one of the companies I aspired to work for, I was offered an interview there.

Wanting to gain a competitive edge over the other candidates, I asked past and current professors and employers to write me letters of reference. I created a detailed portfolio of my past and present projects that would be relevant to the requirements of the internship position. I spent hours researching 3M, so I was fully prepared to ace the interview.

Everything happened rather quickly; the formal offer of employment was sent via 3M’s Human Resources department, and I was given 48 hours to decide. Shortly after receiving the offer, I accepted it. I was ecstatic to be working for a powerhouse like 3M that creates over 55,000 products which consumers interact with every day. After completing a detailed character scan and police background check,

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I was asked to sign contracts determining my obligations and commitment to the company. I was then ready to join the Stationery and Office Supplies Division as a Marketing Intern, working directly with the Post-it® and Scotch® brands. I was excited to begin my internship journey the week following the completion of my third year of undergraduate studies.

Looking back, I remember my first day at 3M clearly. I was overwhelmed with emotions: nervous, excited, determined, and not yet fully aware of what was expected of me. Over the course of my internship, my responsibilities included reviewing communication assets and artwork design, developing the landing pages for the Post-it® Back to School and Think Loud campaigns, creating new product slides and communication assets, and taking ownership of a portfolio of 143 SKUs across eight accounts with a three-million-dollar valuation while creating six new tape SKUs. Moreover, because of the pandemic, I needed to adapt to working remotely.

The amount of knowledge and growth I received from the IIP experience is unmatched.

I can confidently say that, after being a Marketing Intern at 3M for a year, I am ready to complete my final undergraduate year, receive my degree, and jumpstart my career.

I am extremely grateful that Western provides an opportunity for its students to take a year off their studies to gain valuable experience in the real world. I have always thought that it is how you use your degree, and not the degree itself, that makes your future. At the end of the day, it is very

The amount of knowledge and growth I received from the IIP experience is unmatched.

difficult to be hired to a company without credible experience; my internship at 3M gave me that experience. The IIP can give you that experience too!

I highly recommend that all third-year BMOS students at Western and its affiliates consider enrolling in the IIP. Yes, enrollment in the IIP means taking a year off your studies and, yes, that means you will not graduate alongside your peers and fellow classmates, but you must look at the trade-off. Because of my internship at 3M, I will be graduating with a year of amazing, credible experience under my belt. The income that I earned throughout the year was an added benefit that I used to pay off all my student debt.

The way I look at it is this: For the past seventeen years, I have started a new year of education every September. Last September was different; instead of finishing my final year of Business at King’s, I was interning at 3M. Instead of being ‘class of 2020,’ I will be ‘class of 2021.’ For me, not graduating alongside my fellow classmates was bittersweet. But I made an investment in my future, a ‘trade-off,’ if you will, to graduate with a year of experience at an incredible company that could turn into a full-time job offer post-graduation rather than graduating at the same time as my peers. For me, it was a no-brainer!

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going, and if you are presented with an opportunity to better your future, take it. Your friends will still be there after your internship, after your return to school to complete your degree, and even after your graduation one year later than theirs. There is even a good chance that you will secure a fulltime job before they do, even though they graduated a year earlier.

Western and its affiliates provide an immense number of resources for you to benefit from, for you to learn from, for you to grow from; it is on you to use those benefits to your advantage.

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NATIONAL BANK FINANCIAL’S YOUNG WOMEN STUDENTS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: PAIGE ZIMMER’S EXPERIENCE Interview by Christopher Quadros

1. How did you hear about this mentorship program and how did you apply?

National Bank Financial’s Young Women Students Mentorship Program had been promoted in most of my senior-level classes.

Each professor spent time going over the benefits of this program. It’s for women students who are passionate about finance and people, and who are considering becoming Financial Advisors (FAs). I was very interested in what this program had to offer, so I applied online and received a phone interview that eventually led to my acceptance into the program.

2. Give me a general overview of your mentorship experience.

This mentorship experience consisted of weekly meetings with two experienced FAs. Each week, they would aim to teach a new lesson regarding the financial services industry. Topics included the logistics in running client portfolios, working with diverse teams, and insights regarding investment policies and strategy. Also, near the end of this program, I had the pleasure of collaborating with female students across Canada via Microsoft Teams.

Together, we analyzed world news events and drew inferences regarding the effects these may have in our everyday lives.

3. How were your sessions conducted?

Since this is a nation-wide program, my sessions were conducted virtually. I participated in weekly calls over Microsoft Teams during my fall semester. The two FAs I collaborated with each ran their own independent practice which exposed me to various methodologies regarding internal operations and client concerns.

4. What skills did you learn from this experience?

This program taught me to always remember the importance of maintaining client relationships and adapting to each scenario I am faced with. Each client is different and comes with different financial concerns. The investment philosophies I mentioned earlier were among the many techniques I was exposed to that would assist me and others interested in this industry. These tools help FAs analyze clients’ demands and concerns. FAs

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Being a participant in National Bank Financial’s Young Women Students Mentorship Program has introduced me to a sector I never thought about exploring earlier in my undergraduate career.

aim to protect clients’ finances, bridging the gap between their present and future financial situations.

5. What opportunities did you have to make connections and form networks for yourself?

The two most important connections I made during this program were with my mentors, Diane Nash and Angela Hamilton, who have inspired me and will continue to do so. In addition, all students in the program had the opportunity to network with different departments of National Bank Financial, such as IT, HR, and Financial Securities. This networking granted me and my colleagues opportunities to learn about these different departments and evaluate where we fit best.

6. Would you recommend this program to others? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this program to any woman student looking to learn more about the financial services industry, or about finance in general. Collaborating with my mentors gave me internal insights into what I need to be successful within this industry and role.

7. Has this program assisted you in finding a potential career opportunity within this industry?

Being a participant in National Bank Financial’s Young Women Students Mentorship Program has introduced me to a sector I never thought about exploring earlier in my undergraduate career. Learning about concepts related to financial analysis, client/relationship building, and various investment methodologies while working alongside Diane and Angela has not only opened a new door for me and my career post-graduation but has also encouraged me to potentially pursue my CFP designation.

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ALUMNI PROFILE: MUHAMMAD ZEESHAN, OPENING TO NEW CHALLENGES

By Stephanie Figueiredo

A

daptability creates opportunity in the most adverse situations.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic struck, Muhammad Zeeshan ’13 (BMOS Finance and Administration) had already adapted his business, The Flag Shop, to the needs of the twenty-first century. He had transformed it from a banner supplier into an innovative marketing company focusing on graphic design and the production of a variety of trade tools for events. During the early months of 2020, Zeeshan shifted gears again in preparation for the oncoming pandemic. He implemented a new project for The Flag Shop: branded 3-ply reusable cotton face masks. Quick thinking led him to be a pioneer in this field during a time of need. “As a business owner,” Zeeshan advises, “you have to be open to new challenges and be adaptable.”

So, who is Zeeshan? When he attended King’s, he was never just an average student.

His hunger to improve pushed him and his goals one step forward. Remembering that there is a new lesson to be learned in each new day, and absorbing as much as he could, Zeeshan was always a critical thinker.

He was always willing to question why the

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information is right. Today, he is a leading entrepreneur in London, Ontario, who consistently seeks innovative ways to improve his ventures.

After graduating from King’s, where he did numerous internships, Zeeshan secured a full-time position at Japan Tobacco International.

Here, he further developed his skill set in trade marketing and management. But, having learned leadership and critical thinking skills at King’s, he found the corporate culture restrictive. Because Zeeshan values the freedom to act, to pursue his goals, and to hold himself accountable, it was important for him to become his own boss. In 2019, Zeeshan left the corporate world to pursue his entrepreneurship dreams. “When I have control over my future, I can retire early if I want to; I can control the success of my companies, no ceiling. But you need to stay steady and focused, you need to stay motivated every day without burning out.”

His business ownership began with London Currency Exchange, a business which piqued his interest because he enjoys the fast-paced market of currency. Zeeshan promptly assessed the feasibility of the company and speculated that expansion was warranted due to the increasing demand for travel. But before he had the chance to open a second location at Sherwood Forest Mall, the world was struck with the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic which halted most international travel. Zeeshan re-evaluated his feasibility report and still saw potential in the market,

As a business owner you have to be open to new challenges and be adaptable.

so he proceeded with the Sherwood Forest Mall opening. Zeeshan believes entrepreneurship is about continually looking forward into the possibilities of what could be. He counsels others to “learn from failures; go back and do it better.”

King’s experiential approach to learning and was valuable to Zeeshan.

He appreciated how easy it was to access faculty and make connections. He reminisces about his time in BUS2257 and the great and daring feasibility report. “[It had] a bit of everything in terms of how to run the business: focus on marketing, operations, a broad spectrum of things.” From here, he built his entrepreneurial mindset.

Zeeshan continues to take momentous strides, but he has only just begun his entrepreneurial journey. He continues to be an engaged King’s alumnus who remains connected with faculty and peers.

Zeeshan encourages students to stay consistent and to focus on the process rather than just the destination. He offers two strategies for success: 1. Create daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Prioritize those goals and have them as your foundation.

2. Constantly re-evaluate your goals. Ask if they are too low or overshot. Make sure these goals are achievable so there will always be increasing and challenging progress.

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If you have any career or personal announcements please contact us at MEMinsider@kings.uwo.ca.

KEMS Instagram: KEMSclub Facebook: King’s EconoMath Society Email: kems@kucsc.com KIC Facebook: King’s Investment Club Email: kic@kucsc.com BMOS Association Facebook: BMOS Association at King’s Email: kings.bmos@kucsc.com

Credits Editor: Josephine Bondi Professional photography: Steve Grimes.

Layout and design by Nikki Sasso Mitchell, King's Communications.

Design assistants: Yichen Fang and Jansen Otten.

Project management: Estelle Van Winckle, School of MEM. Please note, all group photos were taken prior to the pandemic.

KAC Facebook: King's Accounting Club Email: kac@kucsc.com

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