The MEM Insider 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

School Director Report

Associate Director Report (BMOS)

Associate Director Report (Economics)

Acting Associate Director Report (ADS)

Letter from the Editor

POV: You Did It!

An Interview with Yuxin Fu: "Participate in activities that interest you"

The Good, the Bad, and the Canadian: An International Student’s Adventures at King’s University College

Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS): Minor to Major?

King's Capital Management: A Student-run Investment Fund Providing Valuable Experience and Networking Opportunities in Finance

Self-fulfilling Theory

King's in My Eyes

Beyond Rationality: Exploring the Fascinating World of Behavioural Economics

An Interview with Dr. Okila Elboeva

My Experience with EY Opportunities to Help at King's University College

“How the School of MEM Got Me to Where I Am": an Interview with a MEM Alumnus

Chat GPT: A Pro or A Con

School of MEM Announcements

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REPORT

By Dr. Jennifer Jeffrey, MBA, PhD Associate Professor and Director of the School of MEM

Welcome (Back)!

This September ushered in a welcomed return to in-person learning, with students and faculty back on campus for the first time in several years. I confess that I felt a little nervous about what to expect; we’d all spent the last few years peering at each other through a screen, doing our best to build connections and foster a sense of community at a time of unprecedented stress and uncertainty. It turns out I needn’t have worried though… much to my delight, my classes were filled with the same articulate, engaged, and hardworking students

that I’ve come to expect over my time as a professor at King’s. Students were just as eager as faculty to get back to campus and into the classrooms, and I think this year we made great strides at recapturing the sense of community that makes the School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics (MEM) so special.

We kicked off the year with a welcomeback reception for students: a joint initiative between the School of MEM, King’s University College Student Council representatives, and our key student clubs. This reception included alumni speakers and networking, academic

Student leadership is an integral part of the learning experience, and makes campus life all the richer.

awards for our students, and an opportunity for the over 100 attendees to learn about the various industries and professions available to graduates. It also set the tone for the year of “career-readiness and community” as a key focus, given the dozens of events, big and small, that followed throughout the year to help prepare students to hit the ground running after graduation. The last event of the season was also one of the biggest, as the annual career fair had nine alumni speak to students about their career paths, and a dozen graduate schools and firms set up recruiting booths targeting MEM students. For everyone who participated in a campus event this year – alumni, employers, and students – we are grateful for your support.

Speaking of support, I would be remiss not to mention that the events on campus are often done in partnership with the student clubs of MEM: the King’s EconoMath Society (KEMS), the BMOS Club, King’s Capital Management (KCM), and the Accounting Club. I want to congratulate these clubs and their student leaders for organizing and leading so many successful events this year, and to encourage returning students to continue their legacy in the 2023-24 school year. Student leadership is an integral part of the learning experience, and makes campus life all the richer.

Scholarship within the community continues

to thrive, with 24 peer-reviewed publications from the faculty this past year. Dr. Josephine Gemson, a Finance faculty member, also coauthored a book on private equity financing in infrastructure and real estate, with a forward by Harvard Business School professor Josh Lerner. Congratulations, Dr. Gemson, on this monumental accomplishment! Faculty members have been sharing their research ideas and progress through a monthly research series spearheaded by the Economics group, and participation and engagement has been truly remarkable. A collaboration between three MEM faculty members – Drs. Jingjing Xu, Renfang Tian, and Felipe Rodrigues – even led to Dr. Xu, the principal investigator, receiving a King’s Research Excellence Scholarship… congratulations, Dr. Xu!

Our own students have likewise caught the research bug, with many sharing happy news of graduate school acceptances to U of T, Columbia, UBC, and Ivey, to name a few. Faculty have been forwarding along their email messages, and I am proud to say that these always express sincere gratitude for the mentorship and guidance that our faculty has provided. Likewise, many of our graduates are off to start exciting new roles in banking, government, accounting, and a host of other industries. We wish you nothing but the best in your new roles and this new and exciting chapter of your lives.

Our School of MEM benefits from many partnerships, and I want to recognize in particular the partnerships with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (DUFE) and Chongqing Technology and Business University (CTBU). Both schools experienced milestone celebrations this year… congratulations on 70 years! We have nearly twenty students graduating from the School of MEM this year through these partnerships, and our campus has been made all the richer by their presence. And speaking of milestones, the School of MEM will be celebrating its own milestone anniversary as next year marks our fifth as a professional school. We hope to see many of our students and alumni joining us for a celebration and reception in the fall; please keep an eye on our website for details.

And finally, while we had much to celebrate this past year, the School of MEM also experienced its worst loss, with the tragic accident that claimed the lives of two of our students and injured two others. To those affected, we offer our deepest condolences for this unimaginable and heartbreaking loss. I also want to express my gratitude to those who quickly offered support to our students and families affected throughout this period, with drop-in counselling, opportunities for prayer, and the development of a student memorial fund. I was moved by the care and compassion displayed towards our MEM community.

I wish everyone a relaxing and restorative summer, and am eager for what the upcoming 2023-24 academic year has to bring. Congratulations to our graduates, many of whom I hope to personally see at the June convocation – and do keep in touch. To have succeeded despite the pandemic and its many setbacks is a remarkable accomplishment. We are expecting big things from you and know that you will do us proud! And to our returning students, please take the time to recharge. I am confident that 2023-24 will bring another busy year of learning and growing with the School of MEM.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR REPORT (BMOS)

By Dr. Jeannette Eberhard, Associate Director, BMOS Program

The fall of 2022 marked the welcome return to so many in-person experiences – orientation sessions for new students, inclass teaching, the spring career day with returning alumni, student club and career readiness events, and recruiting sessions with the chance to showcase our BMOS program to prospective students and their parents.

As I prepared for and participated in these events, I came to see the King’s BMOS program as “one degree, with many pathways.” Our program is purposely structured to ensure that all students share a common, MBA-style cohort of courses that includes mathematics, statistics, accounting, finance, marketing, operations, organizational behaviour, economics, and strategic management. Students build on this core foundation by choosing their preferred pathway or specialization – in accounting, finance, global commerce, or human resources – and the courses they need for professional designations of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA),

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP).

As Associate Director for the BMOS program, I see my role as collaborating with colleagues (MOS instructors, counsellors, and administrative staff) to support students in their chosen pathway. I’ve used the first eight months in my new role to listen to my colleagues, alumni, and students about what’s working well and what could be improved. While the listening won’t stop, I’m excited by the initiatives now underway to streamline and simplify the checklists for our BMOS programs, provide enhanced instructor support through the centralized sharing of best practices and online resources, and provide enhanced student supports through the redevelopment of our business foundation coursework.

I look forward to these and future opportunities to support students and faculty in the BMOS program.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR REPORT (ECONOMICS)

By Dr. Hui Feng, Associate Professor Associate Director (Economics)

I am excited to present the annual report for the Economics programs of the School of Management, Economics and Mathematics (MEM) at King's University College for the academic year 2022-2023. As the Associate Director of Economics, I am pleased to report that we have had a successful year in many areas, including program development and research activity.

Highlights on Program Development:

1. We have completed all preparations for de-streaming, which means that both honours and non-honours stream students will take the same intermediate economic theory courses, including Micro, Macro, and Econometrics. This change will take effect in September 2023. We anticipate

that this will allow more students to qualify for our honours and major programs in Economics. To assist students with the academic challenges of this transition, we have prepared tutorials for each course before tests and final exams. Three course coordinators have been assigned to the three intermediate economic theory courses, and we are ready to guide our students to achieve a higher level of achievement than they originally planned.

2. Trial tutorials were organized in the second semester for ECO1022 to prepare students for their midterm and final exams.

We received positive feedback from our students, which has provided us with valuable experience in organizing lab tutorials for the intermediate theory courses

in the next school year.

3. We have developed two advanced courses in financial economics, which will pave the way for setting up the honours specialization (HSP) in Financial Economics. We have also successfully added both a 2000- and 3000-level field course on the popular topic of the economy of China to our course offerings at King’s.

4. We are currently preparing additional new courses to add to our future calendar. This includes Environmental Economics, Sports Economics, Economics of Wars and more.

Highlights on Research Activity:

1. We established the Finance and Economics Research Group in September 2023. Several joint research projects among our MEM faculty are underway as a result of the monthly research meetings. Outside speakers were also invited to present at the meetings. With the help of the King’s Research office, we held two meetings about how to apply for external grants. Our junior faculty members have been very active in taking up leadership roles in the Finance and Economics Research Group monthly meetings.

2. A conference between King’s and its international partner universities has been proposed, and the committee to organize the conference has been established. Preparations have begun for this fall conference.

3. Our Economics faculty members have achieved excellent research outcomes this year. Dr. Adian McFarlane, the leading researcher, has six new journal articles to add to his research portfolio, bringing his total to 37 as of May 2023.

Other Highlights:

1. Dr. McFarlane has been tenured and promoted to Associate Professor, effective July 2023.

2. Dr. Jingjing Xu and Dr. Jafar El Armali have successfully defended their PhD theses in November 2022 and earned their doctorates.

3. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Natalia Bezmaternykh, our eighth economist, who will join us in July 2023. Her research interests are environmental economics and international trade.

In conclusion, we have made significant strides in program development, research activity, and personal accomplishments. We remain committed to providing our students with an exceptional education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers. I look forward to another successful year ahead.

LETTER from the e ditor

ACTING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR REPORT (ADS)

By Dr. Lori Murray, Acting Associate Director of Math and Analytics and Decision Science (ADS)

As I stepped into my new role as the Acting Associate Director of Math and Analytics and Decision Science (ADS) in January 2023, I was thrilled to work alongside an extraordinary administrative team. The support and camaraderie among my colleagues has been exceptional, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with them in supporting our students' academic success.

One of my key duties in this role was overseeing the School of MEM Help Centre staffed by our undergraduate students who earned a Teaching Assistant Fellowship for their outstanding academic achievements. It's truly inspiring to have worked with these dedicated students who brought their passion for management, economics, and mathematics to their roles as teaching assistants and made a positive impact on their peers' learning experiences.

In addition to overseeing the Help Centre, I was responsible for the newly developed ADS program. This program consists of

courses related to decision analysis, data visualization, statistical analysis, risk modeling, simulation, professional analytics, and an analytics consulting project. The analytics consulting project involves collaborating with a not-for-profit, educational, private, or government partner, which provides a valuable experiential learning opportunity.

I am especially looking forward to developing a new programming course (ADS 2288F), which will be offered in fall 2023 for the first time. This course will teach students how to use Python and R, two programming languages necessary in today’s world of analytics. I am excited about this course's potential to enhance students' knowledge and prepare them for future careers in analytics.

It's been a privilege to be part of an administrative team that is committed to providing the highest level of support to our students and faculty, and I look forward to continuing to support our students' academic success.

“Everything is a learning experience.” – philosopher and actor Angus T. Jones

You go to university for a “proper” education. Classes, tutorials, books, discussions, exams – that’s how it’s done, right? Actually, there are many people who say that if you think that’s the only way you’re going to learn here at King’s, or at any other educational institution, you might be doing it wrong. And that’s what the writers of this year’s MEM Insider prove to us once again.

While we have articles about self-fulfilling theory and behavioural economics, and writers talk about the educational benefits they’ve received from King’s, many of the MEM students write about their experiences outside of the classroom: networking and internships, involvement in the King’s and London community, and interactions with the people – and wildlife – around them.

So many students, so much learning. Inside and outside of the classroom, on and off campus. People who will share their lessons in their MEM community and far beyond.

One of the best things about my work as a writer and editor is the continuing opportunity for incidental learning. There’s no way to read or write about a topic without learning a little bit about it. So I thank all the writers for their work on this issue of the MEM Insider – I really enjoyed editing it. And I hope you enjoy reading it… and learning from it.

--Laurie Bursch

POV: YOU DID IT!

By Stephanie Figueiredo

Dear Future Self,

As I sit here today, reflecting on my journey as a fourth-year student at King's University College, I am filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Balancing an internship at TD as an Enterprise Data & Analytics (ED&A) Events and Communications Coordinator while pursuing an honours double major in Human Resources and Finance has been a challenging, but immensely, rewarding experience.

From day one, I knew that I wanted to make the most of my university experience. I was grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my professors – they pushed me to take advantage of the opportunities available to me and learn how to position myself to achieve my goals. Attending King's allowed me to be involved in my community, succeed academically, and still pursue my career goals while balancing my responsibilities.

At TD, I had the opportunity to work on projects where I applied my academic knowledge in real-world situations. I learned about data and analytics, and its crucial role in business decision-making. One of my most meaningful experiences was analyzing event data to identify key trends and opportunities over three major event seasons. I helped optimize future programming and contribute to the success of TD's events. I was even able to be a part of projects that were showcased

to the board of directors and senior vice presidents, an experience that I will never forget.

Additionally, I built relationships with external vendors to source high-quality products for events, improving my networking and negotiation skills. My writing improved by working on internal communications –newsletters, presentations, and speaking notes – distributed to 9,000+ colleagues. I took pride in knowing that my writing was helping to inform and engage colleagues across the organization. Finally, I was able to make a lasting impact by upgrading the intern handbook by adding over thirty pages of material, including detailed instructions to improve future learning experiences and transitions between terms. I am proud to have played a role in creating a better experience for future interns, and I am grateful for the opportunity to leave a legacy at TD.

The journey to TD was not without its challenges. I lived outside of Toronto and had to commute biweekly to the city, using the six a.m. Megabus. The early mornings and three-hour-long trips were often tiring, but I was always motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow at my internship. At the same time, my education in Human Resources at King's has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the importance of people and their impact on a company's success. I have learned about employee engagement, talent management, and the role of HR

in creating a positive workplace culture, all thanks to the guidance of my professors at King's.

In the fall term, I balanced my internship with a part-time course load and assumed the elected role of KUCSC BMOS faculty representative. As a strong advocate for building your network, I organized the MEM Social, one of the first backon-campus events in September. With an attendance over one hundred, the day was filled with laughter and wisdom from faculty, alumni, students, and club members. This role allowed me to develop my leadership and communication skills and meet many new people that I have formed longlasting connections with. I learned to manage my time effectively, prioritize my responsibilities, and constantly strive to be the best version of myself. Through it all, I have developed resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic that will serve me well in the future.

Looking forward, I am eager to further my career at TD as a Commercial Banking Associate. I am confident that my experiences and education at King's and TD have equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need to succeed in this role. I hope that this letter serves as a reminder of the incredible journey you have been on and the strength and determination you have shown in overcoming the challenges along the way.

So, here's to you, my future self. Keep pushing yourself, never give up on your dreams, and always remember the journey that brought you to where you are today. I would like to leave you with my top three tips that have helped me till now:

1. Every person you meet can be an opportunity to network and stay connected. Whether it's a classmate, a mentor, or a colleague, take the time to build relationships and keep in touch. You never know when those connections might come in handy.

2. Try to build your experience by volunteering in clubs and organizations that matter to you. This will not only help you develop new skills and make meaningful connections, but it will also allow you to give back to your community and create a positive impact.

3. Always remember your core values and align yourself with them when you work hard. Whether it's integrity, honesty, or passion, make sure that you are living and working in a way that is true to who you are. Try to take a moment to breathe and realign yourself. This will help you stay motivated and inspired, even when the road ahead seems tough.

With gratitude and admiration, Your Past Self

Whether it's integrity, honesty, or passion, make sure that you are living and working in a way that is true to who you are.

AN INTERVIEW WITH YUXIN FU: "PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT INTEREST YOU"

By Shuai (Paul) Chen

Yuxin Fu is a student who attended the 2+2 program at the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) and King’s University College for an Economics and Global Commerce major. The 2+2 model involves two years of full-time study at ECUST, followed by two years at King’s.

Q1 Why did you choose to participate in this 2+2 program?

I had always planned to study abroad and experience different teaching methods and cultures. When I was in my first year, Dr. Adian McFarlane, an Assistant Professor in the School of MEM taught an online course in macroeconomics at ECUST, which allowed me to experience the teaching methods used abroad. I was also interested in the 2+2 program because it allowed me to adapt to the academic environment overseas during my undergraduate studies, which would benefit my future studies as a graduate student.

Q2 What is unique about your experience here at King’s?

In terms of academics, what is unique about my experience at King's is the opportunity

to learn from experienced professors with diverse backgrounds, including those from the industry and government sectors. The professors here are passionate about helping students succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure we get the most out of our education. Additionally, King's has access to the entire Western University network, including Ivey's case study methodology, which combines theoretical concepts with practical applications for a more hands-on learning experience. What's also great about studying at King's is the ample opportunity to interact with teachers inside and outside the classroom. This experience allows students to engage with the material and actively participate in learning. Finally, the school offers a range of resources and training programs for students looking to continue their academic pursuits or enter the workforce, such as resume writing workshops, networking opportunities, on-campus job placements, and alumni career events.

Q3 Are there any challenges living/ studying in a foreign country for the first time?

Studying abroad on my own for the first time was a challenging experience, especially without the support and guidance of family

members. Adjusting to a new environment, culture, and lifestyle can be difficult, as well as managing time and balancing academic work with personal life. In daily life, I have to take care of myself more independently, in ways such as cooking and making new friends. Regarding academics, the overall course structure time here is shorter than ECUST's, and the content is more demanding, requiring me to adjust my mindset and balance my study and leisure time. However, King's also offers many resources and services to help international students navigate these challenges, such as orientation sessions, tutoring programs, and mental health support. Additionally, the university organizes various events and activities throughout the year to help students socialize and engage with the community, which can help alleviate feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Overall, I think international students here at King’s are quite well cared for.

Q4 Can you give some suggestions for prospective students who want to take part in the program in the future?

First, don’t be shy. Participate in activities that interest you, and I am sure that the unique learning and daily life abroad will be an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Second, be prepared and adjust your mindset, as the coursework abroad will be more challenging, but it will also help to develop your abilities to manage yourself as well as improve your resilience, which is extremely useful for new adults. Thirdly, try to communicate more with your teachers and local classmates and make future plans as early as possible. Whether you want to become a new immigrant, start a career, or continue pursuing higher studies, as long as you prepare for it well and early, your chances will be great.

Q5 What are your plans after graduation?

In the short term, I plan to continue my graduate studies in my research field, accumulate work and research experience,

and learn more programming languages to lay a foundation for future academic research and work. In the long term, I am interested in research areas such as anthropology, development economics, and emerging economies, and hope to continue studying in a PhD program in these fields.

Q6 What is your advice for students who want to pursue a graduate degree?

First, make plans early, clarify your direction after graduation, and utilize the relevant resources provided by the university to network, such as attending alumni presentations and networking events. If needed by your prospective program, take the GMAT, GRE, and other relevant exams early. Second, maintain a high GPA, as it is a crucial indicator of your academic performance. An applicant with a high GPA is already halfway to success. Third, learn the related IT skills, as current academic research generally requires proficiency in Microsoft Office, data analysis software, R packages, etc. I recommend taking Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS) related courses, which are helpful for both future work and academic pursuits. Fourth, if you are applying for academic programs, accumulate research and academic experience early in your undergraduate studies and find opportunities to participate in the publication of academic articles with your professors. If you are applying for job-oriented programs, gain work experience through internships to enrich your resume. Fifth, actively participate in the professors' office hours and get acquainted, so that recommendation letters from them can be stronger and more precise.

The professors here are passionate about helping students succeed and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure we get the most out of our education.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE CANADIAN: AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT’S ADVENTURES AT KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

By Rushikesh Chhatbar

As an international student at King's University College, I can attest to the fact that studying abroad is an adventure filled with new experiences and surprises. Two experiences that I'll never forget are being chased by a Canadian goose on my way to class and trying poutine for the first time.

When I first arrived in Canada, I had heard so much about poutine, the classic Canadian dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds. I was excited to try it and see what all the fuss was about. However, when I took my first bite, I was disappointed. The combination of flavours and textures just didn't appeal to me. I was surprised I didn't like it since everyone else seemed to love it. Nevertheless, I was glad I tried it and could cross it off my list.

Another memorable experience happened one day when I was walking to class. I noticed a Canadian goose up ahead, but I didn't think anything of it. As I got closer, the goose suddenly started chasing me! I was taken aback and didn't know what to do. I tried to walk away quickly, but the goose kept coming after me. Eventually, I managed to escape, but not without feeling a little silly.

These experiences may seem strange, but they illustrate how unique and entertaining studying abroad can be. It's an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Even if you get chased by a goose, or don't like poutine, the memories will stay with you forever.

Being an international student at King's University College has been an enriching experience. The university has a welcoming and supportive community that has helped me adjust to life in Canada. The campus is beautiful, and there are always events and activities to participate in. The professors are knowledgeable and approachable, and the coursework is challenging and stimulating.

One aspect of King's University College that has been particularly helpful for me as an international student is the School of MEM (Management, Economics, and Mathematics). The School of MEM provides academic and personal support to students, which has been invaluable in helping me keep my grades up and stay on track with my coursework. The School of MEM also offers workshops on academic writing, presentation skills, and stress management. These workshops have helped me develop my academic skills and manage the stress of university life.

Overall, I feel like coming to King's was the right decision for me. I have grown both personally and academically, and I have made lasting friendships. While trying poutine and being chased by a goose may have been unexpected, they were just a small part of the many experiences I've had at King's. I would encourage any international student considering studying abroad to take the leap and explore all that King's has to offer. Who knows, you may just have your own unforgettable experiences to share.

It's an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

ANALYTICS AND DECISION SCIENCES (ADS): MINOR TO MAJOR?

By Rijul Jain and Chen (Marlee) Zheng

Dr. Joseph Turnbull is the Associate Director, Mathematics, Analytics & Decision Sciences, and an Associate Professor in the School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics (MEM); Dr. Felipe Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor, and the Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) diploma coordinator at Western University.

What were the main reasons to introduce Analytics and Decisions Sciences (ADS) as a minor at King’s? What motivated you to do so?

Dr. Joseph Turnbull: The idea for introducing ADS was to add a quantitative curriculum

for management students in Economics and Finance. And we wanted to do that in an accessible way that didn’t require students to take calculus for the sciences, linear algebra or computer science. So we thought about different ways to do that. We took the management science approach for integrating more quantitative content. How do you teach optimization? How do you teach linear programming, those types of concepts, those types of ideas, with a first-year foundation and calculus, a first-year matrix algebra, and a first- and second-year foundation in statistics – basically, a standard foundation that almost every management and business program around the world expects students to have anyways. We built it with that in mind.

We had the absolute best team and the structure to think about, so why not create a dream program that we'll be focusing on in the future?

Dr. Felipe Rodrigues: A little bit of how it came to be: When I first started at King's, we just had an AI talk about how we saw what the market is, the university, and what the future was going to hold. And it was interesting to realize that King's was positioned in a way that is very privileged with respect to our abilities, our skills, and how we structured ourselves, perhaps unintentionally, with the School of Management, Economics and Mathematics. We're together in the same space, and that created the opportunity for us to say, “hey, with the marketing and business, and economics and statistics, and math, all these can be combined into analytics. We had the absolute best team and the structure to think about, so why not create a dream program that we'll be focusing on in the future?” And the rest is history!

How is the response from students so far?

Turnbull: Well, I can talk about this with respect to the growth of our intro course ADS 2298 [Introduction to Analytics and Decision Science]. This was first offered in 2021, and 13 students completed it. We have 26 students enrolled in this course this year, so that's a doubling in one year. I believe the first group of students were the pioneers, the ones who were willing to take big risks on something new. And they came out a success.

Rodrigues: Joseph and I are taking every opportunity we can to promote the program. But I guess more importantly, the top students see the value of these things, and then when we match that with the resources, great things happen. And that's what we're hoping! I'm always dreaming about how big it could be or how great it could be – there’s 26 [students] now and then next year, we're going to have 40 or 50. And then, the following year there might be more!

Would ADS be converted into a major at King’s in upcoming years? What are the future plans?

Turnbull: It's in the works. So the students who are getting the minor for fall 2023 will have an opportunity to switch into the major the following year. Our hope is to have a major ready to go in fall 2024. The first and second year of that is going to mirror exactly the first and second year of the minor and most of the third year as well. The biggest difference between the major and the minor will be the number of required courses. The minor has 1.0 credits from this big list, and the major would pick more than 1.0, so students who are already fulfilling components of the minor will easily

be able to switch into the major. And part of the reason why that's the case is that, unlike most minors under the Western umbrella, the ADS minor is more specialized: you have to take Analytics and Decision Sciences 2298 –Introduction to Analytics and Decision Sciences, ADS 2288 – Introduction to Programming and Basic Data Analysis, which includes programming in Python and R, and ADS 3864 – Data Visualization and Statistical Analysis. So there's this kind of quantitative core to ADS as a minor that resembles a major, it is just fewer courses. Again, it's hoped that everyone who's in the minor, and said, “I wish there was a major,” will be able to switch to the major. And hopefully do a double major.

Rodrigues: The key point is that we are at a moment where you cannot do marketing without analytics or human resources without analytics. You can't do finance or accounting; 20% of the CPAs require analytical skills. Even nursing requires some analytical skills.

The way we envision this is the double major path. So students will be in Finance and Analytics, Human Resources and Analytics or Econ and Analytics, because you can't detach those two things from each other anymore. The double major is where we see the most value. And by far, the best employability and the best way into grad school or into the market directly is through ADS.

How would adding an ADS minor to the degree help students in their career? How will this minor add value?

Turnbull: When we were planning this minor, we looked at what employers were expecting from our recent graduates. How do we fulfill this expectation? And more important than that is figuring out how we can fix a problem that will be there five years from now. We had to anticipate for students entering first year, what are their needs going to be? Not today, not yesterday, but four years from now, when they graduate, what is the market going to want?

It's not looking into a crystal ball and knowing exactly what the future will hold, adapting as technology matures. And as analytics techniques become embedded in different companies and different processes, I think the shift is pretty clear. And we have moved in that direction. So this minor was designed to fulfill the market's expectations from the recent graduates; therefore, students with ADS as a minor or major to their degree will enjoy a competitive edge and preference over their peers.

Rodrigues: Also, if you check the requirements for the most important master's programs in Canada, for example, analytics, you’ll see that our course matches them as well. Joseph and I are making sure that our students will be qualified to apply to any master's program in Canada and be competitive candidates in those programs. We looked at this strategically: what our competitive advantages are, and what the market is demanding. And we were very careful to make sure that those things are aligned in a proper way.

What kind of jobs can students land after doing this minor?

Rodrigues: Students will be looking for jobs that are less routine based and more analytical in any fields. Looking back 30 years, demand forecast, operation management – they used to be very limited. Now, analytical skills are required for various types of jobs. For example, CFA Level 1 [Chartered Financial Analyst] is more about the concepts, but CFA Level 2 involves data analytics. The same position from a few years ago would not require the coding and programming languages as now. We would like our students to be able to compete for these high-level jobs at the beginning of their careers, rather than filling in the gap with hands-on experience. So hopefully our students will land jobs that offer 15K or 20K more than other positions.

Turnbull: Our students will be qualified for jobs

Students who graduate with an ADS minor will be more competitive in the job interviews than business students, because the ADS minor provides students with more of the analytical skills that most employers are looking for nowadays.

in different areas. For example, students who graduate with an ADS minor will be more competitive in the job interviews than business students, because the ADS minor provides students with more of the analytical skills that most employers are looking for nowadays.

What is CORS? How would this add value to a student's career path?

Rodrigues: Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) is the main body for academic researchers and practitioners to talk about topics such as optimization, simulation, machine learning, and other quantitative methods in general. Each university has a CORS representative, and I am the representative for King’s University College and Western University.

CORS offers a diploma to university students who finish the list of courses. We did a comprehensive mapping for the ADS courses with respect to the required courses for the CORS diploma. If you fulfill the minor with core courses that meet the criteria, then you will be eligible to receive the diploma when you graduate with the ADS minor. Becoming a member of CORS will benefit you because you will connect with members who also have passion in operation management and other analyticsrelated roles. The CORS designation looks great on both CVs and resumes, as well as allows you to build connections with professionals in academia or industry.

Any advice for students in ADS?

Rodrigues: Take advantage of what King’s offers, which is easier access to professors, office hours, and students from upper years. Make sure you ask the questions, understand what’s happening in the business world, and know what types of skills you would like to obtain, and apply the passion of analytics to both short-term and long-term goals. Also, have an early understanding of what analytics is about and its implications in the job market in order to position yourself.

Turnbull: Network. What you learn from the class is part of the education, and the other part is interacting with your classmates and profs, and engaging in the career and networking events. Network with people who work in the industry you are interested in, and get industry insight from them.

KING'S CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: A STUDENT-RUN INVESTMENT FUND PROVIDING

VALUABLE

EXPERIENCE

AND

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES IN FINANCE

By Chris Abou Naoum

KCM provides a unique opportunity to become part of an investment community and get a preview of what a full-time career in finance would entail.

King’s University College offers a range of exceptional clubs, and one of the most prominent among them is King’s Capital Management (KCM). KCM began in 2017 as a virtual trading group, a community composed of motivated students that has evolved into one of the largest clubs at King’s. KCM is a student-run investment fund that enables students to collaborate with likeminded individuals to manage a portfolio and invest capital in the North American financial markets. The club's goal is to maximize returns while minimizing risk by investing a pool of alumni capital. KCM provides a unique opportunity to become part of an investment community and get a preview of what a full-time career in finance would entail. Additionally, the club offers workshops with King’s professors to enhance members’ financial capabilities.

KCM convenes weekly meetings where members discuss companies that they believe will perform well in the markets. and conduct comprehensive financial analyses to determine whether the company should be included in the portfolio. KCM takes a valueoriented approach by purchasing companies that appear undervalued compared to their intrinsic value. The club's hands-on portfolio management experience provides valuable knowledge and expertise for those seeking a career in finance. Furthermore, KCM focuses

on providing its members with tools and resources by hosting networking sessions and offering various career opportunities to break into high-level finance. Overall, KCM is an exceptional club that offers students a chance to gain practical experience and knowledge in the financial world, enhancing their career prospects.

One of the top students at King’s University College, Arturo Zarate, is co-president of KCM. Arturo is currently in his fourth year in the honours specialization in Economics with a minor in Analytics and Decision Sciences.

I asked Arturo the following questions regarding KCM:

What makes KCM a special club here at King’s?

“In the long run, the goal is to become a launching pad for all King's students interested in breaking into finance. We believe this is a very valuable opportunity for first- and second-year students to learn about jobs in finance. In addition, they can benefit from our program to help them attain their dream jobs. As a result, we have built a strong community where people can come and meet others who have similar interests, which will further assist them in gaining access to a career in finance.”

Why did you want to be president?

“I am deeply passionate about capital markets, and specifically equities. I wish to share this passion with all our members and help them achieve all their goals in the industry and grow the investment community at King’s.”

What are the top holdings for KCM?

“Cineplex and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Index are our top holdings, and we are having a close look at Payfare Inc., Ferrari, Uber, and Microsoft.”

Why are equities the primary asset class for KCM?

“We look at equities as part of a business and we can find the intrinsic value of a business and understand the macroeconomic effects on it far easier than we can with credit securities, currencies, and commodities. We believe it’s also a good starting point for our members to learn valuation methods and key concepts in investing.”

Is there any sector you’re bullish or bearish on for the portfolio?

“Our fund takes a top-down approach; we look at energy, staples, and health care as bullish sectors with a rising risk of a recession, while avoiding technology and discretionary stocks. However, our main approach is to look for good businesses, and if we see one in a bearish sector we will still invest long, for example, with Microsoft (‘MSFT’ on the NASDAQ) and Ferrari N.V. (‘RACE’ on the NYSE).”

How is the current monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada going to affect the portfolio?

“Although inflation is slowing down, high inflation is not going anywhere. With jobs data as well as consumer spending, the Fed is on a hawkish mission to address inflation with more aggressive interest rates. Since some investors are hoping for a soft landing, we believe the possibility of a recession is

mispriced. Therefore, we keep a close eye on the latest data releases and stocks of interest for possible opportunity gaps.”

What are your views on KCM in the long term?

“Our vision is to help all members gain the skills and knowledge necessary to break into a career in finance. This encompasses investment banking, sales and trading, equity analysts, venture capital, private equity, and corporate finance. We hope to build a community where students get a hands-on approach through a student-led investment fund, workshops, and career planning programs. We hope our alumni will eventually advise the next generation and build a true stepping stone for all students at King's interested in the finance industry.”

What do you want the members of KCM to take away from the club?

“We want them to have fun, develop a passion for financial markets, find their dream job and guide them through the process of getting there. I truly believe KCM can set the example moving forward that King’s clubs have a lot to offer.

"King’s Capital Management offers an enriching experience to every student at King’s, regardless of their prior knowledge of finance. Whether someone has been passionate about investing since childhood or has limited exposure to finance, KCM provides a supportive environment for growth and development. The club offers invaluable resources such as workshops and networking opportunities that can assist members in any career path they choose. Personally, being a part of KCM was one of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate journey. The financial knowledge I gained and the incredible people I met within the club made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. Joining KCM can provide a platform to learn, share ideas, and connect with like-minded individuals, offering students the opportunity to thrive and flourish during their academic journey.”

SELF-FULFILLING THEORY

By Zitian (Estella) Lu

I’m Estella, a second-year international King’s student majoring in finance and administration. I really enjoy and value the experience of my life at King’s, which provides me with an amazing platform for absorbing knowledge and networking.

Today, I want to share a super interesting macro-economic concept called "self-fulfilling theory." This concept was introduced by Professor Trevor Medeiros in ECON 1022 when we were talking about exchange rates. The exchange rate is actually the price of one currency in terms of another. Like all other prices, the exchange rate is determined in a market by limitless trades every second. Is a high exchange rate a good thing? Not necessarily. If you want another currency, a high exchange rate indicates that the price of that currency is high, and you will buy less with that currency as a rational consumer. However, if you are the supplier of

this currency, a high exchange rate will help you generate more profit on this trade and make you more willing to supply the currency. Therefore, the exchange rate will influence the amount of currency being traded and reach an equilibrium exchange rate at the point with neither a shortage nor a surplus.

There are many factors that could affect the exchange rate, but people’s expectations and how they react are considered the main ones. This is actually what "self-fulfilling theory" is about. In some situations, the exchange rate does not necessarily have to change, but rational currency customers will react to shocks – expected or unexpected events that influence the current balance or situation of economy. For example, if a shock comes today and people predict the exchange rate will increase because of this shock, both demand and supply will change as a reaction to this shock. People who want this currency

will increase their desire to purchase it because they know that the price will increase, making it less cost effective in the future, while suppliers will want to keep their currency and wait until the day of increased exchange rates before selling. Therefore, when the demand curve shifts rightward because demand is increasing and the supply curve shifts leftward because no suppliers want to sell right now, the intersection of the two curves will eventually make the exchange rate higher. In this situation, we learn that people’s expectations are important for the exchange rate market and sometimes directly influence how it changes.

Self-fulfilling theories can also be applied to our lives. Psychologists have found strong evidence for the impact of our beliefs and expectations on outcomes, especially when we are certain that our predictions will become reality, even if we are unaware that we hold the expectation. As the famous sociologist Robert Merton states, "A false definition of the situation evokes a new behaviour that makes the originally false conception come true."

The subjective mindset and attitude are crucial factors in the final result. When facing an obstacle, we should tell ourselves "I will make it happen if I try hard" instead of "I cannot and I want to quit," then trust yourself, and bravely take the first step. Maybe we are actually capable of achieving the desired outcome.

KING’S IN MY EYES

By Chris Abou Naoum

Selecting King’s to pursue my undergraduate degree was one of the best decisions I've made. What initially drew me to King’s was its association with the chartered financial analyst (CFA) program, which is recognized as the ultimate credential for professionals in the financial industry. This affiliation made King’s an obvious choice for me, as it made the program's difficulty much more manageable.

Additionally, the knowledge I’ve gained while enrolled in the Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS) program at King’s is incredible, preparing me for the world's most in-demand industry. Furthermore, small class sizes and regular interaction with my professors have made my undergraduate experience exceptional. I have built strong relationships with my professors, allowing me to reach out to them whenever I need their assistance. I'm excited to continue my academic journey and eager to see what the future holds here at King’s!

People’s expectations are important for the exchange rate market and sometimes directly influence how it changes.

BEYOND RATIONALITY: EXPLORING THE FASCINATING WORLD OF BEHAVIOURAL ECONOMICS

By Shreya Sharma

The rise of behavioural economics in recent years has been driven by a growing recognition that traditional economic models do not accurately capture the complexity of human decision-making. As we learn in our first-year economics courses at King's, these models are based on the assumption that people always make rational and selfinterested decisions, but in reality, people often make decisions that are influenced by a range of cognitive, social, and emotional factors.

Behavioural economics challenges these assumptions by acknowledging that humans are not always rational decision-makers and that our behaviour is often influenced by factors beyond our conscious awareness. For example, we may be more likely to choose an option simply because it is presented to us first, or because it is framed in a particular way. These factors can have a significant impact on our decisionmaking, and they are not accounted for in

traditional economic models. In academia, the interdisciplinary nature of behavioural economics has led to a growing interest in the field. Many universities now offer courses and degree programs that focus on behavioural economics, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that influence human decisionmaking.

Businesses are also recognizing the potential of behavioural economics to inform their strategies. Many companies are using insights from behavioural economics to design products, services, and marketing campaigns that are more appealing to consumers. For example, by understanding how people make purchasing decisions, businesses can design pricing strategies that are more effective, or use nudges to encourage customers to buy certain products. In policy circles, behavioural economics has also gained traction as a way to inform public policy. Policymakers

are recognizing that traditional economic models do not always provide an accurate representation of human behaviour and that a more nuanced approach is needed to address complex societal issues. By incorporating insights from behavioural economics, policymakers can design more effective and targeted policies that take into account the real-world behaviour of individuals and communities.

In addition to the importance of behavioural economics, it can also be applied to daily life on an individual basis. From the perspective of students, principles of behavioural economics can be used to gain a deeper understanding of their own decision-making processes and to make more informed choices in their lives. For example, behavioural economics suggests that people tend to place more value on immediate rewards than on future ones, which can lead to procrastination. Students can use this knowledge to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces, and to reward themselves along the way to stay motivated. Moreover, behavioural economics emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions based on all available information. Students can use this approach to make better decisions about their studies, such as choosing which courses to take or which study strategies to use.

Learning about behavioural economics was not only significant for me in terms of understanding the limitations of traditional economic models, but was also a turning point in my academic life. I had always been interested in economics, but the more I learned about behavioural economics, the more fascinated I became with the subject. It opened up a whole new way of thinking about human decision-making that resonated with me on a personal level.

As I delved deeper into the field, I found that it was not only relevant to economics, but also to psychology, sociology, and other social sciences. I spoke with experts in the field, attended seminars and workshops, and read extensively on the subject. It was clear to me that behavioural economics was a rapidly growing and exciting area of research with many practical applications.

As a result, I made the decision to add a major in Psychology to my degree program. This allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that underpin decision-making, which I believed would be essential to my future work in behavioural economics. Now, as I prepare to graduate with a double major in Economics and Psychology, I feel that my decision to pursue behavioural economics was the right one. I am excited to continue my studies in this field at the graduate level and beyond, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained will serve me well in my future career.

Many companies are using insights from behavioural economics to design products, services, and marketing campaigns that are more appealing to consumers.

AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. OKILA ELBOEVA

Interview by Jiaqi (Joyce) Sun

Dr. Okila Elboeva is, in my opinion, one of the best economic professors at King’s. However, her journey into the world of economics and finance was not part of her initial aspirations. Coming from a family of physicians, she had always thought of herself as a future doctor, too.

However, the economy changed in her country, and the financial sector became the best career path at that time. She completed her undergraduate degree in finance from the Tashkent Institute of Finance in her home country of Uzbekistan, and later earned her economics Ph.D. in the United States. Although pursuing a career in

economics was not her childhood dream, she found that she had a passion for it, and it became a part of her life.

Teaching is an essential part of academia. Dr. E began her career as a professor at Lincoln Memorial University in 2016, where she encountered students with different expectations and diverse backgrounds. For her, teaching comes with a great responsibility, especially when it comes to first-year students. Dr. E says, “My role is to teach [students] how to study, how to reach their goals and not necessarily to make them economists. I want to give them the experience they need to pursue their goals and become successful in life. Many students may not become economists, but the skills they learn in my class or in college will help them to achieve their goals and become successful in their chosen careers.”

However, teaching is not always easy. During her first year of teaching, it was challenging for Dr. E to explain the course topics in a way that connected with the students’ expectations. Fortunately, she had a convenient schedule that allowed her to teach twice a week and devote the remainder of her time to lesson preparation. Over time, she gained valuable insight into effective teaching practices and how to connect with students. She realized that possessing knowledge on the subject matter alone was inadequate; she had to be able to explain it in a way that students could understand.

Despite the challenges, teaching also brings rewards to Dr. E. With time and effort, she has been able to establish good connections with her students, and she says that their feedback at the end of the course is the most rewarding thing. One student had written that he had been inspired to become an economist because of her, which was a deeply satisfying reward for Dr. E.

As an academic, Dr. Elboeva believes that the most important thing is to learn continuously and improve her skills. She always tries to improve her teaching skills and research methods to provide the best education to her students and contribute to the academic community.

My role is to teach [students] how to study, how to reach their goals and not necessarily to make them economists.

MY EXPERIENCE AT EY

By Izan Tahir

Navigating the corporate culture of a Big Four firm was one of the most significant challenges of the internship.

Having had the privilege of interning at one of the Big Four accounting firms, I can testify to the demanding nature of this opportunity. To even be considered for the internship, I had to achieve excellent academic performance, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and undergo a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process. Only a small percentage of candidates were selected for interviews, and those who made it through were subjected to an arduous battery of tests that evaluated their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Once I secured the internship, the real work began. As an intern at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the Big Four firms, I was expected to work long hours, often up to 80 hours per week. The workload was physically and mentally draining, and balancing my personal life was a significant challenge. Nonetheless, I was committed to giving my best effort and learning as much as possible during my tenure.

Working alongside some of the most talented individuals worldwide was both inspiring and daunting. The pressure to perform well was relentless, and any mistakes could be detrimental to the firm and its clients. Yet I found that my colleagues were supportive and willing to help me whenever necessary, and we established a closeknit team that worked together towards common goals.

The internship involved a range of tasks, including research, data analysis, report writing, and evidence-gathering activities (EGAs), and required me to assist with client meetings and internal audits. The work was intricate and demanded a high level of attention to detail, speed, and accuracy. Knowing that even minor errors could have severe repercussions, I pushed myself to work quickly and precisely.

Navigating the corporate culture of a Big Four firm was one of the most significant challenges of the internship. The culture was fiercely competitive and focused on performance and results. I had to adapt to this culture quickly and learn to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization, necessitating a high level of adaptability and communication skills.

Despite the challenges, my internship at EY was a gratifying experience. I gained exposure to a wide range of industries and sectors, deepened my understanding of the accounting and consulting profession, and worked alongside some of the most accomplished professionals in the field. Their guidance and knowledge will stay with me throughout my career.

In summary, an internship at one of the Big Four accounting firms is a highly challenging opportunity. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the rewards can be significant. Working alongside top-notch professionals in the industry and gaining exposure to diverse industries and sectors is an invaluable learning experience. If you are considering an internship at one of these firms, be prepared to work hard, learn quickly, and embrace the corporate culture. With dedication and hard work, you can thrive in this highly competitive environment and pave the way for a successful career in accounting or consulting.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP AT KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

By Muhammad Salaar Durrani

Graduating as an international student is an exciting and yet challenging experience. It is a milestone that marks the end of an academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in life. While the experience is unique to each individual, these are some of the experiences and challenges that I faced during my time at King’s University College.

I have achieved a great deal during my time at King’s. As co-president of King’s International Association, I organized a successful networking event with other clubs and the School of MEM, which provided opportunities for international and local students to connect with King’s alumni and professors. I also directed any student questions regarding immigration to the international office at King’s, ensuring that students received professional support.

As a Residence Assistant (RA), I helped firstyear students transition into university life, guiding them on the abundant resources available at King’s. In addition, as a peer guide and International House coordinator, I planned tours around London for students who were not from Canada, which gave them a positive impression of how welcoming Canada and King’s are. Once they settled in, I organized affirmation circles – a group activity in which participants stand in a circle and share positive affirmations about themselves and others in the group – which reduced their stress and helped them have a more relaxed academic year.

As the VP of Human Resources for King’s EconoMath Society, I was responsible for hiring candidates whose core values were closely aligned with the club’s values. I also made students aware of how important it is to get involved on campus, which encouraged students to be more actively involved.

As a Residence Information Desk staff member, I fostered strong relationships with co-workers and responsibly managed the inventory at the desk. I also coordinated with the managers in unexpected situations and figured out solutions that were appreciated by staff in the Residence office.

As an International Student Representative for King’s University College Student Council (KUCSC), I arranged a meeting with King’s President and the Dean of Students to discuss concerns about the increase in tuition for international students. I was successful in getting the concerns addressed, resulting in all international students being granted a $250 stipend.

Overall, my experience shows that I have accomplished a great deal at King’s University College. I am feeling a sense of nostalgia as I prepare to leave the King’s family. Although I may be saying goodbye to friends and professors, I have the comfort of knowing that I will always be a part of the King’s community and will always cherish the beautiful memories I made here.

By Vanshil Agarwal

The interview was conducted by Vanshil Arun Agarwal, first-year BMOS and Finance student at King’s University College at Western University, on February 26, 2023. The interviewee is Michael Dakin-Green, who has accomplished the incredible feat of passing the CFA Level 1 exam with close to the 90th percentile. Vanshil asked some questions regarding Michael’s journey in the School of MEM, the benefits of MEM that Michael experienced and his overall view.

What was your major and how did it prepare you for your career?

“I did an honours specialization in Finance. Going through the first year in many programs is pretty general. In the second year, however, you start taking courses that give you an idea of what careers are available to you and get a sense of some of the more ‘real life’ applications. In my second year I had an Economics course that I really liked and got that intrinsic drive to learn more about what was going on. That’s when I realized that I really liked Finance and wanted to take this further. This has helped me in many stages, but a significant instance was during the interview process – the interviewer really notices whether or not a person knows what is really going on around them

and has that drive to learn more every day.”

What extracurriculars were you involved in and how did they impact your life after graduation?

“In the middle of first year, in second semester, I began a tutoring service for free, because in London, I feel like the poverty rates are relatively higher than a lot of other cities of the same size. My tutoring services were mostly targeted to students at the end of high school or even some first years at university. I tutored courses such as Business 1220, 2257, and some calculus courses.

“I did other extracurriculars here and there as well. The biggest thing to pull from extracurriculars and how they shape you is doing and knowing your part in the community, because it helps build your network and connections and you get to know and understand new people. Also, you learn how to prioritize and manage your time, which requires skill to learn and just like any skill, you can learn this through experience. I was also a KAMP [King's Academic Mentoring Program] mentor for about two years and I still have connections and relations with my peers and juniors that I helped or got help from.

“I would also personally recommend knowing the basics of programming. We are rapidly shifting towards a more digitalized world and even when I was doing the tutoring, I needed some basic programming and coding skills to set up my services. Interviewers really like if a person knows their way around the rapidly evolving status of technology and it can be a massive, massive resume boost.”

Did you have any exciting projects or accomplishments that you have achieved since graduating?

“I did – I applied to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) scholarship through King’s and I was fortunate enough to get that, and I wrote the paper and passed that, so I believe that and getting a decent job right after school are my biggest achievements. I know it can definitely be tough, especially when you’re directly out of school, and there is always pressure and the change of atmosphere and responsibilities so getting a decent job can be quite stressful and demotivating.”

What advice would you give to current students who are hoping to achieve similar success? Any academic or non-academic advice?

“I feel like, as a student, everything can get quite overwhelming at times so it is important to take a step back and give yourself a break at those times. The biggest thing would be developing discipline on when to relax and when to get to the grind. Students

“HOW THE SCHOOL OF MEM GOT ME TO WHERE I AM": AN INTERVIEW WITH A MEM ALUMNUS

can easily make the mistake of overworking and be drained, or underworking and being paranoid. Having the perfect balance of work and breaks can be difficult to achieve but each person knows themselves the best and can tailor their time accordingly. I was a victim of those mistakes as well, and felt like everything was too much work to do for such a short time, but when I started to manage my time and give time to myself when needed, everything that I thought was a drag ended up being pretty straightforward and the quality of my work improved a lot after I made those changes within myself.”

Are there any factors that helped you get to where you are right now that aren’t academic related?

“I feel like during that time of my life, for the most part, was the time where I could explore my hobbies and new things that I could learn and enrich myself. Being open to new things will definitely help you grow as an individual and help you connect to different people, which again brings me back to the point I made earlier regarding networking and making connections.”

Anything that you found particularly hard or challenging while at university and MEM?

“I was lucky because when I went to university, I knew what path I wanted to go into. I feel like many students when they enter university are unsure of what their destination or pathway is going to be, and I think that can be quite overwhelming. I would say the best way to fight that would be to try out as many things as possible. Having diversity in courses and joining various different clubs can help narrow down what direction they want to go in. I think that would be a major challenge that I luckily didn’t have.

“Another one could be managing my finances and grades – maintaining good grades in my courses and also learning to control my finances was initially quite a challenge for me but eventually you understand, for the financial part at least, what you need to do to get it on track. The sooner you make that reflection and changes, the better it will be for you. And once again, balancing things and giving time to myself to relax was a big challenge initially for me and several others like me.”

Did you have any particular memories of MEM that you are fond of, with your friends, professors or MEM in general?

“Definitely! It was with my second-year Economics course. That was the course that solidified my thoughts on what I wanted to do. I remember that I was super enthusiastic about that course, and that was new for me – I was not the type of guy who would be excited over a course and say I want to do this more. Like for most courses, you say that the course is great but nothing extraordinary. This course was extraordinary for me. The drive to learn more was intrinsic and I did not wait for the professor to assign us work – I would just find myself diving deeper into the course and the details willingly!

“Obviously, the memories made in MEM will stay with me forever. I am so grateful to have met so many unique people, make life-long friends and learn valuable lessons from MEM. I am so happy I made this decision and I am thankful to meet such lovely peers and professors. I think we – the School of MEM – are the best schoo at King’s University College. Some students from other programs may say something else – I don’t mind proving them wrong, haha!”

CHATGPT: A PRO OR A CON

By Rijul Jain

ChatGPT is a large language model created by OpenAI that has gained popularity in recent years. As an artificial intelligence (AI) program, ChatGPT can interact with students and provide them with information, support, and advice. While ChatGPT has the potential to have both positive and negative impacts on students' lives, its overall impact is still a topic of debate.

One of the most significant benefits of ChatGPT is its ability to provide students with instant support and guidance. Unlike human advisors, ChatGPT is available 24/7 and can give students immediate responses to their questions and concerns. This can be especially helpful for students who may be struggling with academic or personal issues and need support outside of regular business hours.

Another benefit of ChatGPT is its ability to provide personalized assistance. ChatGPT can use data and algorithms to tailor its responses to individual students, taking into account their specific needs, interests, and preferences. This can be helpful for students who may not know where to turn for advice or support and need direction on their academic or personal journey.

While ChatGPT has been praised for its ability to provide immediate support and guidance, it is important to acknowledge the potential negative impacts that this technology can have on students' lives.

One of the most significant negative effects of ChatGPT is that it may reduce human connection and empathy. Students may become more reliant on technology for assistance and advice, which can lead to a decrease in face-to-face interactions and social connections. This can be especially

problematic for students who may be struggling with mental health issues and need emotional support and connection.

Another downside is that it can contribute to an overreliance on technology. Students may become so reliant on ChatGPT for guidance and help that they fail to develop important interpersonal skills, such as communication and problem-solving. This can be problematic in the long run, as these skills are essential for success in both personal and professional settings.

While ChatGPT can provide students with instant answers, it is important to note that the scope of its knowledge may be limited. ChatGPT relies on data and algorithms to provide responses, which means that it may not be able to provide nuanced or personalized advice for complex or sensitive issues. Students who rely solely on ChatGPT for advice may miss out on the benefits of working with human advisors who can provide more comprehensive and personalized support.

Another potential effect of ChatGPT is its lack of accountability. Students may not know who is providing them with advice and assistance, and may not be able to hold anyone responsible for any incorrect or harmful advice that they receive. This can be especially problematic for students who are dealing with serious issues and need trustworthy advice and help.

In conclusion, while ChatGPT has the potential to provide students with instant support and guidance, it is important to acknowledge the potential negative effects that this technology can have on students' lives.

SCHOOL OF MEM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to Marlee Chen Zheng!!! Marlee is graduating with an honours specialization in Finance and Administration with a minor in Analytics and Decision Sciences (ADS). She will be attending Ivey for a Master of Management Science (MSc) in Business Analytics in September 2023.

“I would like to pursue an MSc degree because it aligns with my interests, values, and career goals. As well as Ivey’s reputation and its worldwide network!

“King’s provides a bunch of opportunities for students to get involved, and I have been involved in pretty much every aspect of student leader positions on campus, which prepared me well for my grad school applications and my soft skills development.”

Way to go. Rayan Abu-Sardanah!!! Rayan completed the honours specialization in Finance and Administration, and is now headed to Western for the Master of Financial Economics (MFE).

“I intended to go to graduate school to expand my understanding of finance and to advance my career in investment banking, particularly in sales and trading. I was aware that enroling in a Master of Financial Economics (MFE) program would help me advance in the field given my experience as an algorithmic trader in asset management. After careful analysis and research, I concluded that the MFE program was most suited to my objectives and would give me the skills and knowledge in coding and quantitative finance that I needed to succeed in my chosen field.

“The close relationship I developed with my professors during my undergraduate studies was instrumental in my academic and professional growth. King's technical and applicable class projects were particularly beneficial, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. I am especially grateful to Professor Josephine Gemson for her unwavering support and guidance throughout my undergraduate degree and for her invaluable assistance with my law school and graduate school applications. Her mentorship has been integral to my academic success and has helped me achieve my goals.”

“I chose to pursue a Master of Accounting and Finance at the U of T because it is the first program in North America that offers a comprehensive curriculum combining both accounting and finance. As an undergraduate, I developed a strong foundation in accounting and now seek to expand my knowledge and skill set in finance. I believe that possessing a deep understanding of both industries will be a competitive advantage in the real world of business. The program is accredited by CPA Ontario and ACCA [Association of Chartered Certified Accountants] as well, and its emphasis on finance makes it an ideal fit for my academic and career goals. The program's four-month co-op and comprehensive co-op resources are also a major attraction for me, as they will provide valuable practical experience and networking opportunities.

“King's provided me with a supportive and collaborative learning environment that was essential in preparing me for graduate school. The small class sizes allowed me to develop strong relationships with my peers and professors, which helped me develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the comprehensive and effective student services available at King's gave me the resources and support I needed to succeed academically and personally. Overall, my experience at King's provided me with a solid foundation for success in graduate school and beyond.”

Props, Renee Rossi!!! Renee is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Organization Studies with a honours specialization in Finance and Administration. She will be heading to teachers college at Western University in September.

“I am currently working for the Government of Canada under Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). I am incredibly grateful to my professors and peers at King's for the past four years as they have fostered professional and personal growth and I am very excited to continue studying at Western in the fall.”

“During my time at King’s, I learned more about what I want to do in the future. I also grew as a person – going from a shy guy to a more confident, outgoing person.

“After I finished the undergraduate program, I decided I needed to explore more fields. A graduate program will provide more skills and knowledge for my future career. The Master of Information focuses on data analysis skills, which are increasingly in demand now.”

Kudos, Yixuan (Annie) Zhang!!! Yixuan is graduating with an honours specialization in Accounting and going on to a Master of Accounting and Finance program at the University of Toronto.

Congratulations, Lan Li!!! Lan is graduating BMOS with an honours specialization in Finance and Administration, and heading for a Master of Information program at the University of Toronto.

Pictured: The MEM Insider writers

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

BMOS Association

Facebook: BMOS Association at King’s

Email: kings.bmos@kucsc.com

KAC

Facebook: King's Accounting Club

Email: kac@kucsc.com

KEMS

Instagram: KEMSclub

Facebook: King’s EconoMath Society

Email: kems@kucsc.com

KIC

Facebook: King’s Investment Club

Email: kic@kucsc.com

Credits

Project management: Estelle Van Winckle, School of MEM

Layout and design: Nikki Sasso Mitchell, King's Communications

Photography: Steve Grimes, King's Communications, and MEM students

Editor: Laurie Bursch