FOR AND BY BUSINESS STUDENTS
MAGAZINE APRIL 2016
KARLEY FRANK WORKING TO TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
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SPEND YOUR SUMMER IN EDMONTON LAZY FAIRE: A YEAR IN REVIEW THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & LOCAL BUSINESS eHub The Ridesharing Debate Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation
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Stay connected and sign up on https://business.ualberta.ca/alumni/ keep-in-touch for updates!
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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kevin Espenido
CREATIVE CONTENT EDITORS WRITERS
ART DIRECTORS DESIGNERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
APRIL 2016
Carey Poon Kyra Cusveller Bulcha Dolal Isabela Maciel Kara Hauca Lindsay Rainbow Marina Bryan Nicole Hammond Rahique um Maktoom Handoo Carol Wong Mimi Ngo Anna Lee Jessica Aranibar Krismina La Maggie Lam Nichole Chen Sarah Vlieg Adrienne Leung Candace Chu Cole Pearson Suhur Omar Samantha Semler
EVENTS COORDINATORS
Zhayate Meng
Paulina Brittner
Digital Coordinator
Clarissa Samuel Kelsea Zalaski
SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
Matthew Ryan
PRODUCTION
Special Thanks To
WEBSITE
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WORKHALL The goldmine of Edmonton boutique designers
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How to Take a Break Ways to recharge your brain this exam season
FYI
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Ridesharing: Yay or Nay? Efficient way to travel or safety hazard?
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Karley Frank The importance and impact of Not for Profits
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Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation A Look into Life at an NPO
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eHub The innovative hub for entrepreneurs
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Daylan Romaniuk Making the most out of the School of Business
THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
CLUBS CORNER
LAZY CHAT
Xerox Canada Priority Printing Diana Wyley Business Alumni Association
CONTACT US E-MAIL
City of Edmonton Youth Council Getting your voice heard in the Edmonton community
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
External Director
SPONSORED BY
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FASHION TRENDS
Steven Co Kristi Wong
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Editor’s Note What’s Up
COMMUNITY CENTRE
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
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uofalazyfaire@gmail.com www.lazyfaire.com
cover designed by CAROL WONG cover photographed by KEVIN ESPENIDO
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Xerox as a Career What working at this exciting company is like
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Lazy Faire’s Year in Review Our favourite articles and Lazy Faire by the numbers
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Leadership Certificate Program Realizing the potential of future leaders
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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide Everything you need for your perfect road trip
EDITOR'S NOTE
I have been with Lazy Faire since my first year at the Alberta School of Business; I literally applied to my first position of Social Media Director with the answer “I have a Facebook and a Twitter account.” Since then, I have had the opportunity to help grow this publication as well as meet and work with some incredibly talented individuals. The April 2016 Entrepreneurship & Local Business issue will be the final issue I will actively contribute to. This past year has, without a doubt, been the most stressful and rewarding year of my life. I’d like this final Editor’s Note to veer from this month’s theme and wrap up the year. Fearful of sounding like an Academy Award winner, there are a number of groups and individuals I would like to thank on behalf of Lazy Faire: Thank you to our partners. To Xerox and Diana Wyley, we foundationally would not exist without your ongoing support of the work that we do. We are nationally recognized and that would not be possible without your unwavering faith in our team. Thank you to Priority Printing for all your support and for keeping our brand looking amazing at our activations. Thank you to the Alberta School of Business, to our Dean Doucet and Associate Dean Geddes for all the work you do to uplift and promote us as Leaders from Alberta for the World. Thank you to Deepa Maisuria and the Business Alumni Association for connecting our team and the entire Alberta School of Business to 26,000 alumni, sharing their stories and helping us find our own paths. Thank you to our readers! You are at the core of what we do. Without the tireless work you put in as leaders and innovators, making a significant impact
on our school, the content we produce would be very different. Please continue to push yourselves and make the most of your time here. If an opportunity makes your stomach turn with excitement, take it. There are no limits to where you could end up if you simply took the risk. Lastly, I’d like to thank every person on the Lazy Faire team who has contributed to the group over the past year. The quality of our publication and the success that we have seen is a testament to every person on this team. I am so lucky to have had such a talented team of Writers, Designers, Photographers, Directors and Coordinators. I sincerely hope this past year, you have had the opportunity learn about yourself and grow your skills. Thank you for giving me a crash course on leading a team of almost 40 people and for teaching me an immense amount about myself. Lazy Faire has been and will continue to be a magazine by business students, for business students, striving to connect you with opportunities and to help you find your way. Thank you for an incredible year.
KEVIN Espenido editor-in-Chief
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WHAT’S UP
For eight months of the year you slave away in the library, battle for glory in case competitions, prepare endless presentations and papers, and wait for final exams to pass. You trudge through piles of crunchy leaves, slippery snow, and sludgy mud, watching the seasons as they change, awaiting the first signs of spring in anticipation. You know that once you’ve wrapped up your year on campus, this city is yours for the taking. Consider this your syllabus for Summer 101: (Re)Introduction to Edmonton.
FOOD+ FUN
There are three must do’s if you’re a foodie and you love enjoying the great summer weather of Edmonton:
Taste of Edmonton is one of the best ways to sample food from Edmonton’s hot spots. Tons of popular Edmonton restaurants set up in Sir Winston Churchill Square, offering mini versions of their most popular dishes. For more fun, check out Sip ‘n Savour for cool culinary workshops and the main stage for nightly performances by local and emerging musicians. This ten-day event is always a highlight; be sure to check it July 21-30, 2016.
YOUR SUMMER GUIDE TO EDMONTON
Right on the tail of Taste of Edmonton comes another unique culinary experience with the Heritage Festival in William Hawrelak Park. This year, from July 30 to August 1, check out over 60 different pavilions featuring 85 different cultures from around the world. With over 500 different delicacies to try, creative performances to see, and crafts, artwork, and clothing for sale, this is an event you cannot miss! It’s always a good idea to set aside at least two days for this event because there is SO much delicious food to try!
What The Truck?! happens a few times throughout the summer season in Edmonton, usually wrapping up in September. Featuring dozens of popular local food trucks, it’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Edmonton’s growing food truck culture and try unique and exciting food combinations. This is always a fun event to hit up to discover your new favourite food truck! Stay tuned to What The Truck?!’s twitter account @whatthetruckyeg to find out when and where this summer’s events and truck stops are happening!
written by LINDSAY RAINBOW designed by ANNA LEE
ENTERTAINMENT If you’re a fan of music, theatre, and great live entertainment, trust that Edmonton has not forgotten you. From August 11-21, 2016, the Fringe Theatre Festival features daily theatrical performances, ranging from the hilarious, to moving, to downright weird. If you love theatre and drama, add this event to your summer bucket list. Maybe your final exam grades weren’t what you were hoping for. Good news for those of us considering running away and joining the circus: the Street Performers Festival runs from July 8-17, 2016 in Sir Winston Churchill Square. This summer, be sure to check it out to see some of the best of the best in sword juggling, song, dance, comedy, wire walking, balloon artistry, and more! The Edmonton Folk Music Festival (or “Folk Fest”) is one of the most highly anticipated festivals each year. Take it in at Gallagher
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Park from August 4-7, 2016, and enjoy some of the industry’s most popular folk music artists. This year’s line-up looks amazing (as always), so be sure to snag tickets when they go on sale on June 4th. From July 22-31, 2016 K-Days is coming to Northlands Park. For parades, rides, carnival food, concerts from world-renowned musical artists, check out Edmonton’s annual 10-day amusement park. For an out of the ordinary activity to try, the River Valley Adventure CoMPANY offers daily Segway tours of Edmonton’s river valley. For a fun, new way to take in Edmonton’s most beautiful natural areas, set aside an hour this summer to partake in an activity that is guaranteed to take you for a ride.
City of Edmonton
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Youth Council written by NICOLE HAMMOND designed by MAGGIE LAM
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ave you heard about the City of Edmonton Youth Council? Gone are the days where “Children should be seen and not heard.” These days, young people are seizing the opportunity not only to make their voice heard, but also to become an integral influence in the Edmonton community. With so much growth and development happening in our city, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the City of Edmonton Youth Council. CEYC consists of 20 sitting members between the ages of 13 and 23, but all Edmonton youth in that age group may drop in on monthly CEYC meetings and participate in the 5 difference sub-committees. CEYC has sub-committees in Health & Wellness, Social Equity, Engagement, Arts, and City Planning & Infrastructure, providing an unparalleled opportunity to make youth voices heard by Edmonton’s City Council. Newly elected VP Academic of the University of Alberta Students’ Union, Marina Banister, chaired the City of Edmonton Youth Council this past year – and here’s what she had to say about it: “I wish more people knew about [CEYC], because if you’re in between the ages of 13-23, this is an excellent way to get involved. You apply to CEYC, but there are also committees that anyone in the entire city between the ages of 13-23 can drop into. These committees meet with city council and tell them
their ideas and meet with different departments. You can have anyone from a 23-year-old single mother who’s working part-time to a 13-year-old junior high boy [participating in CEYC], and they’re both learning about really intricate areas of the City of Edmonton. Ultimately, the city councilors are very supportive and want us to be involved in the process.” From opposing Bill 10 – a bill that threatened students’ rights to form gay-straight alliances in schools, to making international news (and the front page of BuzzFeed) when the Sustainability Committee proposed that Edmonton City Council serve only vegan foods at meetings, the CEYC has certainly made some big splashes that have caught the nation’s attention. Last year, CEYC worked with the City of Edmonton to create the Edmonton Youth Poet Laureate, a position which mirrors the City of Edmonton’s own Poet Laureate role, but with a special focus on supporting youth arts in the Edmonton community. With diverse projects ranging from policy research to fundraising for at-risk homeless youth, CEYC offers a wide array of experiences, and the ability to craft a unique council experience tailored to your interests. Interested in joining? Web applications open in June and council terms last from September to the end of August.
Check out the City of Edmonton Youth Council at www.ceyc.ca or on their Twitter, @EdmYouthCouncil 7
FASHION TRENDS
WO R K H A L L Let me just rave to you about WORKHALL for a moment. WORKHALL is a goldmine for anyone looking to discover local Edmonton boutique designers. They sell women’s clothes and jewelry, but saying WORKHALL only does “sales” would be ignoring some of the most incredible parts of the business. To start: though I have only personally visited their Whyte Avenue location, the store is one of the most aesthetically pleasing stores I’ve ever been in. For anyone interested in retailing, take note: this is what good visual merchandising looks like. The colour-coded clothes are perfectly spaced along the racks that line the exterior walls of the store. In the middle of the store, you’ll notice that the display tables are suspended from the ceilings and are artfully covered in minimal displays of jewelry, piles of silky tops, and cute succulents in contemporary glass vases.
Top Picks from Workhall
Mercer Cherry Dress
Hunt Amor Evelyn Body Chain
Gellner Black shirtdRess
Angling itself as an alternative to fast fashion, WORKHALL has an in-house production studio at its 100 Street location in Edmonton. But WORKHALL isn’t just about manufacturing and selling clothing; it also has a focus on providing a creative space for local designers to thrive in, and hosts designer workshops as well. Some examples of past events are the Mad Tee Party, where WORKHALL designers guided participants through the process of custom T-shirt building, or the Beer & Bodychains workshop, where attendees learned to craft their own bodychains (one of WORKHALL’s specialties) and sip on some local brews. Most of these events were open to beginners, making the space a creative ground for budding designers, alongside those simply looking for a unique addition to their closet. With two Edmonton locations and a new store opening up in Vancouver this spring, WORKHALL’s focus on community creation and local designers is sure to be a hit. 8
written by NICOLE HAMMOND designed by SARAH VLIEG & CAROL WONG
FYI
written by MARINA BRYAN designed by KRISMINA LA & CAROL WONG
As the end of the semester draws near, and we gear up to write our term papers and final exams, sleepdeprived students burning the midnight oil have become a permanent fixture in libraries all across campus. Unless you’re someone with a supernatural ability to focus for hours on end, you definitely know how crucial it is to take breaks in order to stay focused and refreshed. Today, Lazy Faire dishes out the secrets behind the art of the study break – a How-To in recharging your brain and maximiz ing your studying efficiency!
Any activity needs to be approached with a plan, and it’s important to find the studying technique that works best for you. Take into account your learning style and study habits. For example, if you have a very short attention span and lose focus easily while taking breaks, it may be preferable to take one longer break rather than multiple short breaks. One of the most commonly practiced strategies for taking breaks is the Pomodoro Technique. Even if you don’t know this practice by name (fun fact: it means “tomato” in Italian), you will likely have done something similar while studying. The basic idea is to work for 25 minutes, then take a five minute break. Each 25 minute period is called a “Pomodoro.” After four 25 minute chunks, you then get a longer, 1520 minute break. This prevents you from getting frustrated and replenishes your energy!
Personally, I love snacking while studying, and while at school, I tend to grab whatever is most convenient – which usually ends up being salty, sugary, junk food. Naturally, not only does this guarantee the legendary Freshman 15, but it also turns my brain into a sluggish, sleepy mess – definitely not the optimal studying mentality. So learn from my mistakes, and stick to healthy foods that benefit your brain. Some of the best options are nuts, which are high in protein and unsaturated fats to provide the fuel for long study sessions, as well as fatty acids to improve brain performance. If you don’t like nuts or aren’t able to eat them, fruits and vegetables are another great option for quick and easy snacks. Certain fruits and veggies such as apples and broccoli may also improve your memory retention!
I have found that when I sit down to study and make myself comfortable, I tend not to move for hours at a time, then get up to find myself stiff and groggy. The stress of exams and studying also tend to be an excuse to let workout routines slide. So why not get the best of both worlds, and turn your study sessions into a workout? Take a ten minute walk, or walk up and down some stairs – you’ll be amazed at how motivated you are to stay awake when the only other option is to fall down the stairwell!
Finally, after all your hard work and discipline in studying and effective break-taking, it’s time to reward yourself! After going over the same set of cue cards for the tenth time, it sure helps to have something to look forward to; these are the moments I live for during two weeks of 12-hour study days. If you’re using the Pomodoro Technique, you can take your 20 minute break to get some food or indulge in your Instagram feed. If you want to spare an extra ten minutes, a half hour break is the perfect amount of time to watch an episode of something quick and funny on Netflix, watch a cute animal video, or sneak in some high-quality learning by taking a quiz on Buzzfeed.
So, now that you are armed and ready with the best study snacks, study break techniques, and “educational” distractions, grab those books and get cracking! Cheers to a healthy and productive exam season! 9
THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT
RIDESHARING: YAY OR NAY? written by BULCHA DOLAL & RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO designed by MIMI NGO
YAY
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e are all familiar with the exasperated grunt and variation of “kids these days” complaints that we hear from our parents and grandparents when they struggle with new technology. We might joke about their unwillingness to accept the benefits of technology, but that’s how we as young people sound when we oppose modern ridesharing services like Uber. Uber is the solution to taxis; the more efficient way to meet our need for transportation. It’s 2016 and if apparition isn’t a thing yet, at least we deserve an app that we can use to transport us in comfort. The ridesharing model used by companies like Uber, Lyft, and now TappCar, eliminates the frustrations of having to go through a highly bureaucratic organization for the simple act of getting from place to place.
It’s easily accessible and most platforms allow for driver ratings; something you can’t do with the traditional taxi route. Uber also lets you know where your driver is, thus eliminating the frustrating anticipation of waiting for a car to arrive, as well as the potential for someone else to steal your ride. Unlike the taxi system, ridesharing does not put more cars on the road. Instead, the model allows users to conveniently pay another person from their community for a ride. Thus, the model not only provides an environmentallyfriendly alternative to owning a car (as it reduces harmful emissions produced by cars), but it also creates jobs in the economy, by allowing people to use resources they already have to earn additional income. Since there is no extra capital needed, more people are empowered to earn additional income by working for Uber part time. A solution that’s more efficient, better for the environment and adds to the economy sounds better than the taxi industry currently.
The main issue that parties opposing Uber use is the security of the system. There is a misconception that the system is completely open - that people are just driving their cars, picking people up. While the simplicity of the system may feel too good to be true, Uber drivers are registered with the company and most countries require for these drivers to have a security check completed. The isolated cases of dangerous incidents are highlighted more when they happen in Uber versus when they happen in taxis due to the lack of knowledge about Uber as a company. There are no statistics proving taxis to be safer than Ubers. While the security and safety aspect of Uber’s business model can always be improved upon, there is not enough evidence to warrant a complete dismissal of this ground-breaking service. Uber is a revolutionary advancement in our society transportation system, and our fear of change should not be why Uber is stopped mid-road.
RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO 10
NAY
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s we’ve all heard over the previous months, there is obvious beef between taxi and Uber supporters. The benefits of Uber are very tantalizing, but does it come at a cost? Is it really too good to be true? While Uber has the benefits of convenience and reduced emissions, at least one thing is sacrificed when you choose Uber over a taxi: your safety. When you settle into the back seat of a taxi, you know what you’re getting into. Every taxi operator in Alberta is required to have the proper license, meaning they must have passed the exam for Class 1, 2, or 4. These classes are reserved only for professional drivers, like bus and ambulance drivers. It only makes sense that a taxi driver has the expertise to drive as safely and efficiently as an ambulance driver. With Uber drivers, they may just have a Class 5 licence, or even a Class 5-GDL. While some degree of skill and training is required to pass these exams, the fact remains that
many 16 year olds can (and do) obtain their Class 5-GDL with relative ease. Uber recently requested that Transport Minister Brian Mason waive the Class 4 license requirement for commercial operators, but this request was denied. Had this request been permitted, your next ride home from Jasper Ave could have been in Grade 11. It’s challenging to accept Uber’s legitimacy when they are so unwilling to follow the rules that have been laid out for everyone else, and when their requirements for their drivers are so low. All taxi drivers are subject to a police information check. The city requires this precaution in order to ensure all passengers have their right to safety guaranteed. Recently, there have been several cases of Uber drivers getting in trouble with the law and putting their passenger’s safety at risk. When a taxi picks you up, you may not receive the most outstanding customer service, but at least you can be assured that the ride will be straight business. Additionally on the topic of safety: Uber’s unwillingness to obtain appropriate insurance. The City of Edmonton was willing to allow Uber to operate here, under the condition the company obtained proper insurance. Uber was, however, unable to meet this requirement. It would seem they were so concerned
with revolutionizing the vehicle-for-hire market, they forgot to consider the most basic safety and operational concepts. Without insurance, the passenger could stand to lose the most when their Uber driver got into an accident. It’s not fair for the customers to have to worry about their well-being if a damaging car accident occurs. And so, when Uber’s driver insurance was delayed, the City of Edmonton was left with no choice but to suspend Uber’s operations. Last year, the same thing occurred in the City of Calgary. What was appalling in Calgary’s situation was that some Uber drivers continued to operate under the radar after the company’s operations were suspended. If Uber cared for the safety of its passengers, the company would have put more effort into preventing drivers from working illegally. That, however, was not the case, and we have instead seen Uber continue to fight for shortcuts and special allowances, and to perpetually request easier terms under which to operate. At the end of the day, taxis aren’t the epitome of customer service. However, they do take passenger safety seriously, and they are willing to compete with other businesses on an even playing field. And that commitment to safety and fairness is always more important than a lower fare.
BULCHA DOLAL
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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You have a lot of experience in the not for profit sector. What is it about NFPs that interests you? When you enter the School of Business you’re told to network and get involved, and as cliché as it sounds, I really do love being involved in my community. But I decided to take my own approach. I wanted to get involved with activities that I could look back on and know that I helped someone else, instead of just benefitting myself. And I think that comes from having compassion and respect for everyone that you meet. I try to go through life knowing that everyone has a story and everyone comes from a different background. I think it’s amazing that I get to volunteer with so many things that I am passionate about and that can really help others. That’s what has pushed me to get involved with things like ANPA and 5 Days for the Homeless. How has your experience as Co-Chair for ANPA been, and what were some of your goals going into the position?
families and our beds. Our goal was to gain empathy by putting ourselves in the shoes of these kids who are only slightly different from ourselves, even if it was just for five days. A big turning point for our whole group was on the fourth night, when a visitor came by our sleeping area. He had been living in the river valley for the past 25 years, and was willing to share his story with us. He talked about his life and his girlfriend and the story of how he got to where he was. I think that opened the eyes of the whole team because it was finally real and in front of us; he showed us the reality of homelessness. 5 Days for the Homeless has definitely been the best experience of my undergrad and I encourage anyone who can to get involved, whether by donating or supporting or actually participating because it’s such an amazing campaign. What surprised you during the 5 Days for the Homeless campaign?
It’s been awesome. My co-chair Divleen and I were so lucky to work with the team we had. We could rely on them for absolutely anything. My main goal for ANPA this year was to awaken students to the opportunities that exist within the not for profit sector. We had this slogan, which was to “make not for profits fun,” and we really wanted to show students that NFPs are not just businesses who are asking for handouts, but rather a sector with a lot of career opportunities. I think that the not for profit sector has such untapped potential that the students in our generation could really utilize to make future generations better.
I was surprised by the support we got from the community. I thought that some business students and some of my friends would come and support me.But we also had members of the community bring their kids; showing them what it’s like to give back and help others. We always had a smiling face come and bring us food or come hang out with us, which was amazing. Through that experience, I also found that I formed bonds unlike any bond I’ve ever seen. Especially with homeless youth, the support they have is very limited. And even with that support, they can feel very alone, which is why organizations like YESS are so crucial to help get them back up on their feet and back into society.
Last year, you were the local chair of the 5 Days for the Homeless campaign. How has that experience impacted you?
As you reflect upon this school year, what has been memorable for you? And going forward, what are your goals and aspirations?
I can’t even begin to describe how greatly the experience impacted me. Growing up in St. Albert, I was very naïve to the thought of homelessness. Immersing myself in the campaign made me realize that homelessness affects not only the community that I live in, but the community my friends and family live in, and the community that I’ll probably raise my own family in, and so it’s absolutely heartbreaking to see the amount of homelessness in our own city. I went into the campaign thinking it would just be a fun time for us to get to know each other and experience this idea of homelessness. But it turned out to be such a difficult week; we were all emotionally and physically exhausted by the final days. Our goal was in no way to mimic homelessness, because in reality at the end of the week we got to go home to our
I think this past year has been a year of personal growth for me. If I’m to be honest, I’ve gone through a lot of failure. Before this year, I was really afraid of rejection, and I never wanted to admit that I would fail anything. Once it happened, I realized that, instead of being afraid of rejection and failure, I need to think of all the greatness I can achieve if I just try and put myself out there. I also gained a better understanding of myself through trying to help others. I discovered what my passions are and I think that’ll really help me with the rest of my life. I don’t know what I’m going to do after I graduate, but my main goal is to be able to help people; to go home every night knowing that I made a difference, whether that impact be something small, or on a larger scale.
As a fourth year accounting major, a previous co-chair of Alberta Not for Profit Association, former VP Academic for the Business Exchange Association, and a veteran of 5 Days for the Homeless, Karley’s passion and dedication for helping others stands out within the School of Business. Lazy Faire had the pleasure of sitting down with Karley this month to reflect on how these experiences have shaped her and gotten her to where she is today.
written by ISABELA MACIEL designed by CAROL WONG photographed by KEVIN ESPENIDO
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EXTERNAL RELATIONS
SEEING BEYOND The sector A Look into Life at an NPO On a gloomy, overcast Monday afternoon, the offices at the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation were warm, inviting, and full of friendly banter and laughter. I had the great privilege to speak with Mike House, President and CEO of the Foundation, and his team of amazing individuals, all alumni of the Alberta School of Business. We spent part of the afternoon reminiscing on what the School of Business was like when they walked the halls, and part of it discussing what it is like to be in a team that runs a nonprofit structured like a business. The team from the Foundation had some extremely valuable advice for future Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) grads, especially those considering work in the nonprofit sector.
Mike House
Position: President and CEO Degree(s): BCom, MBA, CFRE Field of Study: Marketing and Finance Year of Graduation: 1989 and 1990, respectively Best Advice: “The truth is that we put limits on ourselves and on what we can do. Our internal critic tells us we can’t do these things, but our friends and our family and everyone else sees all the amazing things that we have the capacity to do. So business school taught me to take those limits off and dream as big as I want to dream.”
Karen Faulkner
Position: Vice President, Fundraising Operations Degree(s): BCom Field of Study: General Year of Graduation: 1990 Best Advice: “What amazed me when I moved over from for-profit to nonprofit is that they’re not that different. You still need the same business background and knowledge in terms of decision making, business planning, budgeting, organizational structure, culture – it’s all the same. And a lot of people think it’s different, but it’s not.”
Ryan Drury
Position: Development Officer Degree(s): BCom Field of Study: Marketing Year of Graduation: 2003 Best Advice: “[I wish I had talked] to more people and [worked] with more people. I think when you’re worried about your grades, it’s easy to get really cliquey with people that you work well with. I think it would be interesting to diversify more, and not worry so much about the unsure outcome – switch it up a little bit.”
Aneesa Murji
Position: Director of Community Engagement Degree(s): BCom (Co-op), MBA Candidate Field of Study: Marketing Year of Graduation: 2006 Best Advice: “I regret not doing case competitions; there’s so much value in them. Those are critical skills to develop and [they are] so valuable in the business world. But I did study abroad in Wales and that was one of the coolest things about my undergrad. I’d definitely encourage others to do that.” 14
From left to right: Ryan Drury, Whitney Masson, Aneesa Murji, Lydia Middleton, Angelica Menck, Mike House, Karen Faulkner
Lydia Middleton
Position: Special Events Coordinator Degree(s): BCom Field of Study: Marketing Year of Graduation: 2013 Best Advice: On the benefits of working at a nonprofit: “It’s not just the impact that you’re making, but also the other companies that are working with you to make that impact. They are making their mark, and it’s nice to see that it spreads throughout the city. It’s not just the people that work here, but others as well that are making that difference.”
Whitney Masson
Position: Senior Manager of Special Events Degree(s): BCom (Co-op), MBA Field of Study: Marketing Year of Graduation: 2006 and 2011, respectively Best Advice: “Co-op was hugely valuable [in] gaining confidence in your abilities and what you’ve learned and applying it to the workforce.”
And on the benefits of working at a nonprofit: “For me, it’s really important to believe in what I’m working for, and that’s what drew me here. I love that I’m helping out when I go to work everyday.”
Angelica Menck
Position: Development Officer Degree(s): BCom (Co-op) Field of Study: International Business Year of Graduation: 2011 Best Advice: “I ended up doing my Co-op entirely at a nonprofit organization, and I wish I had mixed it up a little to get a bit of that for-profit experience; I think that is a crucial time to have that experience. I was enjoying my experience so I didn’t think about it, but looking back, that is something I would have liked to have done.”
I decided to let Mike and Karen have the last word, because they can sum it up better than I can: “The advantage of working in a nonprofit is that you get to make a difference. We’re helping children who are sick get better – that’s a huge part of why nonprofits are so powerful. I like the idea that you can have a vision for changing the world, and you can implement it. There are lots of businesses that don’t have that opportunity, but we can do that. [Ultimately] you can earn a good living, and you can be productive, and you can make a difference in both sectors. It’s not about the sector; it’s about what you want. If you’re stuck and you don’t know, the best thing is to move in a direction and then pivot accordingly.”
– Mike House “[My BCom] was one of the best times of my life; it opened the world up to me and I have absolutely no regrets. What I love about having a BCom is that you can have so many careers – it’s never too late to move between for-profit and nonprofit. If you are passionate and believe in what you’re doing, you’re going to be good at it, and opportunities are going to present themselves.”
– Karen Faulkner
written by LINDSAY RAINBOW designed by KEVIN ESPENIDO photographed by SUHUR OMAR 15
CLUBS CORNER
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ecoming an entrepreneur is a daunting, yet incredible pursuit. Entrepreneurs are leaders that catalyze innovative ideas and transform them into real-life, impactful entities. If the concept of entrepreneurship interests you and you want to experience the rewarding and risky life of an entrepreneur, you should get involved with eHUB! It’s a workspace, in our very own HUB mall, where students, faculty, and staff can share their ideas and efforts, bringing business ventures to fruition. You do not have to be in any particular faculty or program to be involved, eHUB encourages diversity in ideas, talents, and perspectives. They lead multiple programs and events to cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit across campus. To familiarize yourself with this entrepreneurial ecosystem, a great first step would be to enroll in their eHUB orientation. This program debriefs potential eHUBbers with expectations in regards to the organization and one’s involvement. After becoming familiar with eHUB, you can participate in Idea Generation or Accelerate. Although many bright minds walk into eHUB braced with an idea, the organization also provides resources and space to foster ideas for possible businesses. The Accelerate
program is about bringing that idea into motion. This involves collaborating with others; taking a well-developed business idea to the next level. Whether you are completely foreign to the idea of entrepreneurship or consider yourself an expert, there is definitely something you can learn from eHUB. eHUB is also affiliated with three student groups: Enactus, Net Impact, and eCLUB. eCLUB particularly, is an organization focused on entrepreneurship, that works to develop a strong entrepreneurship network on campus. They host interesting discussions and activities, drawing students from all faculties. These lessons range from learning on how to deal with technological issues hands-on, to engaging talks from veteran entrepreneurs. Out of their montage of events, one of the crowd favourites is Spark. This is a periodic event where individuals can pitch their budding business idea, learn from others and network with other aspiring entrepreneurs. They also offer a variety of resources to help people conceptualize their ideas. If you’re about classroom learning before the hands-on approach, and want learn about entrepreneurship
written by MONIKA SHARMA designed by NICHOLE CHEN
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theoretically before you hit the ground running with a business idea, the University of Alberta offers a course for you: Entrepreneurship 101! Although it is housed in the School of Business, it is open to students in all programs. Essentially, entrepreneurs find a way to make the world around them better. They understand the gap between what we have and what society needs, and they work relentlessly to fulfill these needs. If you want to make a difference in the world, and surround yourself with innovative and brilliant peers, eHUB might just be the place for you.
Xerox As A Career If you have ever chanced upon the back cover of any issue of Lazy Faire, you might have noticed that Xerox is one of Lazy Faire’s longtime sponsors. The company is a huge supporter of the School of Business, and Xerox actively looks for business students to manage and grow its business across Canada. This month, Lazy Faire spoke to School of Business grads Charles Gordon and Curtis Middleton to learn about their experiences with Xerox. What do you find most rewarding about working at Xerox?
of whom are in Edmonton, so I have to take more of a virtual approach when trying to managing them.
I enjoy being able to find solutions for our customers’ problems. I like having the opportunity to turn an initially negative opinion around by making them happy.
The economy is also challenging in that it is affecting part of Xerox’s business. Clients are trying to reduce printing, and printing double sided pages. However, these challenges with reduced printing are opportunities for us to bring efficiencies to clients.
Was there anything you initially found intimidating when you started with Xerox? Being in a conference call with a hundred people and voicing my opinion when they asked questions; having to give personal opinions in such a setting is tough. Were there any classes from your university days that helped you transition into Xerox? MGTSC 352 (now OM 352) helped a lot. A good deal of concepts from that class come into play in my work.
Charles Gordon Fleet Operations Manager for Xerox Canada
There is a significant virtual aspect ot the job; there are a lot of conference calls. I manage ten people, only two
Was there anything you initially found intimidating when you started with Xerox?
Contract negotiations - it requires finding the opportunity, developing solutions, writing contracts, and booking meetings to close a deal. Communication skills is another one – I have to be able to communicate with people from different levels in an organization and talk to people about the specific industries they work in. Account management is another important skill that I developed at Xerox – it requires me to build credibility with customers and learn how to strategically enter competitive accounts.
The account management. I have to deal with 337 accounts and try to retain customers. It’s up to me to refresh the relationship, especially if the client has had a poor experience with a previous account manager. Essentially, I have to tell clients that I am their new account manager, and if they need any escalated service, I will provide it for them. This job requires connecting with clients, and if they don’t hear from me, they will call on our competitors.
BUS 301, which was about business communications. That class is basically what my job is today – communicating with customers. However, I learned a lot more about teamwork, team management, and developed my qualitative skills set from my extracurricular activities. These included my business exchange to Edinburgh, Scotland, being a BSA Cohort Captain, and taking part in 5 Days for the Homeless.
Don’t be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. For me, this was public speaking. Back when I was in BUS 201, I was so nervous about the presentation – but it went great! I realized after that I had conveyed a calm presence. Looking back, the presentation was not a big deal; I was just sharing information with people, and there was no reason to be worried. If there is something you’re afraid of, go out and do it.
Are there any challenges with working at Xerox?
What skills have you developed since you started working at Xerox?
Were there any classes from your university days that helped you transition into Xerox?
Do you have any advice for business students interested in Xerox?
What do you find most rewarding about working at Xerox? Working with a team that “pours” into you and lets you “pour” back; coworkers share the best practices with each other, and we’re given the chance to celebrate our success. Also, whenever mistakes are made, we’re given the chance to fix them. Do you have any advice for business students interested in Xerox? Think about your career as a whole, and not just an initial job out of university. Working at Xerox is a hard job, but with all the learning opportunities the job offers, expect it to take you far.
Curtis Middleton Account Executive with Segue Systems
written by BULCHA DOLAL designed by JESSICA ARANIBAR photographed by CANDACE CHU 17
LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM guest article written by DANIEL ROTH designed by MARINA BRYAN & CAROL WONG
What is the Leadership Certificate Program? Have you ever found yourself in a situation and thought, “there has to be a better way to do this?” Or, “I wish I knew how to make this happen more smoothly?” Chances are fairly good that you have, and since these kinds of questions are the essence of leadership, everyone has the potential to be a leader. Leadership is about looking at where you are and figuring out what needs to be done to get to where you want to be. It’s about finding the right people and giving them the right tools to do something that they’re passionate about. It’s about being able to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, while still understanding why the details matter. The Alberta School of Business’ Leadership Certificate (LC) Program is one of many ways that you can gain leadership experience. The LC Program provides you with the fundamental tools needed to ask these questions, and the space to find the answers. Because the LC Program brings together people from so many different backgrounds, you gain exposure to different ways of seeing the world. Do you think leadership can be taught? “In my opinion, to demonstrate leadership you need to have a combination of characteristics like understanding, vision and passion, which are arguably innate. Many people go through life not fully utilizing their leadership qualities, however, the LC Program teaches you how to strengthen and apply these characteristics so you can realize your full leadership potential.”
— Laura Perram, LC2
What has been the biggest take-away for you from the LC Program so far? “Being in the LC Program has allowed me to gain an incredible amount of knowledge and insight from my classmates. Every week, I have the opportunity to work alongside a group of determined individuals and hear new perspectives and ideas. I have gained much more than just a cohort of 12 students. We are all leaders in our own way and the LC Program has provided a space for us to grow and develop together.”
— Lindsay Cox, LC3 In three words, describe the LC Program. “Business acumen development. The LC Program is about learning and developing the basic skills that all good leaders should have, including human resources management methodologies, communication skills, and business and personal development strategies.”
— Mack Carson, LC3
Looking back on your experiences, what would you say to undergrads considering entering the LC Program? “Learning to be an authentic leader is hard work that requires commitment. It reveals your values, who you are, and what you care about, so that you can act honestly and truthfully. The LC Program won’t guarantee your success, but it will guide your actions, providing a foundation for the skills you develop when leading in the years ahead.”
— Nisha Patel, LC1
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What led you to consider joining the LC Program? “The two biggest factors were the students in the LC Program and the opportunities that would be made available outside of the classroom. The students I saw in the first year of the LC Program came from many diverse backgrounds with different experiences, which made me want to apply so I could learn from other students in my year.”
— Dan Park, LC2
Realize your potential. Take a step forward. The 2016 application deadline for the Alberta School of Business’ Leadership Certificate Program is May 15. For more information on the LC Program, and on how to apply, please visit: https://business.ualberta.ca/programs/bachelor-ofcommerce/current-students/leadership-certificate
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Lazy Faire's
YEAR IN REVIEW In the past year, the Lazy Faire team has worked hard to connect you with meaningful content that adds value to your experience as an Alberta School of Business student. Our articles have covered everything from creative business card ideas, to the career paths of local entrepreneurs, to the finer points of the professional wardrobe. We are very proud of what we have produced. In reflection and celebration of the last 12 months, some of our team members have chosen their favourite articles. This is Lazy Faire’s Year in Review – we hope you have enjoyed this year as much as we have. Yes, Edmonton winters are known to be long, dark and freezing cold, but check out all the wonderful events listed in my favourite article, “Holiday Events in Edmonton” (December 2015)! It’s always nice to see everyone out and about during the holiday season!
The goals in bucket lists are big, but can also be vague. The Summer issue’s “Under 25 Bucket List” flipped this idea upside down, by showing us the specific goals students have for the next few years of their lives. The ambition of my peers was inspiring, and I am certain they will accomplish their goals.
Maggie Lam, Designer
Kyra Cusveller, Content Editor
ISABELA MACIEL, WRITER Her favourite article: 5 Key Tips for Holding Effective Meetings
February’s Centennial issue was certainly a special one, and one that I know our team is extremely proud of. My favourite article this year has to be the External Relations in this issue, “Alumni From Alberta”. It was truly inspiring seeing what School of Business grads at all different stages of their careers have been able to accomplish in the time since their graduations. I can’t wait to see the amazing and innovative things my peers will go on to do with their education and talents! Carey Poon, Content Editor
matthew ryan, sponshorship coordinator His favourite article: An Interview with Kieran Ryan, Founder, Pogo CarShare
mimi ngo, art director Her favourite article: Under 25 Bucket List
My favorite article this year was the pep talk for staying motivated before graduation! As a student graduating this term, the struggle to stay focused is real when you are constantly thinking about what life beyond graduation will hold!
Thomas Yonan’s Summer issue article “On the Irony of Mindfulness” for two reasons: the first being that I love the philosophical analysis on the latest and greatest business/self-help concept of mindfulness. The second reason I love this article is entirely selfish; I remember reading this article at the beginning of the year and it going right over my head. But 7 months later, it makes perfect sense to me. So this article serves as kind of a measure of how much I’ve learned from taking Philosophy and English courses. Nicole Hammond, Writer
Paulina Brittner, Marketing Coordinator
candace chu, photographer Her favourite article: Countdown to NEW
One of my favourite articles of the year was written by Isabela Maciel, The Finance of Fashion: Maximizing Your ROI. As a student who works part-time in high-end retail, I see the merits of making sure you “invest” in your wardrobe even though prices may seem intimidating. You might break the bank a little, but like Isabela says, good clothes “generate you the best return on your [investment]!” Steven Co, Events Coordinator
bulcha dolal, WRITER His favourite article: A Tale of American Apparel
My favourite article is the October “Fashion Blogs You Should Be Following” article. I don’t follow a lot of fashion blogs on Instagram and didn’t know where to start, so it was nice to have an article done on this.
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Anna Lee, Designer
samantha seMLer, photographer Her favourite article: Holiday Songs for Business Students kristi wong, events coordinator Her favourite article: Alumni from Alberta for the World
written by KEVIN ESPENIDO designed by ANNA LEE photographed by COLE PEARSON
cole pearson, photographer His favourite article: Trick-or-Treating: How Old is too Old?
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350+
70,000+
student stories we’ve shared through Student Spotlight, Lazy Chat & Suits
photos taken during Power, Point & Shoot
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online impressions on content
writers, designers, photographers, editors, directors, and coordinators
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alumni whose careers we HAve learned from
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generous industry and alumni partners
years of history
issues produced
Thank you for an amazing year!
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The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
Whether you are traveling to a destination or just looking to get away from the city for a while, here are some helpful tips and fun ideas to make your road trip the best one ever!
MAKE A PLAN
Yes, you are a free spirit, the embodiment of spontaneity, but trust me, it goes downhill fast when you can’t find a place to stay, miss your plane/bus, or run out of money. Make a general plan of where you are going, calculate the amount of time it will take you to get there, and create an approximate budget (including food, gas, and accommodations) before you leave. You don’t have to book campgrounds/hostels/hotels months in advance, but at least phone ahead a couple days beforehand to ask about vacancies so that you can make a Plan B if needed.
PICK YOUR SQUAD WELL
Make sure you can get along with the people you are traveling with before you commit to spending 14 hours a day in an enclosed space with them. Consider taking a shorter test trip before a longer one, and plan the trip together so everyone is included in the decision making process to prevent arguments down the road – this includes deciding on an itinerary, menu, and budget that everyone can agree on.
PACK LIGHT
Rule of thumb: The heavier your car, the less gas milage you will get. Be conscious when packing (do you really need that cute pair of 4-inch wedges for a hiking trip?) and clean out your car before the trip to get rid of any extra weight. Avoid putting luggage on the roof as well – this creates unnecessary drag, and when you’re whipping down the highway at 120 km/h, it really takes a toll on your gas mileage.
PREP YOUR CAR
Schedule a tune-up with a mechanic, or at least check your battery, tires, and oil. Have an emergency kit in your car with a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, and some basic tools, just in case.
BOREDOM BUSTERS
No matter how #goals your squad is, as you enter into the tenth hour, thoughts of duct-taping the mouth of that one loud friend begin to creep into your mind. For the sake of your sanity and the skin around your friend’s mouth, here are some ways to keep the boredom at bay:
pack good snacks
Pack snacks before you leave to save money, and prevent yourself from eating chocolate bars for a week straight. You can also bring a cooler (don’t forget the ice packs!) to put fresh produce in. Some snack ideas include: prepopped popcorn, veggies and fruit, trail mix, pretzels and hummus, dry cereal, and plenty of water!
GAMES: •
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I Spy: A classic road trip game where you spot a specific object/item and other players have to guess the item based on the color. Be warned: this game can get old pretty fast, but it is a staple to entertain young children on family road trips. Team Storytelling: Create a ridiculous story by having every player contribute 5 words to a collaborative story. 20 Questions: Players ask ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions to figure out what, or who, another player is thinking of. This game is great for getting your friends to spill their deepest, darkest secrets – or to cause the conversation to take a turn for the strange and nonsensical.
music: • •
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Playlists: Have everybody in the car make a playlist of their favorite songs. Spotify and Apple Music also have great playlists if you run out of music. Podcasts and Audiobooks: Put on a podcast or audiobook for quiet hours. But beware, a normal sized book can easily turn into a 40-hour audiobook, so make sure you have the time before you start. Libraries have audiobooks you can borrow, so be sure to check out EPL and save your money for gas!
Download all the music, apps, podcasts, audiobooks, and videos before you leave so you don’t use all your data on the road!
written by KARA HAUCA designed by MIMI NGO
LAZY CHAT
This month, Lazy Faire chatted with Daylan Romaniuk, one of the School of Business’ most diverse and down-to-earth students. Daylan took out a few moments out of his busy schedule to talk about some of his experiences in the School of Business, ranging from clubs to case competitions, and his exciting plans for the summer and for after school. You’re involved in many different roles at the School of Business. Can you tell us about the clubs you’re a part of, and the most valuable thing you’ve gained from getting involved?
I’m the incoming Co-Chair for the 2017 Rocky Mountain Business Seminar and previously the Vice President Finance with the University of Alberta Marketing Association. I’m also a former JDC West participant as a member on the International Business team, that won second place at JDC West 2016. The most valuable thing I’ve gained from being involved is a large group of brilliant friends. I’ve learned time management and teamwork skills from working with so many great people at the Alberta School of Business. In addition to your extensive club involvement, you have also participated in a number of case competitions. What has been your favourite competition or experience from a case competition?
That’s tough – I’ve had so many great experiences at competitions. JDC West has been my favourite thus far but honourable mention goes to the CPA Board Governance
Case Competition. It was very interesting to learn about board governance, as it was a topic I had not yet had the chance to study in school. You were also an ambassador for the NFL in this past year. Can you explain more about what you did in that position, and how you got involved?
I was lucky to get the position! I don’t think there is any secret sauce – I just applied and interviewed. My role was to promote NFL Canada’s Thursday Night Football Kickoff Canada Tour. The NFL realized that more people watch the SuperBowl, per capita, in Canada than the United States, so my role was to raise brand awareness through social media promotion. I worked with the NFL Canada social media team, which was a great experience. I was also assigned to ensure the success of the Edmonton Kickoff event, where we gave away SuperBowl tickets to two lucky winners.
as you feel ready, take on more responsibility. If you’re doing things that you love, you’ll find a way to make them work. You’ll most likely impress yourself and learn a lot! I don’t know how great that advice is, but that’s how I did it. What are your plans for the future and after graduation, and how do you think your involvement in school has affected that plan?
After graduation I’d like to get into management consulting. I think case competitions have provided me a lot of insight into what I’d like to do. I enjoy being creative in the problem solving process and case analysis allows me to do this. I’d also like to keep up on not for profit work. This summer, I’m participating in the Golden Future South Africa program focusing on educating South African high school students, and I’d like to keep working in education or pro bono consulting.
Do you have any advice for balancing so many different activities and commitments?
I would say create a list of all the things you’d like to do and set an order of preference. Go after things one at a time and ease into the things you’d really like to do. Take it slow, and
written by MARINA BRYAN designed by CAROL WONG photographed by ADRIENNE LEUNG
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Last year across Canada we hired 100 new business grads. Find out why a Xerox Agency is the right next step after graduation. Findyourxfactor.ca ©2014 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox®, Xerox and Design®, and Ready For Real Business are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Xerox Canada Ltd. is the licensee of all the trademarks.