Our new edition this year brings forth the “Best of the Best”. We want to deliver to you the best of everything. It is within our “Best of the Best” articles published throughout the year that we ask you to bring out your best! Get involved with our publications this year and you may find yourself as the lucky winner of our contest prizes! It is our goal this year to not only share our voices but hear yours as well! Got a question? We would love to answer it! Got a comment? We would love to hear it! Got the desire to write for “The Executive”? Come and speak with us!
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elcome to a year chock- full of new experiences, new connections, but most of all new memories! As Publications Managers here at MESA, we are so ecstatic to deliver to you an array of insider’s scoop and be your central hub of resources. We know university can be foreign and stressful at times, so we’re here to teach you the tricks of the trade while creating sparks in your minds. In our first issue, we wanted to teach you the ropes and what way would be better than by doing it yourself? Looking to earn some easy money? Blogging is your solution! Don’t know what a personal brand is? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Our DIY issue also features some of the greatest do-it- yourself professionals out there. From MGI Securities’ David Chapman, Toronto Star’s Ellen Roseman, TalentEgg’s creator Lauren Friese and YouTuber Andrew Gunadie (gunnarolla), we have the inside scoop that you will surely not want to miss out on!
We can’t wait to meet and hear from you!
Yours Truly,
MESA will be hosting many other events in addition to these major ones!
Launch Party
Sept 9
Accounting Facts Night
MESA is bringing to all students, The Accounting Facts Night (AFN). One of the flagship events that have been an integral part of the success of our aspiring CPA/CA students in past years is set forth to return once again this fall. The trademark initiative that continuously strives to raise awareness for our aspiring CPA/CA students amidst the fierce external competition is back in action. This is your chance to indulge in a connection like none other, a night that bodes to bring nothing but success to you motivated students, and an opportunity that provides you with a jumpstart to your career. Get out there and establish connections and friendships that you might’ve never thought you’d develop, with professionals and recruiters from various CATO Firms including Telecommunications Giant, Telus Mobility!
Launch Party is one of the largest social events of the year to welcome all incoming first year students, as well as the returning senior students! The day is full of fun activities, mini-competitions, food, and music! Also, if you use your MESA Plus Card you can enjoy added benefits like free food!
Sept 25
LIVE Kickoff Event
Want to learn about UTSC’s nationally acclaimed business conference, LIVE (Leading Innovation to Execution) Competition? Come to the LIVE Kickoff Event where you’ll have the opportunity to learn what it takes to compete, meet the amazing team behind it all, and network with their partners!
Sept 20
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Marketing Student Experience Competition
Are you interested in the field of marketing? Do you feel like all the things you learned in class are not being put to good use? Then MESA challenges you to compete in the Marketing Student Experience Competition to see if you have what it takes to take on a role as a marketing professional! In this competitive environment you will have to utilize and apply the knowledge you have on various marketing principles along with your analytical and soft skills. Stay tune for the end of September where MESA will announce which acclaimed firm will be judging!
Coffee Night
Midterms are stressing everybody out in October, but luckily there’s a way to let loose for a few hours! Come relax at MESA’s annual Coffee Night, where where we will serve free coffee to energize you. Enjoy some great entertainment by local UTSC talent while you’re here!
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President’s Message
Denis Wu
President, MESA
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owdy! Welcome to the start of another amazing year at UTSC. It brings me great joy to see such ambitious and passionate students. For those of you who are new, congratulations for making it so far! This will be another memorable milestone in your life - a channel to explore new opportunities, make lasting relationships, and propel your dreams further. To those who are returning, make this year your year. Take this time to accomplish something you’ve never had the chance to accomplish in your previous year; join an inter-house team, volunteer or take the time to learn a new skill. It is never too late to do anything. I know with the highest confidence that we can overcome any challenge with passion and energy. I am honoured, as well as humbled by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as your President of the Management & Economics Students’ Association (MESA) of the 2013-2014 year. MESA is the official Departmental Student Association (DSA), representing over 3500 students in all Management and Economics programs. As the MESA team continues to achieve the levels of excellence and professionalism displayed in the past, we will work diligently to provide new and relevant opportunities for students in all areas of study throughout the year. Our vision this year is propelled by 3 pillars
focused on student engagement; resource offerings and building external awareness; and recognition of UTSC’s programs and of MESA. Ultimately, MESA is here to work for you and we value any feedback you may have throughout the year. As representatives of the student body, our Executives, Affiliates, and Partners work towards the betterment of your undergraduate experience. We enthusiastically welcome you to participate and voice your opinions with us so we can collectively succeed this year. This year, I strongly recommend you to take advantage on all that our school has to offer. Seek out and participate in any opportunity that interests you. If you are unsure what specific career to pursue, the best way is to diversify the events you attend. MESA is keen on providing events catered towards all streams of study. The events may help you better understand your path of pursuit and expand your professional and personal network. It is up to you to take the first step in shaping your university life. Do not squander these years away and seize the opportunities being offered to you in these four years. I am positive that you can find any club or activity on campus to fulfill your interest and goals. Let us have a fun, exciting and extraordinary year. I can’t wait to see you around campus.
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Explore new opportunities, make lasting relationships, and propel your dreams further.
Welcome message From the Chair of Management David Zweig
Chair of Management, UTSC
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am very pleased to welcome our new and returning students to the Management family in 2013-14. This past summer, I had the honour of congratulating the class of 2013 as they completed their BBA degrees. By immersing themselves in the many academic and professional development opportunities in Management, this graduating class leaves us with the knowledge and experience to become the next generation of organizational leaders. In a few short years, you will be joining this group of distinguished alumni in Management who are changing the world in all areas of business. But before you get there, let me tell you about some of the exciting new developments taking place this year in Management.
David Zweig is the Chair of the Department of Management at UTSC. He is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour and HR Management.
Over the past two years, the faculty and staff have been revamping the curriculum to ensure that your education remains at the forefront of knowledge in all areas of Management. Last year, we rolled out new courses, and placed a renewed emphasis on experiential learning. This year, we will be developing an exciting stream in entrepreneurship, launching a new business communications course, and further integrating cases and writing assignments into the curriculum. More than ever before, we are offering you the opportunity to learn new skills outside of the classroom that will prepare you for your chosen career. Our finance lab is now fully operational
and is becoming a key part of the Management student experience. Through the lab, we offer a number of opportunities to learn skills in Excel and Bloomberg, to conduct effective presentations, and to engage in advanced financial modeling. In addition, we will be running a variety of programs to assist all students with their career goals, manage the transition from school to work, develop their professional brand and network, and assist them with their coursework. As always, Management works hand-in-hand with MESA to support their terrific initiatives, events, and of course, the LIVE conference in November. I encourage all Management students to get involved with all of the great things MESA and the Department offer throughout the year. We hear it consistently from employers and our graduates - practicing what you learn in the classroom by getting involved outside the classroom is what will make the difference as you launch your career. As I have said on many occasions, we are very proud of our Management students. We hold you to very high standards and you exceed them. Work hard, get involved, and succeed. I’m looking forward to congratulating all of you when it is your turn to graduate from this fantastic program. Until then, on behalf of the faculty and staff in Management, I wish you great success in all of your endeavours in this new academic year.
Welcome Message from Co-op Management
Finding your Way to a New Comfort Zone Bobbi McFarlane
Program Secretary, Co-op Management
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elcome to your 2013-2014 school year! Let’s start with a fact – UTSC students are the best! Every year, I am uplifted by the energy and spirit of each newly admitted student into the BBA Program. Indeed, that energy is definitely palpable, audible, and contagious! Not only does September bring a rush of autumn colours, but a rush of enthusiasm to the entire campus. Now, that happens to be my humble experience as the fall semester begins, but what about yours? Whether you’re a ‘new student’, or ‘seasoned senior’– what rewards do you draw from this time of the school year? It might be re‐connecting with your longtime friends, or making new ones, learning about stock trades, or trading summer vacation stories, finding your first co-op role, or finding that ‘perfect’ study space in the Instructional Centre. In fact, there are probably a multitude of things that bring you comfort during this season – just remember that university can also be an excellent (and safe) place to practice getting ‘out’ of your comfort zone. I definitely have my own ‘zone’ to contend with sometimes, and thought to compile a few ways to overcome it. Who knows? They might work for you, too! So without further ado:
1) TALK – to the people around you in addition to your regular group of friends. Know that your thoughts and opinions matter. Speak to individuals with the aim of learning more about their distinctive stories, which might sometimes enrich your own. The task of networking and meeting new faces can seem daunting at first, but the rewards are many – potential career contacts, trusted mentors, and friends for life.
3) RUN – for a spot in a student-led organization (like MESA), on sports team, or perhaps in a play. This time of your life is great for discovering how far you can go academically, professionally, and in your extra-curricular activities. UTSC is brimming with opportunities for you to do just that, and your peers are willing to motivate you every step of the way. So on your journey to becoming an increasingly well-rounded BBA student, do consider trying out for that role you’ve been thinking about ‐ a new skill is waiting for you.
2) WALK – around your campus with the intention of seeing things in a different light. Most of us glide past the same buildings, landscapes, and people everyday without really noticing how they contribute to the exquisite details of our lives. Commit to seeing something ‘new’ in the same‐old whenever you can, and your daily walks between classes might take on a new meaning. Just make sure to get to class on time :)
4) HAVE FUN – In all that you do, attempt to make it memorable for yourself. Admittedly, there will be times where the challenges will outweigh the enjoyment, so in those instances, extract the lessons and move on. Trust me, the fun will return – now go and have your best year yet!
Vivekan Jeyagaran Events Director, MESA
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ESA is bringing to all students, The Accounting Facts Night (AFN) on September 20th, 2013. The trademark initiative that continuously strives to raise awareness for our aspiring CPA/CA students amidst the fierce external competition is back in action to provide you with a jumpstart to your potential career! The idea of speaking to professionals and recruiters from various CATO Firms may seem like a daunting task, but have no fear because we will shed some light for your journey.
Prepare for AFN by doing your research. This doesn’t
Authenticate
the networking experience for everyone involved. These representatives are all human and in fact may have quite a lot of interesting experiences and stories to share with you. Approach these opportunities as if you were looking to make new friends because that is what these connections can ultimately become, regardless of how successful or old they are. Don’t look at networking like an intimidating interview, but rather a conversation with a new friend you just made at your new school.
mean you need to spend countless nights learning about the firms and their recruiters. Get to know some interesting points about these firms through the internet and ask peers that might know a thing or two from an insider view.
Professionalism
is very integral to networking. Be sure to order business cards from the UTSC Management Store or create personalized ones. Business cards show your dedication and eagerness to stay connected with the professionals you meet! Establish a personal LinkedIn account in order to maintain the connections you build and definitely dress in business formal attire.
Be Casual
and be your true self. You don’t need to talk about the stock market, the CPA merger, or the last accounting course you took. CATO firms need students who they can present in front of their clients, and students who can make personal connections with them. Showcase your social side and prove to them that you’re as personable as one can be, talk about sports, music, movies, vacations, and any other interests or hobbies you have. Those are the best conversations you can have because most of the world loves to talk about themselves.
Diversify
the connections that you look to make. Don’t simply target those that are primarily in charge of recruitment because odds are they’ll be surrounded by a swarm of other students. Along with primary recruiters, mix and mingle with other employees of the firm like junior workers. They too are fun to speak with and can even recommend you during the hiring process. Remember the famous saying: don’t keep all your eggs in one basket!
Follow Up
with the representatives that you thought you had a good conversation with. Once you’ve asked for their business cards in return for yours (if you have one), try to write down what you remember from your conversation with that individual. When you send them an email and/or a request to connect on LinkedIn, be sure to thank them for their time and definitel reference the conversation that you both had. This helps the representative put a face to your name. Following up could potentially lead to lunch or coffee dates as well so keep your chin up!
Listen
to what others have to say, whether it be fellow students in the networking circle or the firm’s representative. Networking is more than a two way street and as a result, listening is key. You can expand conversations off of what other students or representatives have to say and keep the networking rolling. Don’t Forget to Bring: • • •
Your Admission Ticket Name Tag (provided upon arrival) UTSC or Personal Business Cards
• • • •
Pen or Pencil Wisdom acquired from the PreP session Stories and experiences to share Passion to make new friends
The Art of Apologizing Is saying sorry enough? Inez Huang
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henever I ask a friend from abroad to speak with a Canadian accent, it appears that the stereotypical Canadian only has a vocabulary of two words – the notoriously overused “Eh?” followed by “Sorry!” Canadians have gained a reputation of being overly polite, though apologies certainly do go a long way. Everybody makes mistakes, and a ‘sorry’ can quickly defuse an argument. Yet these apologies change drastically in the business world! Apologies can range from businesses to clients, employees to managers, and co-worker to coworker. You can no longer mumble a quiet “sorry”, since a misplaced apology can easily impact your reputation, leadership role, and relationships within the office. In the work environment, apologies dance a delicate line between sincerity and maintaining authority. Nobody wants to be that intern who timidly apologizes for each mistake, nor the uncaring corporate CEO who is too proud to admit a blunder. But in order to perfect the art of apologizing, you must recognize what not to do first!
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Publications Manager, MESA an inappropriate image to present to the company. Yet the wisest leaders are those who can see how an apology can strengthen an organization and build trust. Acknowledging a mistake will increase your credibility and leadership – appearing defensive only undermines it. Just be genuine! Here are some basic steps to guide your apology: 1.Show regret and empathy – say sorry! Recognize what you did wrong or failed to do. This is the most crucial step, in expressing your sincerity. Here, timing is crucial and do not delay in apologizing. However, separate the apology and explanation. At this point in time, the other person, whether it is an annoyed manager or angry customer, may see explanations as excuses. Wait until your apology is accepted. 2. Acknowledge responsibility Analyze what has occurred and discuss what went wrong. Face-to-face communication is best in understanding how the other party feels. Especially in business situations, do not simply agree both of you are at fault. Be sincere and take responsibility in what has occurred.
Nobody wants to be that intern who timidly 3. Remedy – fix it! Now that you have apologized and what happened, ensure that apologizes for each mistake, nor the uncaring explained the same mistake will not happen again. what you will do differently and corporate CEO who is too proud to admit a blunder. aShow willingness to improve. Managers Many of us are guilty of the non-apology: a statement that does not express any fault. Common ones you undoubtedly hear your politicians and managers say are: • “I’m sorry you feel that way” • “Mistakes were made” • “I apologize if I offended anyone” It is difficult to admit responsibility. Recognizing a mistake implies inadequacy, and many business leaders feel that is
recognize the self-discipline and ability to change. This will definitely end the apology on a positive note! By treating apologies very carefully, you can rebuild lost relationships and improve your public image. As an employee, you can impress managers in your confidence in admitting to any guilt. As a business, you can show clients your flexibility and empathy. As a co-worker, you will let your team know your willingness to change and further the group. Remember, a “sorry” can be very handy, so learn how to use it!
Personal Branding
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” ~ Oscar Wilde Inez Huang
Publications Manager, MESA
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t is often too easy to find a divide between who you truly are, and who you want others to see you as. Everybody acts differently in public; your quietest friends might just be the ones who scream the loudest when at home! Through appearances, reputation, and skills, we try to ‘sell’ who we are to managers and clients. Yet it is important to understand personal branding is NOT hiding one’s faults through a public image. Rather, it is highlighting one’s unique strengths to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Knowing this difference lets you be more transparent, and effectively build a genuine personal brand.
Dress to Impress
Handshake
While people may not judge books by their covers, most business professionals do not have that luxury. It may seem shallow, but your physical appearance will heavily impact your first impression.
A handshake can show personality and confidence. Make sure that you introduce yourself first – a handshake is not a greeting! Be brief, and pump your hand only 2-3 times with a strong shake from your elbow. Some handshakes to avoid: - The Death Grip: This is not a show of strength, so do not grip too tightly. - Limp Fish: Return the handshake with a firm grip to show confidence. - Lady Fingers: Do not offer just your fingers, but extend your entire hand! - Politician’s Shake: Using both hands seems artificially friendly.
Photos – What do you want your picture to say about you? The first big decision is choosing a serious or smiling photo; serious photos show leadership and power, while a smiling portrait will highlight your approachability. Similarly, background settings should reflect your persona. Solid colours photograph best and avoid white or flesh-tone coloured clothes. Patterns and accessories distract from your face, so keep them to a minimum. Appearance – Everybody wants to look great in the office, so see the examples above for more details on what to wear.
“Almost everyone will make a good first impression, but only a few will make a good lasting impression.” ~ Sonya Parker LinkedIn LinkedIn allows online networking by connecting to your co-workers, clients, and managers through a professional profile on its website. Keep information updated and concise. When connecting with others, personalize your invitations and send them a message. Share information you find useful to ensure your profile will show up on their LinkedIn newsfeed.
Business Cards Remember, it is through this small rectangular paper that people will remember you by! Carefully select the colour, wording, and texture. Keep it simple, and include your name, title, company, address, phone, and email. Do not use a generic email service (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail) which appears unprofessional. Use one or two colours, preferably complimentary ones that you can keep consistent. Armed with the knowledge of the professional wardrobe, how to create a great first impression, and knowing how to use networking to your advantage, you are ready to show the world your personal brand! Over time, you will be able to highlight your talents and improve on any weaknesses. Remember YOU ARE UNIQUE - go and show the world just how unique!
Making money from money with david chapman from mgi securities Interviewed by Inez Huang Publications Manager, MESA
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avid Chapman is a personal finance advisor, bringing over 30 years of experience as an authority on finance and investment. During his years working at CIBC and CTSL, David managed more than $25 billion CDN in money-market and derivatives portfolios. He continues to publish a weekly commentary on the market and a technical analysis. What are some common issues or conflicts you have in investing? I have clients that actively manage their own accounts, but others want me to manage all their accounts. You make the money and clients are all happy, but if you lose their money, they are ready to leave! There is an adage in this business – if you make the client’s money, they are a genius. If you lose their money, you are a bum! This is typical of retail accounts. What is one surprising thing you learnt after over 25 years in finance? The financial system is corrupt – corrupt to the bone! It is controlled by big money, especially in the USA and Europe. Take for example, the Federal Reserve Board, which is the central bank of the USA. This board is owned by some of the biggest banks in the world. In the 2008 financial crash, who was bailed out? These same big financial institutions. Who paid for it? The taxpayers. The financial system is in desperate need of fixing and has been getting worse. The people do not know this, and that’s what I want to raise awareness about. I have worked for these big institutions, so I update my blog regularly to tell people about this issue.
What skills would you need in such a fickle industry? You’ve got to have people skills, or you’re dead in this business. You have to be not afraid to talk to clients in the good times and the bad. Of course, you need a financial background since there are courses you have to take to be qualified, but the biggest thing is communication to work with clients. Do you have any advice for students entering this field? When you first start off, you will be doing a lot of the dog work. You usually work for a big broker as an assistant or in the back offices. In MGI Securities, I notice all the individual brokers are older folk. The younger people still need more experience to branch out on their own. My advice is to persevere. I did not start off in personal money managing until late in my career so I cannot speak for everybody. But take every opportunity you get. Sometimes you get lucky. Other times it is very frustrating. It doesn’t happen overnight, and most people are well into their 30’s before things start to look up. People coming into this business…good luck!
Interviewed by Wendy Tran Publications Manager, MESA
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auren Friese is the founder of TalentEgg.ca, Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for students and recent graduates. TalentEgg was recently named National Best Business by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, and Lauren was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.
What tips would you give students who are entering the workforce for the first time? I would say to follow a very popular saying which is to treat your job search like a job in of itself. The biggest problem that a new grad faces is that they graduate and enter the working world without having a plan or goal in mind. A lot of the time, they go as far as not knowing what they are good at, bad at, or simply do not know what they want to do, which is a huge problem. First, students need to start off with self discovery: discovering what you want to do, what you are great at, then putting forth a plan to follow. What soft skills in particular should students develop? The most important soft skills that a student can develop are the ones related to interviewing. Soft skills are easily developed once in the workplace but hard and most critical to showcase in the interview process, which is particularly difficult for a new grad who has never been to the workplace. In an interview, soft skills are the little things like doing your research before and showcasing that you can work well in a team. They are easy ways an employer can discount you and also easy ways that a student can master to meet the requirements an employer has on their checklist.
What entry-level jobs would you recommend students to experience now in order to gain these soft skills? Any job where you have to deal with people whether that is in a retail position or a call center. It is one of the most difficult ways to learn soft skills but also a very steep learning curve because you are dealing with people who generally do not want to talk to you. Also, any type of job that has a challenging schedule that can showcase your strong work ethic. What are employers specifically looking for in a potential employee? Unfortunately, a lot of employers are looking for the same thing. It is important that in a sense, you conform to the basic standard that most large employers have. Generally employers look that you come from a good school and program. It is important that you showcase that you have done other things besides being a good student. Anything related to leadership, sports, or anything that makes you unique is important. Employers look at thousands of applicants so whatever you can do to stand out in both the application and the application process is important. If there is an opportunity to interact with employers on or off campus, or through social media, it is important to do so, as from an employer’s perspective finding you is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Interviewed by Wendy Tran
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Publications Manager, MESA
hat nobody knows that goes into creating a YouTube career- Canadian Internet personality, musician, and video producer Andrew Gunadie (gunnarolla) takes you behind the screen on the do’s and don’ts of broadcasting yourself.
How did you get started with your first video? I did a collaborative degree/diploma in media & cultural studies and television broadcasting. At that time YouTube was a great platform to share course work with my friends and family. I didn't really give much thought to developing an audience, or try to make money - as many people getting into YouTube do now. One day, an Australian YouTuber (johneepixels7) happened to come across my work and he shared it with his friends, Asian YouTubers, who welcomed me into their group. I really felt like I was a part of a great online community - we would watch and promote each other's work and collaborate as well. Of course, it wasn't until the success "Canadian, Please" that YouTube really started to impact my life. That video was perfectly timed for Canada Day and resonated with people all around the world. We got a lot of media coverage and a lot of great opportunities. At the time, I still wasn't focused on becoming a performing musician or a "YouTuber" so I have to admit that we didn't maximize our potential for success, but I'm happy with how things have turned out. What do you do in your YouTube videos to brand yourself? I have several consistent cues that help to reinforce my branding - my glasses, my logo, my sign-off (à la prochaine/à plus). I've created my own templates for text placement and font choices, and some of my videos even have an opening sequence. All these
elements can also be found across my album covers and merchandise. I create a lot of different work, but I’d like to think that they all look and feel like “me”. My inspiration comes from my own experiences - but a significant portion of my content is also generated with the help of my viewers. Some songs and videos, such as "The Foreign Language Song" have been created based on their suggestions and their comments. I really love creating content that will generate both discussion and participation. In April, I did a series of daily videos, where the next day's video would only be unlocked if my viewers completed the challenge of the day. It was a really great way to get people engaged.
How do you make a video popular on YouTube? I haven't been able to figure this one out myself - there are definitely best practices when it comes to making content for YouTube (be concise, be consistent, collaborate, and capitalize on current events) but if there were one formula for success, wouldn't everyone be successful by now? One hard lesson that I've learned is - YouTube is never about how "good" your videos are. Don't expect to get back exactly what you put in. It's not a game of quality, although that certainly helps. You have to have luck, and you have to have good timing. You have to have a strategy. It's such a crowded, saturated space now - with billions of hours of video every day - that it's hard to stand out, and it's hard to be original.
What was the biggest mistake that you made on YouTube? Two things come to mind. I wouldn't call them 'mistakes' per se but I would rethink my strategy: 1- Right after I quit my job at TIFF, I decided to do a daily, uncut series of videoblogs. I was basically spiralling into a depression and I was way too honest and way too candid with my audience. I think it helped some people since they could relate to what I was going through - but I think it made a lot of other people worry. We tend to forget that any videoblog is a performance, and it's just a fraction of that person's real life. I wasn't sad all the time, but I happened to be sad whenever I was on camera. I think it gave people a false sense of who I really am and it created an illusion of closeness that I'm actually not really comfortable with. 2- YouTube has always been a hobby, so I never really thought strategically about it. I never wanted to be 'famous' and I never depended on my YouTube earnings to make a living. As a result, I've had challenges trying to grow my channel and gain any 'success' in YouTube's terms. Had I known that YouTube would essentially become a full-time focus for me today, I would have taken the steps to make sure it was viable as a full-time occupation as well. I would have built on the momentum of some of my key hit videos, and found opportunities to monetize (e.g. music sales, merch) a lot sooner in the game.
How much time do you devote yourself to your YouTube channel? I'm trying to upload a video every week. I'd say that 30% of my week is dedicated to my freelance jobs for clients (right now I'm working on a major video installation for Toronto International Film Festival), with the other 70% dedicated to my creative projects and YouTube videos. The problem with freelance/ YouTube is that 24/7 could be a work hour (and sometimes it is), so I try to maintain a healthy balance between work and play. What upcoming projects can we anticipate from you? I have a few projects in the works: Once again we will be presenting a 12-hour live show at TIFF Bell Lightbox for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche in Toronto. My next big music project is called A-POP. It's a collection of English songs with a K-pop sound that will also incorporate different Asian languages. I recently traveled to Japan and Korea - we shot a video for my upcoming English/Japanese single called "Konkai/This Time" which will feature a Japanese rapper. You can expect a lot more Asia-influenced content in the next few months. I'll also be continuing my musical collaboration with Andrew Huang. We have formed an electro-pop duo called "Dreamz" with a video for our lead single "Come On" coming out this summer. It was actually selected as CBC Radio's Song of the Week earlier this year. Overall I'm trying to produce high-quality content that I am excited about.
Photo Credits: Navy Nhum
When anyone puts themselves publicly on any form of social media, they often face negativity and discouraging comments. How do you face this? I get a ton of racist and very rude comments every day. This flares up whenever I have a bigger video that is viewed outside of my core audience. I've learned to put things into perspective - if the worst thing you can say about me is that I'm a "chink" or a "slit-eyed rice eater" or whatever derogatory comments about things that I can't control, that says more about you than it does about me. People will say anything under the guise of anonymity, and I feel that social media really brings out the worst in everyone. If you want to really get at me, then criticize things that I can control - my ideas, my voice, my editing. And I rarely get negative comments about those. The worst you can do is get upset - so quite often, I like to turn these negative comments around to highlight their absurdity, and to show that they actually don't hurt me at all! I've made them into skits and I've made them into songs. We call it "YouTube Judo".
The Language of Business
With Ellen Roseman from the Toronto Star
Interviewed by Inez Huang Publications Manager, MESA
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llen Roseman is a full-time columnist at the Toronto Star, writing for the business section. She publishes three columns a week regarding personal finance, investing, consumer issues, and business trends, aiming to target the everyday reader and reaching a broad audience. What are some common personal finance issues students face? One problem is that consumer credit is very high. University students are vulnerable to credit pitches and student loans – once you get into that cycle, it is hard to get out. Banks all want to sell credit (see VISA’s ‘smallenfreuden’ campaign) and encourage people to use credit cards for every little thing you buy. Banks used to be a helpful institution, but now it has become a store trying to sell products for you. Be careful! What should I do if I want to start my own business? I have interviewed many entrepreneurs and I suggest you be realistic – even if an idea is good for you, it may not always have market potential! Research who else is offering this service, make sure it is viable and do a business plan. Banks are reluctant to fund a start-up. You should watch Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank, seeing the types of questions asked and prepare answers for them. You can also get training from the federal government – there are entrepreneurial courses to learn about small businesses. As a writer, style plays a large role in defining your personal ‘brand’ and audience. What sets you apart? As part of my own brand, I focus on consumers and problem solve for people. I have great relationships with companies like Rogers, Bell, and Sears. If anybody has a problem, I can forward it to a contact within the company and review it. Since media is involved, and I might write an article, they will fix it. This is very helpful for readers and they see how I can manage to turn it around for people. Companies are inclined to do something since they read the things I write, and do not want to look bad.
I tell stories from the media that draws them in, and they end up learning something in return. This is an interesting niche built up from the past 15 years. It really stands out since nobody else does it, and I am helping people with information and actual money that they are saving. They can be incredibly happy and grateful, since they are just one persona and businesses don’t treat them so well. But with media helping them, they will. What inspires you to write and come up with new ideas? I love the feedback from readers who I’ve helped. They are grateful and get back thousands of dollars. One man had a tax situation with the Canadian Revenue Agency, destroying his marriage and making him depressed. I directed him to the taxpayers’ ombudsman, which is not all that well known, and helped him get a refund! It’s just fun to write articles and have people write back to you with questions or comments. This is a real relationship with readers, giving them information and advice. Big companies have all the power, ad dollars, Internet sites, giving you what they think is the full story, but they leave a bunch of stuff out. It’s up to the media to tell people not to fall for it, and to write people’s stories. People are interested in reading about other people, not dollars or concepts. I tell stories from the media that draws them in, and they end up learning something in return.
Wendy Tran
Publications Manager, MESA
Check B out our blog at:
logs. You’ve seen them. You’ve read them. You might have even written one before. But did you know that you could be making money off of them? Over the past few years, blogs have had an ever-increasing presence on the World Wide Web. From blogs on fashion to travel to the cute things your cat does, people are flocking to blogs as a source of information, entertainment, and just out of pure boredom. It is within these boundless confines that one can express and share their interests with others around the world along with making some extra dough. How may one get started with making money from a blog?
www.mesa.ca/ publications/ the-blog
You must start with the basics. Do you have a… Laptop? Check. Internet Connection? Check. Expressive Mind…? Check. Before you reap the rewards of this seemingly easy venture, you must keep three things in mind:
The Best Blogs are About DIY Do it yourself blogs are by far the most visited and profitable blogs out there. It seems that it is within our nature as human beings to be curious and want to continually learn. Know a better way to squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste? Write it in a blog! By generating traffic on your blog, you can take advantage of ad networks such as AdSense where they pay you for each visitor of your blog. It Will Take Work and Time to Build Let’s be honest. Your blog will probably not become an overnight sensation. However, it does not mean that it will not grow to become one. The most visited blogs are those that have a lot of time and work built into it. It’s true what they say that hard work pays off. It Is Possible Despite the many claims by bloggers alike, generating money from a blog is indeed feasible however at the beginning it may not be able to fully support you for full time living. The majority of bloggers make a monthly income of $10- $90, which is not bad for something you do as a hobby. If you come to the realization that blogging is your passion, full time bloggers have experienced earnings of over $10 000 per month. Nothing is impossible.
Profbook
...with Professor Dewan Interviewed by Wendy Tran & Inez Huang Publications Managers, MESA
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rofessor Dewan is a lecturer and enjoys research and teaching about pricing, economic models, retailing and marketing science. But what does he do outside of school?
Fun Facts Favourite Food:
Any kind of meat or rice, though Professor Dewan warns, “No vegetables, don’t mess around with vegetables.”
Song that Best Describes Him: Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”
Least Favourite Subject: Organic Chemistry
A Surprising Fact: Has a degree in Physics
If I gave you a million dollars to start a business, what would you do? I don’t know if a million would be enough, but I want to start a new university. I would locate it in the country, away from the town. I always think of university as a place where you go away, where it’s the middle of nowhere, and the only folks there are those connected to the university. Everybody lives in campus, everybody works on campus, and everything is very academic. Maybe I’m just trying to run away, but the University of Toronto is a very urban campus and my ideal university has always been out of the way. I went to Cornell University, and it is up on a hill, and the town is below. The university is almost as big as Ithaca, and I’ve always enjoyed that. Living on campus is in university as well. your mistakes before mistakes out there
a way to take part You can learn from you make the same in the real world.
What do you miss most about being a student? Oh - The friends! When you start working, your social life is very different. As a student, it’s so much easier to have friends and hang out, and you are always busy all the time. Otherwise, I’ve stayed in university all my life anyways. Not much has changed, except you can’t hang out with everybody anymore. As soon as you start work, your social life is different. So enjoy it!
What is your favourite TV show? Star Trek – I have watched every single one of them. It was a very intelligent show and it was way before its time. There are a lot of things that were inspired by Trek. This show was right around when I was born. That show came on the air before man walked on the moon, and here this show is talking about man going off into space and it was so cool back then. There was this one episode where the crew of the Enterprise goes to a planet and encounters a new life form there. This lifeform is not carbon based, but was silicon based, giant bugs that burrow inside sand. I thought that was just amazing, because if life has to evolved and it’s not carbon based, silicon is the most likely thing! The carbon atom can form four strong bonds with big strings and long complicated molecules, and the next element on the periodic table that forms four bonds is silicon. I thought this idea was just fantastic. What is the best advice anybody has ever given to you? This is advice that both my dad and pHD advisor gave me. They said, “Don’t leave things unfinished.” If you start something, you finish it. I’ve been a little stubborn about that, I would tell students the same things. (So don’t drop courses unnecessarily!)
Best of the Best Mistakes
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ver thought to yourself that you could not live through what you thought was the most embarrassing moment of your life? Never fear because mistakes happen to everyone! So kick back, relax, and enjoy some of the best (in their case, the worst) mistakes ever! Enter in our contest to win a prize for sharing YOUR biggest mistake online at mesa.ca!
Wendy Tran
Publications Manager, MESA
Take a Seat When Are You Due?
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I arrived early for an appointment and the only people around were the receptionist and myself. We fell into a conversation and she started telling me how much she hated her job. She was wearing this big flowing dress that I took to be a maternity dress. To soothe her, I said, "Well, I guess you won't be here much longer." She said "Why not?" and I said I thought once the baby was born, she'd leave. In a very injured tone, she said, "I'm not pregnant" and I realized she wasn't.
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Locked- Out
I locked myself in the changing room on my first day of work (and this was my first job ever, too) and had to call my boss on his cellphone to get me out. It turned out that the door wasn't even locked and was just a little tricky to open. Great first impression.
Spell-Check Disaster
While working in the conservative field of high-end CPA reference material, I was sending an email to a large account client regarding an oversight on our part that delayed processing. I mangled the word 'inconvenience', but my email spellcheck caught it and offered a suggested fix. I clicked accept without doublechecking. I ended up sending the client an email saying that I "apologize for any incontinence�.
When I was in University I worked a reception job. A man came in and registered for his appointment. He was in a wheelchair. As I always did, I told him, after the registration was complete, to take a seat in the waiting room. He gave me a "look" and instead of just shutting up and letting it go I said, "well I can see you've brought your own." I just wanted to die that day.
Breakfast Splash
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I attended a multi-day conference that provided all meals for attendees in an effort to have everyone network during said meals. Breakfast each morning was held in an area accessed by walking down a flight of stairs. I was headed down the stairs, looking into the room to see who was already at breakfast and thinking about whom I might eat and chat with. I lost my footing and rolled/bounced all the way down to the breakfast area with my laptop tumbling behind me. Of course, everyone stopped eating and talking and started gasping and staring. Everyone knew who I was after that!