QUART E R LY P R O F I T OCTOBER 2015
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
CONTENTS 2 Letter from the Editor and Associate Dean 5 How to | Survive First Year Business 9 A First Year Guide: Business Formal vs. Casual 13 How to | Manage Stressful Times 15 CPA Night at McMaster 17 Devaluation of the Canadian Dollar Interview
19 Alberto Calva 21 Business Scams Involving University Students Alumni Interviews
23 Fahad Meer 27 Ashley Beattie 29 Sudduf Wyne 31 Tips | Resume Writing
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Quarterly Profit Oct 2015 | Volume 3, Issue 1 EDITOR IN CHIEF Imran Dhalla MANAGING EDITORS Julia Dinh Andrew Kwast CREATIVE DIRECTOR Danielle Fraser DESIGNERS Florence Pau Alison Lin Jordan Flick Haley Pelton Anduena Sertolli
Letter from the Editor & Associate Dean Hello DeGroote! Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Imran Dhalla and I have the pleasure of serving as the next Editor in Chief for the Quarterly Profit. Currently in my final year at DeGroote, I have a focus in Accounting and hope to complete my CPA in the near future. I still remember the first time I was introduced to the Quarterly Profit. It was at the DeGroote hiring fair where I met the first ever Editor in Chief, and she shared her vision for the Quarterly Profit with me. Immediately, I knew that I had to get involved. I spent the following year writing for the magazine, seeking every opportunity to learn as much as I could. I see a very bright future for the Quarterly Profit - a future that shines brighter still with the talent that we, as students at DeGroote, have. I truly believe that the Quarterly Profit is the best way to showcase what we learn both in and outside of the classroom. I aim to show all at DeGroote the potential for growth and success that I see in the Quarterly Profit, and hopefully by the end of the year you will share my enthusiasm. Imran Dhalla Editor In Chief - The Quarterly Profit
WRITERS Marryiam Khan Sehrish Khan Kelvin Pau Taylor Browne Krish Puri Tara Khudairi Bukhtar Khan MARKETING DIRECTOR Ryan McNeely DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Courtney Smith VP CREATIVE (Artwork & Photographer) Cory Bryck
Contact us at: magazine@degrootecommerce.ca Visit us online: http://issuu.com/quarterlyprofit DISCLAIMER // All photos or logos used without sourcing are used in compliance with the Fair Use Law - for not-for-profit educational purposes. In no way do we assume ownership or affiliation with any images seen. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us at: magazine@degrootecommerce.ca http://copyright.mcmaster.ca/Fair_Dealing
Three weeks have passed by already of what I envision to be another great year at the DeGroote School of Business. Welcome back to returning students, and welcome to the DeGroote family to first year students. The beginning of the new school year always reminds me of why I love my job as a university professor. The energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude we all witness in the Welcome Week are electrifying and are being experienced by all members of the DeGroote family of students, staff, administrators, and faculty. As I welcome you, I would like to share with you the values that guide our behaviours at DeGroote. Innovation is our first value, whereby every member of the DeGroote family is encouraged to think big, explore new possibilities, and to be curious. As a student, you embrace the value of innovation by taking a new approach to your university education. Such an approach could include seeking learning outside the classroom through engaging in cocurricular activities such as organizing and participating in case competitions, or attending conferences to learn about cutting-edge knowledge in your areas of interest. The second core value of DeGroote is collaboration, where everyone is expected to be collegial, to act with integrity, and to embrace change. The value of collaboration is well and alive at DeGroote as students repeatedly describe the culture at DeGroote as one of cooperation, not competition. We all care about and are interested in the success and the well-being of each other. Needless to say, because you are in training to be leaders of your communities, you need to lead with integrity and be capable of initiating and embracing change. Finally, generosity is the third core value at DeGroote, where we are expected to give willingly, inspire others, and go above and beyond. Since I have been here I have experience the generosity of the DeGroote family first hand, especially that of our students. Our students are always eager to help when asked, be it at the Faculty level, at the University level, or even in the local community. I am always touched by how enthusiastic our students are. In closing, take pride for being a member of the DeGroote family. We are glad to have you here, and I urge you to make the best of your time while here. You have a great opportunity and resources to grow as a human who is ready to take on the world to make it a better place for all of us. Emad Mohammad Assosiate Dean
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Meet the Greensuits 2015/2016 Commerce Representatives
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HOW TO SURVIVE FIR McMaster’s first-year Business program can very easily turn into a roller coaster ride. FACT: Your head is full of questions. FACT: The anticipation is scary and exciting. FACT: You are reading this article to find out the survival code to make it through first year. FACT: There is no survival code
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USE YOUR RESOURCES The biggest mistake that incoming first year students make is thinking that they are in this alone. This mentality is especially prevalent in the Faculty of Business due to the competitive nature of the program. The truth is that McMaster’s Business Faculty, the DeGroote School of Business, is full of committed and helpful staff members who can help you pass through the program with flying colours.
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DON’T BE THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM You will meet people in your program from all walks of life. You will meet students with varying skill sets and experiences. Really take the time this year to meet these people and learn from them. Discuss business ideas with the young entrepreneur who has been running his startup since high school. Talk to the international student about her national sport back home. You will be surprised about what you are able to learn from people and their experiences.
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COMPARTMENTALZE Your first-year Business school experience is going to be jam-packed with deadlines and projects. Taking into account these academic demands and your personal and professional ambitions, you are definitely facing a time crunch year-round. If you can’t work on something or solve a problem immediately, don’t overanalyze it. Come back to it with help and ammo. Focus on what’s in front of you. This is really the essence of compartmentalizing your tasks and worries.
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REPRESENT YOUR COMPANY, ALWAYS! In the real world, the company you work for inadvertently gives away what you value, prioritize and stand for. The same will hold true in university. The company you are around will influence you in so many ways. There is a difference between the peer who will save you a seat in lecture when you are running late and the person who will ask you to skip class and meet up for drinks. Choose wisely. 5 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
Words by Marryiam Khan
RST-YEAR BUSINESS Possibly to your surprise, there is no single universal survival code to getting a Business degree at McMaster University. Most Business students employ a range of effective habits and techniques to succeed in Commerce on their own terms.
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Here are NINE helpful tips to make you thrive in first-year Business.
THINK DIFFERENT, DO DIFERENT, BE DIFFERENT Most Business students will only choose to go to events and join clubs that their faculty peers are taking part in. The first-year student body is simply not aware of all the information avenues available to keep track of upcoming events. Don’t let these factors stop you from attending miscellaneous events or branching out into clubs that interest you on a deep and personallyfulfilling level. Go to that improv class and try out for the school play! These experiences will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd.
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MIND-BODY CONNECTION IS A MUST If you have not done so before, now is really the time to create a healthy exercise and diet regiment. Treat your workout like another course you are taking. This will especially help you in staying fit, keeping energized and improving marks.
PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY It took me a long time to extract this word from the Oxford English Dictionary and apply it to my student life. You are responsible for your schoolwork and having the best first-year business school experience. Not your parents. Not your boyfriend. Not your girlfriend. It’s your show. You want to be a star, so start acting like one.
TAKE A MOMENT TO SELF-ASSESS Despite your best efforts in class, you might find yourself with grades that you are not satisfied with. When you find yourself in such a situation, arrange a meeting with your Professor or Teaching Assistant to discuss what areas you can improve on to gain a better understanding of the course material for the next assignment or exam. Seek advice on best studying practices and what key concepts should be focused on.
BOARDING THE CONSISTENCY TRAIN Don’t stop. No matter where you are on the GPA scale. No matter how many courses you think are too hard for you to even bother taking. No matter how many times you get a practice question wrong. Whatever you do, don’t quit. Talk through your fears and keep working consistently. Sooner than later, you are bound to see results. Remind yourself of all the reasons why you’re here in the first place. Really think about how these fast-paced years will shape you as a person. The overall result, apart from your GPA, is that if you keep working at achieving your goals, you will exceed your expectations. 6 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
We The Commies
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Info Piece
A First Year’s Guide To Business Formal And Business Casual Attire
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ongratulations on entering the first of four crucial years in your academic career as you prepare for your future as a business professional. Along the way, you will be meeting new friends (or competition), adjust to residence life, participate in extra-curricular activities (e.g. networking events, case competitions), and apply for jobs. What all these things have in common is how you present yourself to others and, in the latter two scenarios, make a case for why you are the best candidate. One way to show your personality is in how you dress. The magnitude of error in not dressing appropriately will make the difference between being hired and being an afterthought. This guide will take a look at the difference between business casual and business formal, as well as examples of scenarios showing when it is acceptable to sport a laid-back or polished look.
Business Formal Business formal attire, in layman’s terms, is a suit. Applicable to both men and women, business formal is characterized by mixing class and a definite sense of identity. Its important features lie in its conservative nature and its fit, with shows like Suits and Mad Men exemplifying the polished look. Conservative means dark in this case, and the darker the better, with colours like black, dark grey, and navy blue seen as standouts. Men and women should have on a collared shirt (the plainer the better) that is wrinkle and stain-free, as well as closed-toed shoes (e.g. dress shoes for men, and flats or mid-heeled shoes for women). For men, the tie should be darker 9 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
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by Kelvin Pau
than the colour of your collared shirt, but not dark enough so as to undermine the colour of the suit. To complement the outfit, it is suggested that the belt should match the colour of your shoes. For women, adding pantyhose to your outfit is a must. Having the right fit means that the outfit does not feel too big or too small on you, and that nothing is exposed. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it would be a good idea to head to your local tailor shop or dry cleaner. Another important item that should be taken into consideration is your budget; what you spend ultimately dictates the quality of
Business Casual Business casual allows for more freedom in what you wear, while still exuding a professional appearance. Depending on where you work, as well as the workplace culture, the possibilities of adding some style can be executed without fault. For men, sweaters (crew-neck or V-neck styles) of bright or dark colour fitted over collared shirts, paired with khaki pants or slacks, and modern casual shoes can complete the business casual look. For women, short-sleeved tops with subtle details, such as light colours or ruched fabric, matched with a skirt (alternatively, a knee-length dress can work) and open-toed shoes can make up the look. One thing to note is that business casual is not what you would wear to a night out with your friends—shorts, t-shirts with logos or inappropriate messages, etc. are not seen as professional, and thus should stay in your closet at home.
As alluded to earlier, first-year students will be exposed to events that will test their abilities to make a case for why they are the best candidate for a club position or job. The following are examples of scenarios that a first-year student will be exposed to, along with what to wear. Networking events Often the predecessor to an interview if you impress, these type of events require the candidate to wear business formal attire. As these events are of a professional nature, it is expected that you show up looking and acting the part at all times. In other words, dress how the company representatives dress. Interviews This is a way for members of a club or companies to get to know you as a person. In the case of a club position, and depending on the nature of said club, business casual can hold up well. To be on the safe side, however, a suit would be a better way to show your maturity and give a better first impression. The same logic can be applied to job interviews, although most companies would prefer candidates to wear a polished suit for the occasion. Case competitions These events challenge participants to take a look at real-world problems companies are facing and devise potential solutions to these problems. With industry professionals judging, it would be in your best interest to dress formally, as the magnitude of these events are at the level of a networking event or job interview. Once again, I want to congratulate you on making this the first of four memorable years as students on the path to becoming future business professionals. Hopefully, this guide gives you insight on the difference between business formal and casual, as well as some instances on when to wear what. However, let this be the start of your journey to success; dressing for success is important, but being an allaround talent (that is to say, being book smart and street smart) is just as important, if not more. As Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.�
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We The Commies
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HOW TO: Manage St Stress /stres/, noun
> tips on de-stressing
> a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. If you ask me, university could most definitely double as a “demanding circumstance”. Whether you’re in your first year or your fifth, the stress that accompanies the university lifestyle is always going to be there. The workload is heavier than it ever was before, the competition heightened, the students smarter, and we find ourselves barely sleeping and stifling meltdowns just to get by. As the years go by, what improves is that we learn how to better cope with the stress. For all the first years who are just starting out, or upper years that may still be looking for various ways to reduce stress, here are some potentials pointers,customized just for McMaster students!
De-stressing Locations The Gym - D avid Braley Athletic Centre When your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercising pumps up your endorphins, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters, resulting which results in a more enthusiastic, energetic and positive you. The focus on the task at hand helps to forget the days’ setbacks, and helps to relax you. It also tires you out around bedtime, to assure you an uninterrupted, calm sleep. The Pulse, the McMaster gym,located in DBAC, offers very affordable memberships and all the necessities of working out accompanied by nice, large windows and proper ventilation so as not to feel confined as well as proper ventilation.In case you decide not to get a membership, all students are welcome to use the pool, squash courts, and the track (the access to these facilities is included in tuition).
The MDCL Atrium - M ichael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery The Atrium was created just for unwinding. It’s a room surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, encompassing a series of fauna like trees, plants, and even a waterfall. There are benches so one can sit and chat with friends, do homework, or even breathe in the fresh scent and just listen to the sound of water running. This place is so beautiful that it cannot even be described in words – just check it out! 13 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
tressful Times
g and key calming locations on campus! The BiologyGreenhouse Next to The Phoenix & Bridges Café
A lot of people get more down around the wintertime, because of the cold weather and gloomy days. Luckily, the McMaster Biology Greenhouse is having a plant sale in September, so go get yourself a nice plant to decorate your student house or bedroom, to be soothed by the calming nature of,well,nature.
Academic Help Most professors will tell you where you can get help for their course, including the TA and professor’s
office hours. However, if you’re looking to fix the root of the problem, fret not – the McMaster Student Success Centre is open to students in any program, from when you get your acceptance to up to five years after graduation. It offers support and services in academics, leadership, volunteering, educational planning, career transitioning and so much more. Not only does it teach you so much, but it also serves as a link to so many other services you can use to get ahead in not only your university career, but life in general. Examples are OSCARplus, which is a portal to job postings;MentorLinks, a database for finding mentors;and Need a Tutor, which is a great place to find tutors for any subject matter. Definitely check out the Student Success Centre, found in Gilmour Hall, r oom110.
Emotional Support Finally, there are some of us that who, when stressed, mostly just need someone to talk to. This doesn’t make you weak or needy – it makes you human. The Wellness Centre offers all sorts of counseling – personal counseling, psychological counseling, and group counseling and wellness activities. If you’re uneasy about the concept of getting counseling, drop in for a fifteenminute session during the dropin hours and get a feel of it. The drop-in hours are weekdays from 10:30am to noon, and then again from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. Sometimes, you’ll find that speaking to someone who’s outside of your situation will help you to gain a better perspective on the problem, and help in reducing your stress significantly. When in a situation of utmost stress remember this, Mac students – you’ve made it this far, and with good reason. This too shall pass. 14 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
CPA Night at McMaster...
“This is a good function because it is a low pressure environment. There is a mix of junior and senior reps that attend. It is good because the junior reps are there for students to connect with, and senior reps are there to give an idea of the firm.� - Dr. Emad Mohammad, Associate Dean
“CPA Night was one of the best events a DeGroote student could attend. Every firm’s representatives were polite, sincere, and really wanted to get to know you on a personal level.” - Wayne Manuel, 3rd Year 16 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
Devaluation of the
Stock markets around the world have fallen in recent weeks in response to investor fears of China’s economic contraction. China’s stock index recently sank by 8.5%, its largest drop since 2007, and the global economy is collectively hoping that the world’s second largest economy can regain a foothold on the stock market. Additionally, oil, currencies, and most other commodities are losing value as investors continue to feel pressure from an uncertain economic environment. So why exactly is the Canadian dollar performing so poorly? In part, the weak loonie was an attempt by the Bank of Canada
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Canadian D
Value
As the price of oil has increased, oilrelated revenues have become an increasingly larger component of Canadian GDP. This has led some to believe the Canadian dollar is a petrocurrency, and that the Canadian economy is prone to economic frictions resulting from oil price fluctuations. As OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has decided to maintain the amount of oil produced and the United States has increased oil production with new shale extraction techniques, the price of oil has collapsed over the course of the year by over 50%. With a technical recession and dropping oil prices, the Canadian dollar suffered an 11-year low (75.27 CAD = 1 USD) against the US dollar on August 24, 2015. Canada’s falling currency speaks volumes to the state of stock markets and a suffering global economy. This is the first time the loonie closed under 76 cents against the US dollar since August 2004. This record low comes at an untimely juncture as the United States is planning to raise its interest rate. If the US raises interest, this will devalue the Canadian dollar even more. There is also speculation that the Bank of Canada will cut rates further before the end of the fiscal year.
Dat
The following chart graphs the overall decline in value of th October 1st, 2014 to October 1st, of 2015. Values are based on Source: oanda.com
Canadian Dollar
Dollar Value
te
he Canadian dollar as it compares to the US dollar, from n the bid rate average of each week.
to stimulate exports and thus the Canadian manufacturing sector. With a cheaper Canadian dollar foreign countries will be buying Canadian goods at a discount. Canada is the fourth largest exporter of oil in the world. Due to low oil prices, which can be attributed to a global oversupply of oil, Canadian companies are taking a massive hit on the stock market. For example, Canadian Oil Sands recently saw its stock price ($5.61) to reach a low not seen since 2001. Furthermore, Canada is being hit on the devaluation of gold and copper, usually a safe haven for Canadian dollars. As one of Canada’s largest trading partners, China, continues to endure a financial meltdown of sorts, the Canadian dollar does not look like it will gain a foothold anytime soon. Due to Canada’s economy being firmly rooted in oil and mining, it makes it hard for the Bank of Canada to see their dollar rise when its largest trade partners are also struggling. Other countries in a similar situation include Australia, South Africa, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan, and these countries have seen their currencies plummet in response to the devaluation of the Chinese yuan. On the bright side, the US economy is still doing relatively well, and some economists believe the American economy has room to withstand further turmoil in global markets. As Canada and the US are each other’s largest trading partners, a low Canadian dollar should mean more money from the largest economy in the world being spent in Canada. There has also been talk around the world about a global currency war. This “race to the bottom” has been seen around the world where, in a desperate attempt to revitalize an economy, central banks have been quick to devalue a country’s currency to boost exports. One wonders, if all countries lower their currency to gain an edge, who, if anyone, benefits?
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Interview
Interviewee:
Alberto Calva
Managing Director, Acus Consulting Occupation | Business Consultant Previous Experience | Senior Consultant, PwC and CFO, CM Excelsior Manufacturing Current Title | Managing Director at Acus Consulting Education | Bachelor of Engineering, Industrial Engineering Master of Economics MBA, Finance PhD Candidate, Business Administration Alberto Calva supports companies, organizations and government agencies in financial and strategic analysis, investment project evaluations, financial planning and decision making. He founded Acus Consulting in 1989. Today his firm is based in Toronto with operations mainly in Canada and Mexico, with some activity in other countries. His expertise fields
What was the inspiration behind starting your own firm Acus Consulting?
One thing I had in mind when starting Acus Consulting was that I did not want to sit in the same office every day, all day long, doing the same things, but rather deal with different problems in numerous companies and with all kinds of people. I wanted to find a way to connect with the global community.
Can you summarize some of your company values?
Providing professional and highly useful advice to companies in order to help them grow. We support companies and other agencies in long term decision making.
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are corporate finance, economy and strategy, and he provides executive education, consultancy, and seminars on these subjects. He has more than 20 years of business experience as a business consultant, board member and entrepreneur. Generous with his time, here is what Mr. Calva has to say about his job as Managing Director at Acus Consulting.
What sets Acus Consulting apart from other consulting firms? Our main differentiation is our business and entrepreneurial approach to the projects, positioning ourselves as if we were another investor and part of the decision making team. Our competitive advantage is our experience of being involved with real life business issues.
What type of companies do you mainly consult with?
Acus Consulting supports companies, organizations and government agencies. I mostly consult with large and medium sized companies and organizations. I find that when working with large companies, I am able to add the most value to the company with my expertise fields. On the other hand, some medium sized companies have a vision to become a larger one and usually rely on our outside expertise to help them achieve that.
Interview By: Marryiam Khan
“Once you enter the working world, you also need to gain experience through working with a consulting firm and taking on projects. You simply cannot expect to be an expert at the age of 24.”
What steps does a typical business project or consultation involve?
The first step is marketing. I network and keep in communication with people to discuss my services and how I can meet their company needs. Without marketing, there are no projects. The second part is learning about the industries and factors involved in a project, as well as a permanent information of what’s going on in the economic, political and social environment. The third part is developing the project. This is, hands on in the work that has to be done in order to ensure the right delivery for the client. A project usually last several weeks or months, although the final delivery with the client is just a week or a couple of days. You can’t invoice for marketing or learning activities, so it’s the project where I am able to invoice and get paid for my services. Lastly, as in every company, there is always administration and managerial work involved at Acus Consulting.
What is the biggest challenge you face in consulting?
The biggest challenge in the consulting business is explaining to companies the value of my service. It is essentially an intangible product. I provide companies elements for better decision-making.
What steps does a typical business project or consultation involve?
The first step is marketing. I network and keep in communication with people to discuss my services and how I can meet their company needs. The second part is learning about the industries and factors involved in a project. The third part is developing the project. This is hands on work that has to be done to ensure the right delivery for the client. A project usually lasts several weeks or months, although the final delivery with the client is just a week or a couple of days. You can’t invoice for marketing or
learning activities, so it’s the project where I am able to invoice and get paid for my services. Lastly, as in every company, there is always administration and managerial work involved at Acus Consulting.
You published a book called, What Every Manager Should Know about Finance. Can you highlight what this book is about?
I combined my knowledge and hands on experience in this book in order to write about finance fundamentals that are useful for general managers. The book includes an introduction to reading financial statements, analysis and business evaluations.
What steps can undergraduate business students looking to become a consultant take to prepare themselves now?
In order to be a consultant, you need to be a real expert in something. Graduation is not the end. You need to keep learning and studying throughout your life. Once you enter the working world, you also need to gain experience through working with a consulting firm and taking on projects. You simply cannot expect to be an expert at the age of 24. However, if you work hard, you can expect to gain a strong expertise by the age of 34, and better in your 40s.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Firstly, try to understand your strengths and what you are good for. Secondly, try to find something you really like or that you are passionate about. These things will not necessarily be the same throughout your life. However, if you can mix these two things, there are very big chances for you to be successful, make money and live a happy life.
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Exposing Business Scams Involving University Students
Words By Andrew Kwast, Managing Editor
University students are perfect targets for shady businesses of all kinds. I know students personally who became involved or almost involved in the business scams I will be discussing, both legal and illegal. They were embarrassed and regretted ever being involved with them. University students are often desperate to find work or make money and are naïve regarding the scale of shady business practices that are commonplace around the world. I want to introduce you to common business scams that students fall for and hopefully help you identify shady businesses that you should not be involved with. It is also important to keep in mind that you can legally make money in some of these situations, but these businesses are fundamentally taking advantage
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of you, and most importantly, it is also possible for you to lose a lot of money.
Multi-Level Marketing: Legal but Exploitative
The “start your own business” scam Pyramid schemes are an illegal business model in which people are promised payment for recruiting other people to buy into the business. It is called a “pyramid” scheme because people at the bottom (i.e. the new recruits) give money to the person above them in the pyramid and the money flows all the way to the top (i.e. the person who started the business). MLM is similar to pyramid schemes
in that the money flows up a pyramid, the difference being that it uses a product to mask itself as a legitimate business. The key identifier for MLM is any business that touts “start your own business” and then proceeds to have you buy their business start-up kit and have you recruit more people. You can make money in MLM by selling the company’s product that you bought as part of their start-up kit and recruiting other people to buy into the pyramid. The important thing to remember is, anybody can start their own business! You should never feel, through lack of experience or resources, that you need to pay another company to start your own business! Many students who are aspiring entrepreneurs fall for this scam.
Direct selling, or sales businesses, often promise a respectable wage and require little to no work experience; most students think “Wow, what an opportunity.” Direct Selling: Legal but Exploitative
The “start by selling our products to your family and friends” scam Unemployed and inexperienced students would jump for joy at a job that promises making far more money than minimum wage with minimal experience requisites. Direct selling, or sales businesses, often promise a respectable wage and require little to no work experience; most students think “Wow, what an opportunity.” Unfortunately, the reason anybody can be hired on the spot is, they need to hire as many salespeople as possible. They will tell you to start by selling their product to your family and friends because these people are the easiest for you to convince to buy. It makes sense. As a salesperson you are likely to quit early on and they want to get as many sales out of you as possible before then. Know that sales is always a commission-based business model. Technically speaking, if you sell one million rocks that you found at the side of the road for one dollar, you
would be a millionaire. Direct selling businesses will often tell you that pay is not commission-based, and you get paid just for spending time attempting to sell, with bonuses for completing sales. You need to understand your revenues and expenses in this situation. If you are driving all over Ontario following sales leads and hardly selling anything, your wages will not be worth the time and money spent to sell these products. Most importantly, never sacrifice your dignity. As a rule, if you would not buy it, you should never sell it. Many students make no money from direct selling and only serve to make a profit for the business owners.
Illegal Businesses
Familiarize yourself with illegal business activities, and ensure you do not inadvertently become an accomplice to white-collar crime. Some businesses have hired students for money laundering, fraud (including work-at-home schemes), embezzlement, and cybercrime purposes. If you ever suspect illegal activities being carried out by a person or company, be sure to report the crime to the proper authorities.
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Alumni Interview
Interviewee: Mr. Fahad Meer, CPA, CA (PwC) “There are hundreds of countries and thousands of languages spoken around the world but when it comes down to business, there is only one language that is spoken, which is: accounting.�
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational and professional background? I graduated from McMaster in 2011 with an honours bachelor of commerce degree (focusing in public accounting). During my time at McMaster, I had the opportunity to intern at RBC Capital Markets, SC Johnson and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It was only after completing my summer internships in such diverse industries that I knew my dream and
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passion was to become a Chartered Accountant (CA). Soon after I graduated McMaster in 2011, I joined PwC as an Associate in the Assurance practice. Having completed four fulfilling years at the firm, I have recently been promoted to a Manager. I love the people I work with, both within the firm and at clients.
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and your educational and professional background? I graduated from McMaster in 2011 with an honours bachelor of commerce degree (focusing in public accounting). During my time at McMaster, I had the opportunity to intern at RBC Capital Markets, SC Johnson and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It was only after completing my summer internships in such diverse industries that I knew my dream and passion was to become a Chartered Accountant (CA). Soon after I graduated McMaster in 2011, I joined PwC as an Associate in the Assurance practice. Having completed four fulfilling years at the firm, I have recently been promoted to a Manager. I love the people I work with, both within the firm and at clients.
What sparked your interest to pursue the field of business, particularly Public Accounting? There are hundreds of countries and thousands of languages spoken around the world but when it comes down to business, there is only one language that is spoken, which is: accounting, Whether you are in Saudi Arabia or China, the one language that every business needs to be fluent in is accounting. I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in business, but it was only after my summer internship at PwC that I realized how powerful it is to have a strong base and understanding in accounting. I love what I do because there is never a week that goes by where I do not learn something new, meet someone new or travel somewhere new.
Can you please tell us a little bit more about your role & career path at PwC? I started off as a summer intern on May 25, 2010 and took part in this amazing program at PwC called the “Experience Program.� I spent two months directly working with the CFO and Director of Finance of the organization on a special project. I probably learned more about business, accounting and myself in those two months than I did over the entire year at university. Soon after graduating, I returned full-time to PwC in September 2011 as an Associate in the Assurance practice. As I look back from the time I started full-time to now, I am humbled by the way the firm trusted and invested in my personal and professional growth. I am fortunate to have been given some amazing roles aside from being a typical/routine auditor and have thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with both my clients and colleagues.
What has been the highlight of your experience as a young professional? As I reflect over the past four years, it has to be my growth and transformation from a student carrying a backpack to a young professional carrying a briefcase. There is a lot more to this transformation than just the heightened knowledge of business and accounting. It is the way I have grown to interact with others and speak in a more thoughtful and effective manner. It is the way I have been able to deal with complex situations both on and off the job. It is the way I have been able to invest in my personal brand thanks to the incredible opportunities that the firm has provided me. 24 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
I see that you have quite an interest in blogging and public speaking, please tell us about how these activities have shaped your personal and professional life? I am a big believer in the fact that the power of words is immense; each of us has the ability to alter a person’s life, or their mindset whether it’s through spoken or written words. What I love about both blogging and speaking is the fact that I am able to share my thoughts, ideas and feelings with individuals on topics that many are afraid to think or speak of. Neither you nor I have lived the perfect life. At some point in our quest for success, we have both made mistakes and have failed. What I found through blogging and speaking on these experiences is that hundreds (if not thousands) are able to relate. It is amazing how much you can learn about yourself as you share your knowledge and experiences with others hoping to make a positive impact on their lives.
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You are also the president of the CPPA, could you shed some light into this organization? The Canada Pakistan Professionals Association (CPPA) was formed in April 2012 by a group of young professionals looking to provide students and other professionals with career guidance and support. CPPA was built on the foundation of ensuring that our members not only achieve professional success, but also develop themselves as role models within the community. As the President of the organization, it is my responsibility to ensure that we deliver on our promise of making a positive impact in the community we live in. Aside from the blogging, mentorship and event platforms, my favourite facet of the organization is the “CPPA Spotlight Award,” which is where we award one individual on annual basis for demonstrating excellence and leadership in the community. It makes me proud to see Pakistanis do such amazing work in the community and hopefully a small token of recognition continues to inspire them to become role-models for us all. You can learn more about the organization by visiting our website at www.cppa.co or liking our Facebook page.
“Intellect will only get you so far in life. Your experiences and ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally will get you further than anyone else.”
What about PwC, what social initiatives does PwC partake in? The PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundation is led by James Temple, who is a leader and an inspiration to many in the community. The Foundation offers a variety of programs to help people get involved in their communities and build upon the impact they have by working together. There are programs that allow employees to take days off work to give back to the community, whether that is by feeding the homeless, planting trees or volunteering at a mental health facility. What I love about the firm is that it recognizes, understands and champions the idea of “giving back” to the community we have “taken” so much from. An example of the work it supports is an initiative led by Jade Lai, who was awarded the PwC CEO award in the past, for the Wasichana Fund that was set up in Kenya last year to help underprivileged women in the community in East Africa. More recently, I was awarded the PwC CEO award for my work with CPPA.
What is the most important advice you can share to students at McMaster University? Do what you love and love what you do. If you are not known to be the smartest, then be the hardest working. Intellect will only get you so far in life. Your experiences and ability to communicate both verbally and nonverbally will get you further than anyone else. That is why it is important to join the right clubs at university to polish your softskills and to build your personal brand. Most importantly, your time at university will fly by (I promise you). As you continue to plan for the future, don’t forget to live in the present and enjoy what you have around you. McMaster is a wonderful campus filled with amazing people. Best of luck in the future!
Twitter: @_fahadmeer Instagram: fahadmeer www.fahadmeer.com 26 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
Alumni Interview
Ashley Beattie Software developer and Entrepreneur Undergrad and MBA from DeGroote
Can you please tell us a little about yourself and your experience as one of the co-founders of Kiwi Wearables? I did my undergraduate degree in Marketing and Finance at McMaster University. I then worked for Canon selling photocopiers and I didn’t like that very much. So, I thought of going back to university for an MBA. McMaster was an option for me. So, I applied and got into their 8-month Accelerated program in 2007. Two years ago, I decided that I needed to learn how to code. I had a couple of ideas that required money to have them built and I did not have that money. It’s expensive to pay someone to do them. So, instead, I joined Bitmaker Labs 27 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
in Toronto for nine weeks. After that, I felt ready to go to a hackathon and start a project. I ended up meeting the Kiwi Wearables group and our goal was to win the hackathon. And we won! The prize for the hackathon was to go to San Francisco. So, we formed the company in May and soft launched it in September. As a result of our success there, we decided to aim at going to Consumer Electronics Show which is an international electronics and trade show. We did that and along the road, we got into the Creative Destruction Lab at University of Toronto, we participated in the Startup Competition at South by South West (SXSW) and we also got into an accelerator called FounderFuel in Montreal. In March, another cofounder and I left to do other things and that’s where I am now.
Where are you working right now?
I am a software developer & technology entrepreneur. Right now, my main focus in on building a service to optimize Twitter for people. Say, if you are trying to launch a product, you input your target audience or competitors, and I refer you to the right people to network with. I also work with the Royal Canadian Navy where I train people how to drive ships.
Do you think Tech should have more of a role in business schools?
A lot of business today relies heavily on technology and I feel that a solid understanding of what it is is necessary. As well, if you’re getting into technology companies, you should probably start learning how to code. Even outside of formal business school, I would recommend people to spend time learning technology regardless of their specialization.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned throughout your career?
I’ve learned so many. I think at the end of the day, you have to get into the mind of your customer. You have to look at it from the perspective of the person who is receiving your product and find out their motivational factors. I find that a lot of people start with “Let’s build cool stuff and see what happens” and then they end up not finding a market or a viable use for it. The other thing, I’ve learned is that, in general, people don’t want to change. You have to make a product that is four times better than what’s
already out there otherwise people will stick with what they already have.
What advice would you like to give to DeGroote students?
The first advice that I give everybody is to start learning how to code now. The second piece of advice would be to consider entrepreneurship as a career. The earlier you start, the more lessons you will learn early-on that are expensive and hard to make later. When you start young, you don’t have as many responsibilities as later in life. Small and medium sized enterprises will continue to play a vital role in the Canadian economy well into the future. So, consider entrepreneurship. Also, money should not be the motivator. It should be one of the motivators but not THE sole motivator. You should have a reason for what you’re doing.
What are some of your hobbies?
The challenge for me has always been to not get involved in too many things. Right now I play music on a weekly basis, I teach people how to code and run analytics seminars. I also play golf and I try to get out once or twice a month. I used to do race car driving and If I am lucky enough, I’ll get back into that this summer.
Where do you see yourself in three years?
There’s quite a bit happening right now and I’m feeling pretty good about the next couple of years. If things go my way I would like to have a couple of successful technology companies under my belt.
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Alumni Interview
Sudduf Wyne - McMaster Alumni
Founder of Salam Shop, Engineer from McMaster University, MBA from IVEY
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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. I have an engineering degree from McMaster. After working several years in a technical job, I realized that I wasn’t passionate about it. That’s what led me to explore entrepreneurship more. I wanted to do something that would impact people’s lives and make a difference in the world. There were things I dabbled in while I was at McMaster University that sparked this passion for entrepreneurship. I started the UNICEF Mac club and also started a Girls Science and Engineering Camp called GEMS for girls with a McMaster colleague. I felt that in my technical role, I didn’t get to interact with people and didn’t feel like I was making a difference in the world. So, I furthered my education by getting a Master’s degree in business because I wanted to be an educated entrepreneur with the tools to be successful. So, the business that I am in right now is a combination of my education and my passion to impact people’s lives. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT SALAM SHOP. Salam Shop is a boutique carrying ethically-produced and fair trade products. We target our products and brands to people who are interested in fair trade products, things that are handmade locally or overseas, and products that are unique to Canada. We are situated in
Mississauga. Our main target market is modern Muslims but we do have products that appeal to the general public. A few examples of what we carry include clothing and stationary which are made by local artists. We also have a lounge which serves organic coffees and fair trade teas. My aim is to spread the love and beauty of Islam through Salam Shop.
different backgrounds and deal with different kinds of customers. Being able to interact and com-
“You really need to be a well-rounded individual to make your mark in this world.”
WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR MCMASTER EXPERIENCE? I loved McMaster. I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities throughout my undergrad: UNICEF Mac, Youth Donors of Canada, McMaster Muslim Students Association, the Student Representative Assembly (SRA), and more. During my undergrad, I started GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science) which is a camp for girls who are interested in these fields. My friends and I started GEMS because we wanted to inspire more girls to go into engineering. We still run GEMS camp during the summer and March Break. HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE AT MCMASTER PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER? My experience at McMaster was a positive one. Although I was in engineering, I had a lot of friends in other departments. Because I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities, I got to meet people from other programs. When I was a part of UNICEF, I worked with people from Business, Nursing and Health Science. Working in those teams prepared me for the things that I am working on right now. I had to interact with staff from
municate with a diverse crowd is what I took away from my experience at McMaster University. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER MCMASTER STUDENTS? You really need to be a well-rounded individual to make your mark in this world. If you get 100% in all your courses but you are not good at interacting with different kinds of people then you have missed out on a big part of education. University is a great place to get exposure to all those things. Put yourself out there. Try something new. You don’t know who you will meet or what you will end up loving. That will definitely help you with your career and your life. Take a risk!
Interview by Sehrish Khan
30 | Quarterly Profit | October 2015
Resume Writing Words by Bukhtar Khan
W
hether you’re applying for your very first job or are trying to advance in your career, writing a resume can be difficult. It’s a skill that is learned and enhanced through practicing and professionally developing the ability to convey your experiences in a simple yet effective manner. For the experienced and highly engaged individuals, summarizing education and employment history as well as interests and extra-curricular activities into 1 or 2 pages might seem impossible. For the individuals with not so much experience outside of academia, increasing your portfolio may be a daunting task especially trying to find 1-2 pages worth of interests and experiences. However, you can narrow or expand the amount of information you put by researching the job, company culture, and selecting past experiences and skills that pertain directly to the position you are applying for. To alleviate this common pressure we all face of the dos and don’ts of resume writing, I have compiled a number of tips of recruitment trends to help you write that perfect resume.
Cover Letter They say that it is the first five minutes of meeting someone that will leave a lasting impression; your cover letter acts as those first 5 minutes- it can make or break you. The cover letter is one of the most crucial parts of your resume since it’s the first impression you make on the hiring manager. The cover letter should act as a summary of the resume: a good guide to follow is to have a ratio of cover letter to resume content of 0.75:1.0- your cover letter should be approximately 3/4ths of your resume. A cover letter generally should be in the range from 300-500 words if not stated otherwise. When writing your cover letter make sure to look at the preferred skills and job requirements that are needed for the position. These skills and requirements act as a baseline for what the recruiters are looking for. Here is a formula you should follow for the cover letter: Bukhtar’s CV Formula: The cover letter is all about telling your audience that you have what it takes to do the job because of your experience of doing job X for company X for X many years doing variety of X1, X2, X3 tasks.
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For example, if event management is a criterion, go through an example of where you were in a position where you excelled at that certain task and how you overcame hurdles to lead to success. If you do not have much experience in that particular criteria, research the skills needed in that area. Using the same example, apply the applicable skill set the job requires for event management. This list includes: individuals who can meet strict deadlines, able to communicate with a team, work under pressure, provide exceptional customer service, etc.
Formatting For your resume to be picked out a pool of candidates, there are specific formatting requirements that all recruiters look for and if not completed properly, you will be overlooked. A great place to start is your contact information which should be in the header of your cover letter and resume. Here is an example:
SAMPLE
Bukhtar Khan
19 ---- Drive, Unit --, City, Province/State, Postal Code (t): xxx-xxx-xxxx (e): FirstnameLastname@gmail.com
Note: Try avoiding Hotmail accounts since it is generally regarded as the unprofessional email address. School and personal emails are more preferable. It is advisable to not use your work email address. Sometimes emails can end up in your inbox or you receive an alert during work hours which increases the chances of it being seen by a co-worker (or worse, your boss). Then it can turn into a retention and loyalty issue. After completing your contact information, you should fill out your education, previous employment experiences and professional development. Again, here is the format you should follow: Relevant Skills • Here, display the skills that would be the greatest asset to the position It's easy to state a skill, provide personalized credibility as to why you’re the best at this
SAMPLE
Bad Example: - Proficient in Excel Great Example: - Intermediate/ Expert Level Knowledge with Microsoft Excel. Ability to create Output 1, Output 2, Output 3 efficiently. Education Your University/College Here Anticipated Graduation Date: Month 20xx Program of study – Year (Ex. Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Level III) • Majors -------• Courses include ---• Any relevant certifications, etc. Work Experience Organization Time line example: May 2015 – Present Job Title • What skills you enhanced or did with this experience – Keep reading for how to effectively implement this with my SEU format! Professional Development Organization Position Held • Description (follow my SEU format below)
Time Line
Building the Resume Content The most difficult part of a resume is summarizing what skills were preformed, learned and developed over the course of the time worked. A great guideline to follow for this position is outlined in the following:
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Bukhtar’s SEU Bukhtar’s SEU Summary: What was your job, what were you accountable for? Here explain the bare bones and structure of the job, what did you do on a daily basis. Extension: What did you do in your job and how you exceeded the job description? Here, you can use words that really sell that you were an exceptional worker Utility: As a result of your work - how did you create value? And most importantly, can you quantify it? Ex. Beat fiscal targets last year by 20% held from local companies Here is an example for myself: McMaster DECA U September 2013 – Present General Member → VP External Events Actively pursuing monetary sponsorships by promoting and distributing McMaster DECA U’s sponsorship package to businesses while also contributing to key financial planning decisions. Past sponsors include: Scotiabank, Kaplan, Chippingham Financial, and more Spearheading the process of re-branding our annual case competition at the Ron Joyce Center through attracting more attendees within McMaster and other Ontario DECA Chapters, introducing a new mentorship program and recruiting more corporate sponsors to expand accordingly Created the most inclusive club on campus with contains all faculties – with the largest anticipated member list of over 300 students for the upcoming school year SAMPLE
Professional References Key word here is “Professional”, always have a list of references saved on hand and keep updating it when you meet new people and go through volunteer, employment and extra-curricular experiences. There is nothing like calling someone to only find out they were just a friend of a friend of a friend, who happened to be a Cineplex Popcorn maker. The reference list should include the full name of the contact, email and preferred phone number. Remember to notify said individual when putting them on this list so they are not caught off guard when an employer follows up on more information.
The End Good luck to everyone applying whether you are a co-op student, recent grad or individual trying to get further in your career. I wrote this article with the intent that you learn new information and use it to enhance your professional portfolio so you can succeed in which ever field you are pursuing. I hope this article helped you in any sort of way and please if you would like me to proof read your resume or cover letter feel free to send it to me at bukhtark@gmail.com Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of Ahmed Nizam - former HR Professional at BMO and now Channel Strategist.
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We The Commies
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