February 2014

FEB 2014

CAREER ISSUE Finding a career & getting a job Interview with the Director of Zag Creative Group Alberta Not-for-profit Case Competition

Sahr Saffa from MadeInEdmtn to Mode Models & more

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

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C O N T R I B U TO R S Editor-in-Chief RACHEL LEE Executive Editor LOUIS LIU Managing Editor TAYLOR BANISTER

CAREER ISSUE

Writers CARISSA THAM EILEEN LEE ELNUR KASUMOV FELICIA LIANG GABRIEL NUNES ILHAAM JIWAJI JAMES LO JEN ZHAO JEREMY JAKUBOWSKI KAWTHARA SHIRE LINDSAY HOFER ROSHNI PARHAR THOMAS YONAN TSEGA MACDONALD

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CALENDAR

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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WHAT’S UP

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PERSONAL BRAND What's the big deal with personal branding?

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FASHION Dress to kill your next job interview

Content Contributor TAMMY LEUNG FA S H I O N

DESIGN Art Director ASHLEY TRUONG TRENDS

Associate Art Director LINNEA LAPP Designers BONNIE TRUONG CHRISTINA STEFANIUK COLLEEN DO DAVID TON-LAI EILEEN LEE JENNY TRUONG JENNY WANG KATIE TURNER MICHAEL BAKER SHIRLEY DU

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UAMA All about marketing and the School of Business

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ANCPP Case Competition for Not-for-Profit sectors

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SAHR SAFFA From MadeInEdmtn to Mode Models

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ALYSON HODSON Letting your passion drive you

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LIFE AFTER GRAD Travel around the world or plunge straight into a job?

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MICHEL GUTFREUND From Accounting to energy to Germany

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COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE Preparing for interviews, just in time for summer employment

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AM I IN THE RIGHT FIELD? Sorting out your next 30 years

Photography Director CARISSA THAM Photographers ARIANNA BIASINI CARISSA THAM ELLA LIN FELICIA LIANG

ONLINE Technology Director WILSON HUANG Social Media Director KEVIN PAUL ESPENIDO

EXTERNAL

R E L AT I O N S

EVENTS Production & Events LESLIE CHIANG Coordinators SHIRLEY DU

P RO D U C T I O N Sponsored by XEROX CANADA Special Thanks to DIANA WYLEY Contact us

A LAZY

UOFALAZYFAIRE @gmail.com CHAT

cover photographed by CARISSA THAM

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MEET THE TEAM A close-up of select contributors

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KOMBAT KITCHEN So you think you can cook?

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BSA ELECTIONS What it takes to take part in the BSA

M 3 UAHRMA RESUME INTERVIEW SESSION

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FEBRUARY T 4

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BSA ELECTION - CAMPAIGNING PERIOD (Feb 3-12) ANTI SMO INFO CFA NIGHT BURNOUT SESSION (BFA) (BSA) ACCENTURE UARC REAL INFO ESTATE SESSION INDUSTRY NIGHT

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BSA ELECTION - CAMPAIGNING PERIOD (Feb 3-12) CANDIDATE MISC WINE FORUM (BSA) AND CHEESE

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S/S 1/2

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BSA ELECTIONS VALENTINE’S DAY! WINTER TERM PAYMENT DEADLINE

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RMBS BEA NATION to NATION HOCKEY GAME

WINTER SEMESTER READING WEEK

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ALBERTA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CASE COMPETITION UAMA CASE COMPETITION

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EDITOR’S

N O T E

DEAR READER The question ‘what’s your major?’ often immediately follows the typical conversation opener ‘what’s your name?’, when we meet a fellow student on campus. It’s clear from this that somehow, as students, we have come to a mutual consensus that the major we are studying defines who we are, structures our future and gives an insight into someone’s life. ‘What’s your major?’ has now become the upgraded grown up version of the question that we like to ask our children: ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’

sake of it, even though we very well knew that it was not the right path for us. We’ve probably all

What we don’t like to admit is that most of us

looked at a friend who’s got it all figured out and

were probably at a loss for words at some point

wondered how she could be so sure of her future.

in our lives, unable to answer this seemingly sim-

We’ve all listened to those motivational speeches

ple question about what we want to be, and how

of following one’s passion and reflected back on

we want to live our lives. As reality set in and the

our contemplations.

once simple world became immensely complicated, we probably looked back at our childhood dreams and to reevaluate our ca¬reer paths and restructure our goals. We’ve all had those moments when we seriously considered becoming something that we hate just because it pays well. We’ve all probably considered just becoming an adventurer or a model or a singer just for the

To this day, I think that this question about one’s future is one of the shortest, simplest, yet most complicated question I have yet to answer about myself. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up and like a lot of the students, on my way to finding the answer. One thing is for certain though: with the focus on careers and post-graduation topics, hopefully this issue will be one of the many tools that can help you figure out what career path you would like to pursue upon graduation.

BEST WISHES, RACHEL LEE

Editor-in-Chief

designed by ASHLEY TRUONG photographed by ELLA LIN

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W H A T ’ S

It’s FEBRUARY, and at this point in time, many students at the SoB are gearing up and preparing for their FUTURE careers! In light of this, the Lazy Faire has prepared some tips, and asked the students of SoB in our monthly Student Poll about their own career opportunities and post-GRADUATION plans.

Career tips

written by ROSHNI PARHAR

U P

designed by LINNEA LAPP

LISTEN AND LEARN

What is your major?

Q1

Accounting | 32%

BUEC/BLAW | 10%

Finance | 28%

Marketing | 8%

Student poll Q4

Other | 22%

If you could choose another major besides the one you’re in, what would you choose?

Finance | 28%

Q2 How many times have you changed your major?

Accounting | 12% BUEC/BLAW | 10%

Never | 54%

Twice | 4%

Marketing | 8%

Once | 38%

Three times | 2%

Other | 42%

Q3 Do you plan on doing any further schooling following graduation?

Yes | 46%

Undecided| 24%

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

The more people you know, the better position you are in. Make new contacts and maintain the ones you have.

A large portion of future jobs are found through network contacts.

Q5 Why have you chosen the career path you are on?

Money + security | 42%

BE PREPARED

Interest in the job | 34%

Update your resume now and update it regularly. You never know when an opportunity will present itself, so don’t miss out!

Status | 8%

No | 30%

Listen to everyone around you – learn from their experiences, skills and motivations.

Remember that learning is a life long process!

All of the above | 16% *Sample size: 50 people

Quoted “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games.

26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.

I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

MICHAEL JORDAN

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR/MINOR? “I chose FINANCE because it allows me to “I chose this major and minor because understand and analyze things which inter- I love the strategic aspects of MARKETING est me (markets, futures, etc). Furthermore, and HR . I think these business functions are there are also many ways you can take the largely overlooked, and believe they are just degree. I know I want to be able to do invest- as important as any other function. In the ments while maintaining an aspect of client future, I want to be involved in PR or human interaction, so I want to take relevant courses capital consulting.” that will one day allow me to break JOSHUA TANG 2ND YEAR SOB STUDENT into portfolio management.””

HR MAJOR

ANDE BAWEJA 2ND YEAR SOB STUDENT FINANCE MAJOR

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MARKETING MINOR

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Know yours skills and know what you want out of a career. Doing this will give you a good starting point, but don’t be afraid to change your path if it isn’t working out.

ACT AND REALIZE YOUR DREAMS

Don’t wait for your dream career opportunity to come to you. Go out there, make a name for yourself, and make your dream a reality!

MICHAEL BAKER Designer; Marketing Major Why did you initially become involved with LF?

written by JEREMY JAKUBOWSKI designed by ASHLEY TRUONG photographed by ELLA LIN & provided by JENNY TRUONG

I always had an interest in design, and after a co-op position doing design, I wanted to become part of the magazine to further my design skills as well as connect with more students from the SoB. How would you describe the atmosphere of the Brainstorm meetings at LF? I try to come prepared with ideas that are partially and fully developed. The circle format and atmosphere help the flow of ideas. The whole team is able to voice their ideas and opinions - I really enjoy the aspect of equality.

Memorable experience with an article you designed?

Working on the November issue I had the chance to take my co-op and bring it back to the SoB. I assisted in interviewing and then designing the article for Brad Baker of Walmart Canada. Having Brad featured in LF, my hope was that other students would be able to read and feel the passion Brad has for retail. The article had its challenges but also was a lot of fun to accomplish.

JAMES LO Writer; Marketing Major

ELNUR KASUMOV Writer; Finance Major Why did you initially become involved with LF? My friend Taylor Banister who is also one of the Editors told me I should apply.

Why did you initially become involved with LF? I initially joined Lazy Faire because, prior to enrolling in business, I wanted to pursue a degree in journalism. However, my parents told me to obtain a “real” degree first before becoming a writer or sports journalist. Writing has always been a passion of mine and Lazy Faire has allowed

How would you describe the atmosphere of the Brainstorm meetings at LF? I love coming up with creative things on the spot and I love bouncing ideas around with other people until the best ones rise to the surface.

# 1 thing you have taken away from LF? Learning how to use the Adobe Creative Suite, I am always practicing and expanding my design skills. As a Marketing major, I need to understand what looks good, and on occasion create promotional pieces.

Since no Marketing classes teach you the software, I have found a way to go beyond the classroom and further my learning by being able to create print materials from start to finish.

me to improve my writing skills in a creative setting.

How would you describe the atmosphere of the Brainstorm meetings at LF? Our brainstorming sessions at Lazy Faire are very open and collaborative, and allow everyone to creatively bounce ideas off of one another in a relaxed environment.

Memorable experience with an article you wrote?

My most memorable experience with Lazy Faire (so far) came back in the November 2013 issue where my fellow Writer, Lindsay Hofer, wrote an article on Movember that featured me and a couple of friends who participated in the month-long event to raise money in support of fighting prostate cancer.

Number 1 thing you have taken away from LF? Whether it’s working towards your dream job or writing for a student’s magazine, do everything as passionately and as creatively as you possibly can!

Memorable experience with an article you wrote?

People telling me that they found my articles helpful or entertaining. #1 thing you have taken away from LF? I’ve developed the ability to sit down and write a constructive piece in one sitting under all kinds of time pressure. This has helped me express myself more efficiently in professional and personal settings.

JENNIFER TRUONG Designer; Accounting Major Why did you initially become involved with LF? I was approached by my friend (Karolina Zheng) who was Editor-in Chief of the club 3 years ago for an opportunity to become a designer. Joining LF was a great way to start being more involved in the SoB. How would you describe the atmosphere of the Brainstorm meetings at LF? Our meetings are very relaxed and collaborative. We build on the ideas put forward by others decide on

what to feature in the next issue of the magazine.

Our team has expanded over the years and its more enjoyable brainstorming with a lot of people!

Memorable experience with an article you designed?

I have too many articles in mind, I can't choose one!

In general, I enjoy designing the student spotlight, community centre, and external relation articles. The magazine has evolved in both content and appearance throughout the years, producing articles that give insight to students about the business community. # 1 thing you have taken away from LF? Being a part of the club is an enriching, fun experience and has impacted one of my career-related values -

community. I’ve had the opportunity to enhance my interpersonal skills, meet great people, and contribute to the team. LF has also encouraged me to become more involved in other clubs such as UAAC.

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Why You Should Develop

Your Personal Brand written by GABRIEL NUNES designed by DAVID TON-LAI

Personal Brand. We see and hear these two words all the time in business school. “You must create and cultivate your personal brand” our marketing professors will say. But why exactly do we need to do this? Why is having a personal brand so important? How do we even begin to have a personal brand?

In this article, we will look into these questions in further detail.

When you see these images, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Chances are you have some pre-determined views about these brands. Note the use of the word brands. Yes, these can all be considered brands. Your reputation is also considered a brand. This is known as your personal brand.

What are you known for? What is the first thing that comes to someone’s mind when they hear your name? What is the first thing that you want them to think?

There are a variety of potential answers to

groups such as your friends, professors and

these questions. This is precisely why manag-

employers. It is important for you to establish

ing your personal brand is so important in

positive associations with character traits that

today’s increasingly global society. You can

you value. Essentially, your personal brand

now find out vast information about an indi-

isn’t determined by what you think you are;

vidual simply by searching their name online.

rather, it’s what others perceive of you.

Therefore, it is wise to be cognizant of the

”

evolve over time.

Finally, always remember to effectively manage your online presence. The increased availability and usage of the internet has led to more and more online recruitment. In addition, employers are starting to search

Many methods exist that can be utilized to

potential job candidates online before making

develop your personal brand. One great way

any hiring decisions. Carefully monitor what

to improve how you are viewed is through

you post and share through the internet, as

consistent communication of your values and

these posts can be perceived as representing

Others will use your personal brand as a frame

beliefs. Regardless of what your personal

your values and beliefs to others.

of reference when getting to know you. What

brand is, you must ensure that you know what

people know about you before even meeting

you stand for. Stand up for what is important

you can have a large effect on subsequent

to you and stick to your convictions. This will

interactions. First impressions are extremely

show authenticity, consistency, and establish a

powerful; consequently it is vital that you

sense of trust with others. Furthermore, don’t

make a lasting positive impact with those

be afraid to be yourself. Showcase your talents

whom you meet. Your personal brand signifi-

and skills. Letting people get to know who you

cantly influences your relationships with many

are will allow your personal brand to grow and

way in which you portray yourself both during interactions with others in person, as well as on the web.

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“

Essentially, your personal brand isn’t determined by what you think you are; rather, it’s what others perceive of you.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to develop your personal brand. By doing so, you will reap many rewards in all areas of your life.

Take the time to carefully plan and execute a personal brand strategy. This will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.

FA S H I O N written by THOMAS YONAN designed by LINNEA LAPP MAN JEWELRY

TRENDS

SNEAKERS

FLORALS

METALLICA

TOP COATS

BRIGHT POPS

EXOTIC INSPIRATIONS

BUTTON-UP SHIRTS

Business students are all too aware of the importance of a good first impression, but some may not realize how much appearances play into their success during business interviews. Although North American business culture has become more relaxed in recent years, we have compiled a few recommendations to help you land your dream job.

THE BASICS Before we dig into the rules, here are the basics: Clothing should be clean and pressed, and shoes polished and scuff-free. Additionally, it’s best to avoid using any heavily scented products or perfumes to avoid striking up an allergic reaction from your interviewer. Both men and women should pay careful attention to grooming, keeping hair neat and fingernails clean. Women will want to sport a no makeup makeup look to remain professional while looking fresh faced. Put together, these basics will give you an automatic confidence boost during your interview.

GENERAL GUIDELINES The first step in deciding how you are going to dress to your interview requires a little research. You must know how the employees at the company tend to dress. For instance, you don’t want to show up at a start-up tech firm wearing a full suit and tie when the average worker is sporting jeans and sneakers.

But this doesn’t give you the green light to throw on your favourite cargo shorts and head out the door either. A basic rule of thumb is to dress one step up in formality based on what you expect your interviewers to be wearing. That way, you can play it safe without looking like a try hard.

POUCH BAGS + DOCUMENT CASES

TREND REPORT: SS/2014 With Spring/Summer collections beginning to hit the stores, it’s time to whip out our wallets and update our wardrobes.

We’ve searched our sources near and far to give you the heads up on what’s hot this coming season.

SPORTS REFERENCES

*All images from clubmonaco.ca

Speaking of trying too hard, never wear clothing that doesn’t fit your rank. For example, if you’re applying for an entry level accounting job, leave the Prada brogues at home. Your interviewers know how much you’ll be making (and it’s likely not enough to earn you designer gear), so you’ll just end up looking fiscally irresponsible. Lisa Birnbach, author of the cult classic the Official Preppy Handbook, once said that you want to look “sensible, not flashy.”

This saying also goes for accessories: worn well, accessories should never be distracting. While a tasteful set of earrings or a nice watch that isn’t too glittery will add the final touch to your outfit, pieces that are too gaudy or bright will detract from your overall look.

The final piece of advice is arguably the most important: wear your confidence. Show your interviewers how much you want the job with your body language by keeping your back straight and maintaining eye contact throughout the interview. You might even throw in a well timed smile or two to project your positivity. Try to keep it natural however, or you’ll come off as a well rehearsed actor.

If you cover all of these areas, your appearance is going to score you points just by walking through that office door.

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C L U B S

C O R N E R

UAMA

university of alberta marketing association written by LINDSAY HOFER designed by SHIRLEY DU photograph courtesy of UAMA

This month, Lazy Faire got up close and personal with one of the most notable clubs in the School of Business, the University of Alberta Marketing Association. UAMA is a club that is dedicated to linking

Whether you are fondly remembering these events or cursing yourself for missing them, not to worry, UAMA has an even more impressive roster of events for 2014. They are currently preparing for their annual UAMA case competition, so start getting your team together, because information about the competition will be released soon.

marketing students to the marketing industry and creating collaboration

If you are looking for networking opportunities, the UAMA wine and

opportunities with professionals as well as their fellow peers. A major

cheese event may be more your style. This is an event that packs a

focus of UAMA is to bring in marketing experts to facilitate learning

room full of students and professionals in the marketing industry, and

outside the classroom, create an ideal environment for networking, and

encourages students to work on their networking skills and to build strong

maybe even help students get their foot in the door for a job.

connections within the industry. Of course this event is made even better

One of the most notorious events put on by UAMA is their annual Graffiti

with some great food and wine.

Night. You can mention that party to anyone on campus, whether they are

When Lazy Faire chatted with UAMA Vice President of Public Relations,

in business or not, and they will laugh and tell you that it is one of the best

Connor Bradley, he stated that “this [past] year has been one of the

parties you will encounter while at the U of A. Few can forget the masses

greatest in UAMA’s history. With the group of people we have, and the

of sweaty bodies packed into the basement of Hudson’s, all in white shirts

amount of work we put in, we are able to put on incredible events. We

and covered in sharpie. The event was highly successful; it sold out days in

rebranded our website, and have put our marketing and branding for

advance, and even ran the bar out of alcohol.

UAMA to the next level for business clubs.” It is true, UAMA has set the bar

Not all of UAMA’s success comes from knowing how to throw an awesome party (although that probably helps); they have also been known to put together amazing speaker series. This fall, UAMA hosted a two part speaker series featuring highly sought after speakers such as Brent Collingwood and the CEO of the Edmonton Eskimos Len Rhodes. Both these speakers gave great insight and advice regarding the secrets to personal branding.

In addition to these speakers, the club was able to gather 40 volunteers for the Henry Singer awards which served as a great networking opportunity

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between students and industry leaders.

high when it comes to clubs in the School of Business. If you haven’t seen their new website, it is worth checking out, especially if you are looking for more information regarding upcoming events. If you are interested in joining UAMA, you will unfortunately have to wait until the end of the year when they recruit to fill their VP positions. However, UAMA strongly encourages you to take part in their events and to stop by their office in the Business Lounge if you have any questions or want more information about marketing.

KOMBAT KITCHEN: So you think you can cook?

The Students’ Union, with the help of Theta Chi fraternity is organizing a campus wide competition, meant to raise awareness and donations for the Campus Food Bank. If you think you can handle the heat, this challenge is for you! The competition is open to all students on campus and we are looking for the best and most creative culinary aficionados out there! This exciting challenge is will take place over the entire month of February with a grandiose finale and winners announced on March 7th.

SO HOW DOES THIS WORK? Each week during February, contestants will be asked to submit a short video making one of four dishes: a sandwich, mac & cheese, a soup or a burger. Dishes will alternate on a weekly basis and there will be a chance to improve your score with each new submission. Look up the dish you have to complete by that week, videotape

yourself making the meal with your special recipe and submit a 90 second edited video, together with your list of ingredients and instructions.

The next stage is spreading the word through any type of media and getting all your friends to support you and upvote your dish! The leading dishes of each week will be featured for up to a week at Room At The Top, L’Express, or Dewey’s.

The leaders of the competition will be handpicked to compete against each other live, in front of a cheering audience and a panel of Red-Seal Chef judges from local restaurants. The final will be a hybrid between Epic Meal Time, Iron Chef, Chopped and Cutthroat Kitchen. You can expect tons of entertaining challenges and exciting surprizes. During the final, the audience will have a chance to influence the competition by helping or sabotaging the finalists’ efforts. Performance in the final will be graded by the chef judges on a simple 1-5 scale in two criteria: nutritious and delicious. Prizes for the contestants as well as door prizes will be abundant and will include chef’s tables in some of Edmonton’s finest restaurants.

written by ELNUR KASUMOV designed by ASHLEY TRUONG

The Campus Food Bank is a registered charity that distributes food items and toiletries to all members of the University of Alberta community: students, staff, alumni and their children. Last year, they managed to distribute enough food to feed over 2500 individuals. They rely solely on the generosity of the University Community, faculties, departments, student groups, and other individuals. The CFB exists to ensure that the campus communities have access to healthy food as a right, not a privilege – one must eat well in order to learn well.

For more details, ch eck out: uasueven ts.ca/kom batkitche n

Voting will be based on a mix of popularity and contributions to the cause. The way to get significantly ahead of others is to get your friends to donate non-perishables to the campus food bank. To raise even more awareness and increase convenience, additional collection points will be placed throughout campus once a week.

This is a super easy way to demonstrate your individuality and confidence in the kitchen. If you think you have what it takes, or you know someone who does, let them know that this is

their opportunity to show off their best culinary skills!!!

As business students, we all know a thing or two about competition and bringing the heat!

I encourage you to turn on your burners this February and raise the roof on awareness and donations for the campus food bank. What better way to show off your talent than compete for a charitable cause with students from all across campus?

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COMMUNITY

C E N T R E

Alberta Not-for-Profit Case Competition (ANPCC)

Since this month’s theme is Careers, we decided to learn more about the Not-For-Profit sector, which is often overlooked as a potential career option among business students. We were able to catch up with Sherin Kayat and Nisha Patel, Co-Chairs of the Alberta Not-For-Profit Case Competition (ANPCC).This is the inaugural year of the competition, and is the first of its kind in Canada.

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Please tell us a little bit about yourselves, and some of the things you two are involved in at the School of Business.

Sherin Kayat: I’m in my 4th year of business and graduating this year. My major is BLAW and minor is SMO. This year I’ve been focussed on ANPCC but last year I was really involved with Lazy Faire, UAHRMA, the McDonough-Hilltop Business Strategy Challenge, EDGE, and AICC. Nisha Patel: I’m also a BLAW major but with a minor

represented by the University of Alberta. We have been

uniquely shape it. Currently there are many possibilities

working with a key Not-for-Profit partner to develop a

for students to get involved.

case based on their actual problems. The theme is educating students about the Not-for-Profit world and what

Sherin: After meeting the partner organization you will

their role is.

realize how much these organizations need your skills, and use the solutions you can provide.

Sherin: It’s about showing students that there is a fundamental relationship between the business world and Not-for-Profits; they are there to fill the gaps which ForProfits and governments cannot fill.

Why should students consider a career in this sector upon graduation?

Nisha: The people that we’ve met are some of the most

three years now and I am a part of the inaugural class for

When and where will this case competition be held?

the Leadership Certificate. I really enjoy public speak-

Nisha: Because of the response we got from students to

ing and have also been on the executive for the U of A

join the competition, we decided to hold an internal

Debate Society. Lately however my time has been mainly

round to determine the team which will represent the

dedicated to ANPCC. We’ve been working on organizing

Sherin: They are also the most satisfied and perseverant

School of Business. We contacted another sponsor and

this since last February.

people. People who work for Not-For-Profit’s invest

created a live case for the internal round which was held

their whole being into the mission of their organization,

on Feb 1st. It was an AICC style case.

and are able to say that they’ve dedicated their lives to a

Sherin: The actual case competition will be from Febru-

purpose.

in Political Science. I’ve been JDC Debate Captain for

How did you both get involved with the Alberta Not-for-Profit Case Competition? What interested you about starting this particular case competition?

Sherin: The McDonough-Hilltop Business Strategy Challenge, which was held in Washington D.C., was based on the Not-For-Profit sector. It was an eye opening

mindset.Venues include the Art Gallery of Alberta, Citadel Theatre, and Matrix Hotel. We will also have a speaker panel on the second day as well as a tour of the partner organization’s facility which the case is based on.

How will students compete against each other?

Nisha: I got involved with ANPCC because of my expe-

Sherin: Each team will decide on a Not-For-Profit or-

rience in tournaments and conferences, and discovered

ganization to compete for and the winning team will be

that the Not-For-Profit sector was full of opportunities

able to donate the $4000 winning prize to their chosen

and potential. We realized that there was a large discon-

organization.

Not-For-Profits needed and the type of careers which they thought were possible.

Sherin: I agree. It is the same skills applied regardless of sector. At the end of the day these Not-For-Profit organizations are structured like a business. However, their purpose is different. A lot of their problems still require the basic business skills we would apply to any other case.

people.

Profit venues in order to situate students in a different

talked to Nisha and convinced her to be my co-Chair.

nect between students who possessed the skills which

they are doing and are some of the most motivated

ary 26th to March 1st. We selected various Not-For-

experience for me, and afterwards we decided that we needed something like it at the School of Business. I later

passionate people you will ever meet. They love what

Nisha: For each round, two teams will present to a panel and the top two teams from each preliminary round will advance to the finals.

How does this case competition differ from other ones already offered at the School of business?

Nisha: We wanted to do something which we felt had

We hope this feature on the ANPCC opened our readers’ eyes to the Not-forProfit sector as much as it did for the Lazy Faire. Sherin and Nisha were great resources and we learned that this sector is full of potential for business students.

Good luck to all the teams participating in ANPCC and to students who are interested in this sec¬tor - there are many opportunities available out there!

To learn more about the ANPCC: Website: www.anpcc.ca Twitter: @GO_NFP Facebook: facebook.com/Alberta NotForProfit Not-for-Profit Career Fair

more impact. Since it is a live competition, our partner Nisha: It has benefited us immensely to learn about this

organization will get to hear about different solutions at

sector. I know that if other students took the time to

no cost, which they can then implement. We also want

learn about this sector, they would also be much empow-

our competitors to be completely entrenched in the Not-

ered to make a difference.

for-Profit experience and live it for a few days.

Tell us a little about the ANPCC. What is the theme of the competition?

What will students take away from competing in this competition?

Nisha: ANPCC is an international live case competition

Nisha: We want students to feel inspired about the skills

with 8 teams at four students each; one of which will be

that they can bring to the sector, and how they can

Want to know more about potential careers in the Not-for-Profit Career Fair? Stop by the various booths at the Not-for-Profit Career Fair!

Where: Tory Atrium When: February 26th 11-3pm

written by EILEEN LEE designed by CHRISTINA STEFANIUK photographed by ARIANNA BIASINI

13

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

--------------------------

SAHR SAFFA

-------------written by ILHAAM JIWAJI designed by EILEEN LEE photographed by CARISSA THAM

With our February issue centered on the theme of Careers, the Lazy Faire decided to feature 5th year student Sahr Saffa as our Student Spotlight for the month. In his fifth and final year at the School of Business with a major in Business Economics and Law and minor in Marketing, Sahr has a prosperous career ahead. He is the co-founder of MadeInEdmtn, a combo guard for the University of Alberta Golden Bears Basketball Team, and a model for Mode Models Agency.

With such a well-rounded portfolio keeping him busy, we were lucky enough to gain some insight on his involvement and future career plans.

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What do you think you’ll miss the most after graduating from the School of Business, and what are you the most excited to pursue?

I will definitely miss the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who have abundant ideas and take initiative. I will also miss playing on the varsity team at the U of A. I am excited to travel, and to build a community in Edmonton. Generation Y has so much potential and I’m excited to see what they will put forth within the next few years.

You are the co-founder of MadeInEdmtn, what does it strive to achieve?

MadeInEdmtn is essentially social entertainment with a marketing focus. We wanted to become Canada’s leading platform for social activations through events, collaboration and community building.

We produce unique and interesting events that blend up-scale entertainment and memorable marketing activities, catering to those that are influencers and thought leaders. These events take place in a sophisticated social setting, providing an opportunity for sponsors and participants to directly interact with products, brand ambassadors and marketing materials.

Your portfolio is very well rounded in terms of your involvement at the U of A. What has your experience playing for the Golden Bears taught you about planning for your future?

This is my fifth year playing for the team; I play a combination of point guard and shooting guard. I definitely entered young and immature, but over the years I have learned a lot of soft-skills in terms of leadership, teamwork, and most significantly, work ethic. The team has allowed me to compliment my degree by letting me develop and grow those skills over time.

-----------You have worked on various modeling campaigns here in Edmonton. What has your favorite campaign been and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with a several campaigns around the city, but my participation in the campaign put on by RED The Agency, and the City of Edmonton had to be one of my favorites. The campaign played on the notion of promoting Edmonton as a landing destination for major international sporting events that are hosted around the world. I had the chance to speak on why I thought the city was so extraordinary and why it should be considered a favoured destination. It was also a fun shoot to do since I was in basketball attire!

What are your future career goals and plans?

After watching “Suits”, I have definitely rekindled my love for becoming a lawyer, so I would love to pursue that down the road.

I would love to have my own practice and partner with some of the businesses I hope to start in the future. Right after graduation I still want to take the opportunity to experience the world and use the time I have to continue building MadeInEdmtn by playing a larger role in the organization.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

To surround yourself with people you aspire to be like. A lot of my learning has not come from a textbook, but from mentorship and the people I have surrounded myself with. Both mentors and experiences help you avoid big mistakes by learning from the people in the positions you hope to hold one day. Mentors don’t need to all be from the careers you plan to pursue. The more diverse you become, the more information you can discover.

What are your thoughts on starting something new in relation to career planning?

Seeking a career is always the safer bet. If you want to learn what goes on behind the scenes of particular industries, it is probably best to work in that industry. However, there comes a time where you should build something for yourself. Whether that’s a business or a passion project, everyone should have something they can put their personal stamp on. I look at having a career as assisting an employer to pursue their dream. My advice would be to start something for yourself and put your time towards building your own dream.

What legacy do you want to leave behind at the School of Business?

I want to be remembered as someone who has contributed towards growing the city that has raised me. People who live in Edmonton have a lot of love and appreciation for our city despite the enduring climate. I want to

play a role in communicating to the outside world why people that move here stay, and for those that do leave, more than usually come back. It is the simple things that make this city so great!

--------Sahr truly showed the Lazy Faire the great achievements, and life experiences he has accumulated during his SoB career. Sahr made it easy for all SoB students to see why his exceptional University career put him in our Student Spotlight. We wish Sahr all the success imaginable in his future career.

15

EXTERNAL

R E L AT I O N S

B The one big thing we always say is that we don’t do creative for the sake of being creative. C

Let Your PASSION Drive You written by CARISSA THAM

designed by BONNIE TRUONG

photographed by CARISSA THAM

We had a wonderful opportunity to sit down with Alyson Hodson, Director of Client Services and communicator extraordinaire of Zag Creative Group. A forward-looking and down-to-earth leader, Alyson started with a marketing position at West Edmonton Mall, after graduating from NAIT and the University of Lethbridge (Edmonton campus). After experiences with various companies, Alyson joined the marketing agency g[squared] where she progressed from being account coordinator to Director of Client Services. Alyson always stayed true to her passion for marketing, and it was this passion that led her to start Zag Creative Group with three other partners. Always fresh and unique, Zag Creative Group is now in its fifth year, and remains poised for further success as a full service marketing and advertising agency.

Could you tell us about your business school experience?

My experience in NAIT was great—for me it was a perfect fit of hands-on, practical work and theory. To be honest I didn’t do a lot of extracurricular activities, I focused a lot on schoolwork.

I had the ability to work on projects that linked to marketing.

For example, I worked together with a partner for a promotional marketing campaign for the Edmonton Oilers. At the University of Lethbridge—it was a night program—it rounded off what I learnt at NAIT but also added some classes that are not strictly business-focused. They were both great experiences in different ways and I’m glad I did them both.

What is it like to be a leader at Zag Creative Group Inc? We have a partnership group of four. We all have very different skill sets but we also work very well together. As a leader at Zag, you wear so many hats—you’re not only doing the work, but you’re also running the business. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also really fun! It’s never the same day twice.

As a major marketing and advertising agency in the Edmonton and Calgary area, how do you distinguish yourself?

Our very big motivating factor is strategy. The one big thing we always say is that we don’t do creative for the sake of being creative. It’s more about figuring out what the goals of the clients are, getting in and collaborating with them. Once we’ve done that, setting out how we’re going to solve those problems with strategy. Sometimes that results in amazing creativity that’s award-winning, but for us it’s not about winning awards, it’s about creating something meaningful that takes clients to where they want to be. We call it Synchronize—Strategic Marketing Plans. It’s proprietary—that’s definitely our core.

What advice do you have for current university students who find themselves struggling with uncertainty?

This may sound cheesy, but my advice would be to dig deep and make sure what you’re doing is what you want to do—for example, are you doing it for money or is it your passion? This is because your passion is the thing that will drive you.

In your opinion, how can someone be a good communicator? How do we improve as communicators?

Know your audience, and communicate with them in a way that works for them. Choosing the right medium of communication is important. Some people like emails, some people like talking through phone calls. The way you communicate is important as well.You need to read social cues.

What do you think is the most important thing to consider when choosing a career?

If you truly believe in something, everything else will come. For example, everyone with a passion for being a business owner should strive for it. Don’t focus on “What if it doesn’t work?”

What would you say are the most important attributes a Business professional should have?

You have to have drive. Work hard and smart. Be authentic— people like doing business with people they like. Never lose sight of why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s also important to be ethical when making decisions. Also, be careful who you step on on the way up because you’ll see them on the way down.

What would you say to the students thinking about a future in marketing?

What is your culture like?

We’ve got a lot of longevity with some of our staff, which isn’t common in this industry. We’re very easy going, there’s no topdown, and there’s no job that’s too good for anyone. I wanted to create a culture that I want to work in. It’s that work-life balance—for example if it’s a Friday, and we don’t have any work to do, everybody can go home. That’s the kind of place I want to work in, and I wanted to create that with Zag.

When you are trying to get into the Marketing and Advertising world, be willing to come in on the ground level and work your way up. Show that you care about the job. Be willing to get in and get your hands dirty and companies will reward you.

Make sure you’ve got realistic expectations. Stay up to date with social media and everything that’s happening.You have to stay on top of trends and what’s going on.

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COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW GUIDE SO YOU DUSTED OFF THE OL’ RESUME, CRAFTED THE MOST INGENIOUS BUZZWORDS AND LANDED A JOB INTERVIEW.

NOW WHAT? The interview is an important step in the hiring process, and, for most people, can be the most intimidating aspect about searching for a job. The interview is designed to reflect a networking event it’s an opportunity to brand yourself in the eyes of a company as well as determine whether or not you are the right fit for both the job and the organization. Here are 8 tips to help you relax, prepare, and boost your confidence during the job interview!

* * * Different interview strategies work for different people.

Remember to practice and you’ll find the right strategy for you.

Remember to send a thank you letter or email post-interview, in which you thank your interviewer, emphasize your suitability for the position and reiterate key talking points from your interview.

This will keep your image fresh in the interviewer’s mind and may differentiate you from the other candidates being interviewed.

Good luck and congratulations, you just nailed your first job interview!

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1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK | Most students put a majority of their effort into crafting the “perfect” resume and cover letter but fail to properly prepare for the interview. Remember to do your due diligence. Research the company, learn about their background and history, and determine what industry they operate in. Research is critical before attending any job interview and the interviewer will quickly determine whether you’ve done your homework or not. If you don’t take the time or effort to properly learn about the organization prior to your interview, employers will start to question your motivations behind working for them.

2 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE | Preparation is key to nailing any job interview. You must know your skills and be ready to articulate your thoughts coherently. Review your resume and be prepared to answer questions about past work and volunteer experiences. You may also want to anticipate some of the questions they may ask and be ready with concrete responses. If possible, practice with a friend or undergo a mock interview with a career counselor to receive feedback for improvement. Practice, practice, practice!

3 DRESS APPROPRIATELY | First impressions are everything! Your appearance should reflect the type of position you have applied for. Be clean and well groomed, but also keep your clothing simple. Interviewers want to hear what you have to say, not be distracted by your flashy fashion choices. However, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A suit and tie never hurts.

4 BE PUNCTUAL | There is no excuse for being late to a job interview. Plan ahead. Do not wait for the day of a job interview to find out where a company is located and how to get there.

Factor in extra time to allow for traffic delays, car malfunctions, etc. It is always a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes early for a job interview. Punctuality is an underrated and valuable attribute that is admired and respected throughout the business community.

5 BODY LANGUAGE | Again, first impressions are everything! When introducing yourself to your interviewer, shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. Be sure to smile, sit straight in your chair with proper posture and avoid fidgeting. Together, this strong set of body language will help you exude confidence.

6 BE CLEAR, CONCISE AND COHERENT | During your interview, allow yourself a moment to collect your thoughts prior to answering each question. Do not answer questions with a simple yes or no – elaborate and use specific examples! But, avoid rambling. If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification. Also, do not try to cover up past mistakes. Instead, show how you have learned from your experiences. Answer questions as honestly as you possibly can. Never speak badly about past employers. Stay positive, professional and enthusiastic!

7 BE INTERESTING AND INTERESTED | Don’t memorize answers but rather be concise and try to relate your own unique skills, experiences and abilities to those required for said position.

Prepare questions to ask your interviewer. Take the opportunity to ask questions about both the organization and the position to determine if it is the right fit for you. This will show your potential employer that you are truly interested in the position not just the pay.

8 BREATHE | Last but not least, relax! Try to remain calm, cool and collected. If you continue to practice, over time, interviews will begin to feel less daunting and actually become more fun.

written by JAMES LO designed by LINNEA LAPP

Am I in the Right Field?

x

written by ELNUR KASUMOV designed by JENNY TRUONG

The dreaded time to make the choice of “what are you going to do for the next thirty years?” has arrived. No big deal. Luckily, you are in a stage of learning where you can try different things and make decisions you can be proud of. I’m assuming that you are somewhat risk averse about going forward (since if you’re risk loving, you probably know exactly where you are going). Popular philosophy says that until you actually try something, you never know if you like it, so here are some things to try, giving you the chance to see if you are on the right track.

a

Our school offers a basic mandatory spectrum of courses, which lets us dip our fingers in fields we were not necessarily thinking of ever diving into.

I have friends who have decided to change their career path to follow the road offered by one or more of the basic requirements. Aside from those, there are many interesting courses that are hidden away in requirements for majors other than yours. For instance, an Accounting major might never find out that a very interesting alterna¬tive dispute resolution is offered in the SMO department.

For this reason, I would suggest that you check out all the courses in different majors offered on BearTracks. Before you register, ask the profes¬sors of these courses what the course is about and what some of the practi¬cal applications are. For example, you can learn negotiation skills from SMO412 or developing customer relationship plans from MARK 470, and creating and polishing an Excel spreadsheet in OM 352. All of these can be very handy and you feel pretty good when your wide-eyed employer asks in amazement “how did you do that?!”

Obviously there is a huge difference between taking a class at University and delivering a project in the business world. Thankfully there are things like internships, the co-op program and profession related jobs to help give you some experience before permanently entering the industry. Many companies offer summer internships, where you can learn from experienced professionals. This can be a priceless experience and a nice addition to your resume.

Co-op programs let you see what it’s like to earn some cash doing what you are studying for. Many of my friends have tried the co-op program in various fields; some had amazing experiences that will give them the edge over the competition when they start their careers, while others gained some valuable lessons and professional experiences.

x x x x

Finding a job related to your field can be tricky, but far from impossible.

A close friend (an accountant by day and a bar manager and DJ by night...Who says Accountants are boring?)” found related work through family connections.

Utilize your alumni network. Grab a drink together; ask them about where they work and what they do and see where it goes from there.

No friends? No problem! Talk to your professors, ask them for some leads.

Still no luck? Talk to people in the industry; go to industry related events, fundraisers, product launches, job fairs or trade shows.

Whichever combination of the above options you choose to pick, remember to apply what you learn in the classroom directly into your professional life. This will help you grow and improve, and will make the transition from school to work life smoother. Do your research and try things for yourself, after all, this is an investment in your time, which is the most valuable resource we all possess.

a

19

THOUGHT

VS THOUGHT

I've Graduated...Now What? written by TSEGA MACDONALD & KAWTHARA SHIRE designed by MICHAEL BAKER

The Proposition In this month’s debate, Lazy Faire explores the perils of post-graduation decision making in its finest form. After graduating from the School of Business with your Bachelor of Commerce degree, is it more beneficial for your career to go straight into industry upon graduating, or more beneficial to take a year off by travelling or volunteering, and then going into the work force afterwards? Our writers chime in.

Hands on work experience: More than meets the eye Kawthara Shire Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree is an impressive accomplishment. In fact, higher education, theoretically, will enable individuals to expand their knowledge and skills, express their thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, grasp abstract concepts and theories, and increase their understanding of the world and their community. It is a time where people are really given the opportunity to explore what they like and are interested in.

Post secondary may have its difficulties, but unlike all other facets of life it is an area in one’s life where mistakes are okay. There will come a point when all the ac¬complishments, networks and knowl¬edge you’ve gained will be enough for you to make a good decision on what you want to do with your life after graduation. That’s when you should recognize that you have an opportunity to do something valuable.

It’s unfair to suggest that the only option is to go out and get a job straight out of university. However it’s important to consider there is a strong chance

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you may not like what you thought you would. But how could you possibly know that if you do not try? The next step after graduation is defining your own path. To do that you must know thyself. I know, it is a very old statement, but it is true and extremely helpful.

You have to find answers to questions like: “Who am I?” “What are my values?”

“What is my passion?” “What are my strengths?” “What is my purpose in life?” These are challenging questions. A degree doesn’t equal a career anymore – we hear that all the time, but it’s blatantly obvious at this point. A Bachelor of Commerce degree means diversity, it means flexibility, and most of all, it means opportunity.

Your education is clearly worth the investment. For this reason, students need to know more about what it actually takes to “make the most” of their investment. The good news is that the learning outcomes that best prepare students for success in the workplace are those that also help students become responsible citizens and help

them navigate their way through a challenging world. The bad news is that while some students achieve these outcomes at very high levels, others do not. Moreover, many graduates have what it takes to succeed, but stumble in how they conduct their job searches or are inadequately skilled in presenting what they know and can do as a result of their college experience. It’s important to navigate those challenges early through hands-on work experience related to their field of study and that which allows for a wealth of learning opportunities.

The truth is that there’s no point in trying to quantify it. The amount you learn about yourself, about the world, and what it means to be a working adult increases once you graduate university.

This is because the world is now your classroom, and you’ve got no choice but to pass.

VS

Go ahead…take a year off!

Tsega MacDonald School is mentally, physically and emotionally draining after 4+ years.

The constant pressure to build your network, expand your extracurricular involvement, achieve the ever-elusive 4.0 GPA and maintain a “balanced social life” is exhausting.

As a third year BUEC, BLAW and NREE student in both Co-op and the pilot Leadership Certificate program, I can tell you the pressure is real! I always thought I would go straight into industry or grad school after graduating.

However, my views have changed after talking to my mentors and starting my new co-op placement. My mentor shifted my perspective – I always thought of taking a year off as putting me a year behind. My mentor explained that a year off helps you grow in ways school and the workplace can’t.

Finding independence, problem solving on the go, meeting new people, and being exposed to new culture all build interpersonal skills.

world. It is actually a benefit to have international experience - employers see this as evidence of initiative and resourcefulness on your end. Taking a year off to explore your passion or the world speaks to your tenacity. As well, it gives you real world examples to use in interviews of times where you have had to be resourceful and creative.

Being able to say, “when I ran out of money in Denmark I had to …” shows potential employers your quick thinking and budgeting skills that may not come across over your resume or cover letter. One of the most common complaints about new grads in the work force is a lack of maturity. Taking a year off can do wonders for your maturity, and allow you to grow into the person you want to be. Your twenties are a difficult time and it can be difficult to pinpoint your passion and aspirations.

Allowing yourself the time to figure out your aspirations is priceless. Your year off could actually be a personal resume builder!

Why not take a year off for yourself? “In the wise words of one of my favorite TV character from Parks and Recreation, “TREAT YOO SELF!” Whether that is finding your inner yogi in Bali, exploring history across Europe or volunteering for a cause you personally identify with. We all have 35+ working years ahead of us. Industry is not going to discount your education because you decide to take a year to explore the

Think about it, when else will you be young, mobile, and free of responsibilities? Your early twenties are short - take advantage of the time to grow both professionally and personally! On top of that, being a recent grad allows you to take advantage of student discounts that let you travel cheaper than you will ever be able to! Hostels are made for student travel. When else will you be comfortable sleeping in bunk beds

http://brunelpcclaw.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/workexperience.png

and having common washrooms? Did I mention most stays are around $15 a night!

If my previous line of reasoning didn’t sway you, the next one will! During your entire undergraduate degree, you’ve been surrounded by people in the same age range, with the same interests, socio-economic levels and career interests as yourself. When you’re traveling, you’ll meet people of different ages, with different ethnicities, political views, careers, and experiences. Travel exposes you to new viewpoints and cultures you could only imagine! The people you will be working with after graduation will be similar to the people you will encounter on your year off. Your co-workers will not all be undergraduate students with the same experiences and interests. Taking a year off before jumping into industry will prepare you for the people you will inevitably encounter in your career, and teach you how to deal with different types of people. University can prepare you for work, but not for the intricate social aspects of the workforce that you will be required to navigate.

Taking a year off to travel, volunteer, or follow a passion can only prepare you for your career. Whether it is alone or with your friends, go see the world, gain insight and boldly follow your passion!

20

A LAZY

CHAT

A Lazy Chat with Michel Gutfreund Hi Mike, thanks for

consulting firm, located

I’ve heard that you

[Laughs] I’m not a

sitting down with us

in Bonn, Germany.

have chosen to take

co-op student, but I did

a slightly different

find a job, so it does

career path in Account-

happen! It’s a little

ing once you graduate

tougher for non-co-

- could you elaborate

op’s to be competitive,

on that?

but I think if you have

this month. Tell us a bit about yourself!

Well, I’m an Accounting major and a SMO minor, and I’m in my last year

Wow, that sounds interesting! What kind of things did you do there?

Well, at first there was

Yes indeed, most

a big learning curve, What kind of things are

students in accounting

since there is a differ-

you currently involved

want to work for one

ent business culture

in within the School of

of the Big Four firms,

present in Germany, in

Business?

but from day one I

comparison to Canada.

knew I didn’t want to

It took a while to get

do that; I wanted to

used to it, but they were

work in industry. I was

really nice – as they let

originally taking all of

me choose the direction

my prerequisites for

I wanted to go in within

the CMA designation,

the firm. Being from

but now that they have

Alberta, of course I

merged with the CPA

chose Energy! I was put

program, I will be going

on my own project and

down that route.

of business!

As we speak, I’m VP Events for the University of Alberta Real Estate Club (UARC), and I am also VP Delegate Relations for the Alberta Energy Challenge (AEC). AEC finished in September, so we’re currently recruiting new execs. At UARC, our next event is the Real Estate Forum, where we bring in various industry members.

The Forum is basically a networking event where students get to meet people from the industry.

I heard you did an internship in Germany last summer, can you tell us a bit about that?

Well, over the summer, I participated in E3 Berlin, which is a program put on by Education Abroad. My internship was for KBN Consult, a mid-size German

worked with differ-

something like working abroad in a professional setting, it really helps set you apart from other candidates – even co-op students.

That’s a relief; I’m not a co-op student either, so it’s ok, there’s still hope! What advice do you have for current SoB students that also want to pursue their dream career?

Don’t wait until the last

ent stadtwerke (small

What are your career

minute to do your cover

regional energy suppli-

plans for the future?

letter and resume.

ers), where I went and talked to industry leaders about the problems they were facing. It was all in German, so it was tough.

That sounds like it was a great experience!

Now moving back to school, what would you say is most important non-academic skill you’ve taken from the SoB?

Well, I was leaning towards working in the energy sector, and after going through the recruiting process in September and October, I landed a fulltime job with Capital Power. It’s a three year rotational program, and I’ll be doing my CPA designation with them.

After my three years, I want to be a manager in the energy sector.

Definitely to be persis-

Go down to Business Career Services, do it early, and then when recruiting comes, you’ll have everything ready.

Go to every recruiting event there is, even to ones outside of Edmonton. I went to one in Calgary because there are more energy companies there. You really have to put yourself out there, and once you meet someone at an event, make sure

tent. If you want to get

Are you a co-op

you swap business

somewhere, just keep

student? What do

cards. After that, write

trying, and eventually

you think about the

a message on LinkedIn

you’ll get there.

program?

to follow up, and add them. That helps you to set a better connection.

written by JEN ZHAO designed by ASHLEY TRUONG photographed by ARIANNA BIASINI

22

written by JAMES LO designed by JENNY WANG

What is the Business Students’ Association?

The Business Students’ Association (BSA) is the Faculty Association for the Alberta School of Business. The BSA was founded in 1966 and currently represents over 2,100 full and part-time students in the Undergraduate Bachelor of Commerce Program to the Students’ Union, the University Administration and the corporate community at large.

The BSA Council is a student-run organization comprised of 34 student volunteers – 7 executive members and 27 internal members. The BSA hosts a variety of events and offers beneficial services throughout the year. Their main focus is to enrich the university experience of all Business students by offering opportunities to build corporate networks and true “education beyond the classroom,” through personal and professional development.

On February 13 and 14, our student body will appoint 7 individuals to serve as the Business Students’ Association’s Executive for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. Have you ever thought about running for a position on the BSA Executive or aspired to become the next BSA President? Well, your opportunity has finally arrived! The real question is, do you have what it takes to join the BSA?

Positions and Roles

Ballot and Nomination But how do I get my name on the ballot?

The nomination process is very simple and consists of both the completion of a form and the collection of 20 signatures from current business students.

Eligibility – Enrollment at the Alberta School of Business for the following school year.

a

SO YOU WANT TO BE A BSA EXECUTIVE?

President

VP Academic

VP External

VP Internal

VP Events

VP Marketing

As President of the Business Students’ Association, you are responsible for managing the dayto-day operations of the BSA Executive.

The BSA President also acts as Chair of the Business Clubs’ Council and represents all business students on behalf of the BSA to the Student’s Union, the Faculty of Business, Alumni and other external agencies.

As Vice President Academic, you are responsible for planning and executing the BSA Book Sale, Energize Conference, Alberta Internal Case Competition (AICC) and Elevator Pitch Tournament. The VP Academic acts on behalf of all business students on various academic boards and committees and is involved with the creation of new academic events, from new case competitions to conferences to speaker series.

As Vice President External, you are privileged with the opportunity represent the Alberta School of Business in meetings with various members in our business community. The VP External must negotiate sponsorship proposals on behalf of the BSA and lead a team of directors tasked with organizing the Take a Student to Eat Program (TASTE), Backstage Pass and monthly Anti-Burnout events.

As Vice President Internal, you are responsible for organizing student life.

You will lead a team of directors who are tasked with planning and executing events, with heavy emphasis on first-year business students, such as Orientation, Week of Welcome, Business Week and every Cohort Event.

As Vice President Events, your sole responsibility lies with planning, organizing and executing, you guessed it, events! The VP Events organizes events such as the Sports Tournament, Hall Party, Winter Gala and Beer Gardens.

As Vice President Marketing, you are responsible for promoting all the major Business Student’s Association events.

Why should I run?

Running for a BSA Executive position can be an extremely rewarding experience where you can demonstrate and acquire excellent leadership experience. You will have the opportunity to meet an incredibly diverse array of individuals throughout the Alberta School of Business, Faculty and external. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to toss on your resume that you ran for BSA Council.

Why should I vote?

If you aren’t prepared to run for a position of the BSA Executive, please remember to vote. It is the most important part of the election process and gives you the opportunity to actively participate in decisions that affect both the Faculty of Business and business students in general. You have the ability to select who will represent you over the course of the 2014-2015 school year. So please do your due diligence, research the candidates, evaluate their platforms and choose wisely! Now get out and vote!

BSA Elections Timeline

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• Tuesday, January 21, 2014 – BSA Elections Information Session – 5:00 PM in BUS 1-5 • Thursday, February 13, 2014 – BSA Elections • Friday, February 14, 2014 – BSA Elections

If you still have any questions regarding the BSA Elections, please send an email to the Business Students Association at hello@bsaonline.ca. The BSA would be happy more than happy to meet with you and answer any that you may have.

So, do you have what it takes to make it as a BSA Executive?

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The one thing that never changes is our values.

We succeed through satisfied customers.

We value our employees.

We deliver quality and excellence in all we do.

We require premium return on assets.

We use technology to develop market leadership.

We behave responsibly as a corporate citizen.

–Joseph C. Wilson, Xerox Founder, 1961

Last year across Canada 170 new grads joined our team.

Find out why findyourXfactor.com. Xerox is a proud sponsor of the University of Alberta BSA.

© 2012 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox®, Xerox and Design® and Ready For Real Business are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Xerox Canada Ltd. is the licensee of all the trademarks.