Lazy Faire August 2011 Issue

For Business Students, by Business Students

August 2011

LAZY FAIRE the

1st Year’s Guide to all things SoB!

BREANNE KRAUS!

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Your Business 201 Guru!

FROSH! and other upcoming business events!

Your 2011/2012

WELCOME

the

1

issue!

BSA!

Advertisement

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August 12

13 FIRST YEAR’S GUIDE

18

FROSH RETREAT/ ORIENTATION

06 07 BSA COUNCIL 2011/2012

08 09 10 11 BUSINESS CLUBS

Business

Academics

Student Life

Table of Contents

04

CALENDAR

14

WHICH MAJORS & MINORS ARE FOR YOU?

5

INTERVIEW WITH BREANNE KRAUS business 201

15

COHORT SYSTEM

17

WHAT IS COOP?

16

THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Business Students’ Association

Follow Us!

www.lazyfaire.tumblr.com

www.bsaonline.ca

@bsavoice

Lazy Faire Team Karolina Zheng

Lance Chung

Ryan Jayatunge

Editor-in-Chief

Content Editor

Design Editor

kzheng2@ualberta.ca

lance1@ualberta.ca

rjayatun@ualberta.ca Emily Wong - Creative Director

Thoughts, comments, questions, threats, love letters- send them to lazyfaire@live.ca

Braden Lauer - Senior Contributor

Jeff Mah - Photographer & Creative Director

Breanne Pisani - Senior Contributor

Jenny Truong - Creative Director

Eileen Lee - Senior Contributor

Matthew Alexander - Creative Director

Paul Lopushinsky - Senior Contributor

Nitasha Happy - Creative Director

Sally Au - Senior Contributor & Creative Director

Shirley Guo - Creative Director

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Academics

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Add/Drop Classes by September 20!

Pick up your agenda at Clubs Fair on September 12/13!

Pay Tuition by September 30 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

September

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11

BFA Wall Street Prep BSA Frosh Retreat

18

BSA Energize Ends

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5

BEA Week of Welcome Begins

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BFA Mock Fin Interviews Begin BSA Clubs Fair

19

BBTC Guest Night JDCW Info Session

26

BBTC Weekly Toastmaster Meeting

6

BSA Orientation BSA Book Sale Begins

13

BSA Book Sale Ends BSA Clubs Fair

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JDCW Info Session SIFE Info Session

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BEA Info Session SIFE Info Session

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7

14

BSA Meet the Faculty BSA Pong Tournament

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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3

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BSA Cohort Olympics

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BEA Nation 2 Nation Kickoff JDCW Team Recruitment Begins SIFE Info Session

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UAAC Annual UAHRMA AGM/ CA Dinner General Info SIFE Info Session Night

CESA Top of Class Etiquette Dinner

AEC Begins BEA Info Session UAHRMA Mentorship Info Night JDCW Social Tryouts

SU Clubs Fair & Beer Gardens End

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BSA Energize Begins UAMA Graffiti Night

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AEC Continues Party on the EDGE Tuition Due!

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BFA Wall Street Prep BSA Frosh Retreat

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UAAC Golf Tournament

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BSAGolf Tournament

Business

Breanne Kraus Business 201

There are a lot of new changes

By Braden Lauer The Lazy-Faire team got the opportunity to sit down with Breanne Kraus recently. In addition to being the most bubbly and upbeat person we have met, the third year business student is the course coordinator for Bus 201.

Bus 201 is the mandatory business course that every business kid talks about and has memories of. The course involves seminars and lectures, and puts you into random groups to tackle a case study and a full business plan.

Lazy-Faire: Course coordinator! Wow. Congrats. So what all do you do as a course coordinator?

Breanne: Thank you! So far I have hired the seminar managers (the people who lead the many cohorts’ seminars) as well as a marking team which judges the presentations and written documents that the students write. I had the old curriculum and the feedback from last year’s students but I wanted to build on the course. There are a lot of new changes. I wanted to make the course more interactive and a lot more example based. Other then that I am in a whole lot of meetings.

LF: How many other members are on the team helping you?

B: I hired seven other seminar managers so there are eight teaching in total. Two of them are actually involved in the marking team as well.

Hussein Allidina is the head marker!! I’m excited, he was a part of the marking team last year and he is perfect for it. He has actually done a lot of case competitions as well. It’s a great team too.

LF: For many coming into their first year, they don’t quite understand how much time goes in to the Bus 201 course. It is a huge time commitment for you as well. What else do you do for fun when you’re not slaving away?

B: Well I just got back from Maui! Aside from that my niece and nephew are my life. I am obsessed with them! I am doing classes in the summer and a lot of work. I love running and working out and I luckily got to take a yoga class, which is great. I take a lot of family and friend time. This really is the first summer I haven’t had an eight- to- five job as well so It’s really great. You get to make your own hours. But really I just love spending time with my niece and nephew! I can’t get enough of them.

LF: Any quick tips for the incoming students taking Bus 201?

B: Get started early. When your seminar leaders tell you to get started you HAVE to get started at that point. I noticed myself in my 1st semester that it was very overwhelming. Not just Bus 201 but the whole experience: Overwhelming. It does get better though! It gets so much better so stay in there.

LF: Agreed. So what kind of future plans do you have for after your degree?

B: Well I am a marketing major. I used to be in Finance but the last month of the last semester I realized I just didn’t have a passion for it. I didn’t want a career in it. So I switched! But back to the question. I first I want to get industry experience. My two specific interests are PR and marketing research. I’m a bit of a science dork so marketing research reminds me of science. I think after that I would love to go back to school and get a masters or a PHD and then I would hopefully come back as a prof.

LF: Most important question! If you could have any superpower what would it be?

B: I think I would want to fly. I could get everywhere faster and I hate sitting in traffic.

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Business

Your 2011/2012 BSA Executives The BSA is your student body for the Faculty of Business. You’ll be sure to see them around quite a bit over the year, so here is a little sneak peek into who they are and what they’ll be doing for you this year!

President – Kim Menard

VP External - Derrick Stielow

Year? 4th Major? Business Economics Minor? Strategic Management

Year? 4th Major? Accounting Minor? Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

What are you responsible for?

As the BSA President it is my responsibility to keep in close contact with our students, the faculty and the business community to ensure that we can offer the best opportunities to students at the Alberta School of Business.

Best advice for a first year student?

Get involved!!! The best thing about our faculty is that you can compliment your degree with extracurricular that really add value and depth. Over the next few weeks you’ll hear about all the opportunities that the school offers, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

What are you responsible for?

The VP External team is responsible for obtaining sponsorship for the BSA and representing the undergraduate students in the business community.

We spend a lot of time bragging about how great the student’s at The Alberta School of Business are but the bottom line is that we need to make sure that the BSA gets the support it needs.

What can I expect from you this year? You can expect me to be doing exactly what the external team does best… talking. Well, that and drinking a ton of coffee. I maintain a policy that I will never turn down an offer to go grab a cup even if it means switching to decaf so I can sleep at night.

VP Academic – Joachim Chau

VP Internal – Nicholas Williams

Year? 4th Major? Finance Minor? Operations Management

Year? 4th Major? Business Economics and Law Minor? Strategic Management Organization

What are you responsible for?

VP Academic is responsible for any academic events that are geared towards helping students enrich their learning and academics throughout their time at the Alberta School of Business.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ll be working on this year?

We’re making the Energize Conference bigger and better this year!

Energize is going to be more interactive and engaging, and much more fun! We’re introducing an introductory case competition component to Energize this year that will help incoming students dive head first into something they will see frequently throughout their time here. In addition, with new high profile speakers and industry experts, Energize offers more for students than it ever had in the past!

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Challenge, and Orientation.

What are you responsible for? The VP Internal is responsible for coordinating the team that organizes the cohort system, as well as the various social events that establish the School of Business culture. This includes Frosh, Welcome Week, Business Week, the Apprentice

What can I expect from you this year?

It is my goal to create memorable student experiences in the present and future by collecting students’ opinions before and after events so that adaptations can be made to our events to reflect what students want. I want to make myself available to all students as it is my primary responsibility to represent the interests of the student body.

Business

VP Finance – Joshua Sereke

VP Marketing – Paul Kan

Year? 4th Major? Finance and Accounting

Major? Marketing

Year? 4th

What are you responsible for?

I am responsible for maintaining and allocating the BSA’s capital to most optimally advance the school of business’s student body.

What should I expect this year?

You can expect fiscally prudent budget management that is centered around maximizing the value the BSA has to offer.

VP Events – Clint Peter Year? 4th Major? Accounting Minor? MIS What are you responsible for?

The VP Events is responsible for organizing the major events that are happening throughout the School of Business. This includes: the dodge ball tournament, Winter Gala, the street hockey tournament, grad, and beer gardens.

What are you responsible for?

The VP Marketing is responsible for managing the communication channels between students, the BSA, and the faculty. My role is to make sure that each communication channel is used effectively and that each BSA event and service receives maximum exposure and attention within the business student population.

What’s the best way to stay informed about everything?

A new issue of Lazy Faire comes out every month to keep you informed about the latest events around the school and fills you in on other awesome topics about things you’ll find useful inside and outside of campus life. Follow us on Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube (YourBSA), the BSA website (bsaonline.ca),Twitter, also check out our bulletin boards on the 2nd floor as well, lookout for our posters and our street team throughout the building.

Is there anything in particular to watch out for?

Keep an eye out for all of the variations the events portfolio is incorporating into the events.

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Business

Student Clubs AIESEC is the largest student-run organization in the world. We facilitate a Global Internship Program, which provides students with local leadership experience and international internship opportunities.

Leadership Experience: AIESEC can provide you with practical business experience by volunteering for a global non-profit organization. There are numerous leadership opportunities available that can complement your business degree and help build your resume.

We have six different portfolios within our Local Committee, including Communications (Marketing), Corporate Relations, Outgoing Exchange, Incoming Exchange, Finance and Talent Management (HR). No matter what your business major, you can find a role that will compliment your degree and provide you with relevant volunteer experience that can further your career after University.

International Internship Opportunities: AIESEC can provide you with the opportunity to work, volunteer or teach abroad in over 100 countries. AIESEC provides students and graduates with internship opportunities that last between 6 weeks and 18 months. Varying in length and job description, internships are available in four fields: management, technical, education and development. AIESEC supports you throughout the exchange process--before, during, and after your internship. Over 5,000 internships are available annually in our global database.

Learn More: Visit aiesec.ca/Edmonton to learn more and to apply for a leadership role or internship, or stop by the AIESEC office in BUS 2-04H. Business Exchange Association (BEA) An international experience is invaluable to a student’s educational, professional and personal development. To this end, the Business Exchange Association encourages, facilitates and supports all Business Students to develop their international experience through exchange. The association strives to increase the international outlook of the School and its students. The BEA strives to make an 8

an exchange opportunity available to every Business student.

The BEA executive is comprised of former exchange students. We have watched all our friends undergo a complete personal change by embarking on an international exchange – development of a deeper sense of personal identity and values and new found self confidence and maturity. You are constantly pushed out of your comfort zone.

You have unrivalled opportunities to travel. These two factors make exchange the best opportunity for personal development the Alberta School of Business has to offer. It didn’t hurt that we had the best time of our lives doing it either.

Through exchange, the BEA celebrates personal growth, learning about the world and getting the most out of life. For more information on exchange, our International Business Case Competition, Week of Welcome, our Travel Award, etc. visit www.uofabea.com or come visit our office in the lounge. You can also join us on Facebook or follow us on twitter. www.facebook.com/businessexchangeassociation www.twitter.com/uofabea Email Contact: President: Jessica Ireland president.bea@gmail.com VP Events: Chaantal Karmensky events.bea@gmail.com VP Internal: Kyle Parrota internal.bea@gmail.com VP Finance: Taryn Klymyk bea.finance@gmail.com Business Finance Association (BFA) Our mission The Business Finance Association is dedicated to maintaining an educational link between students and the world of finance by providing students with information and events that will build a foundation for a successful career.

About us The BFA, formerly called the Investors Club, will show students that there is much more to the world of finance and economics than just investing. Our goal is to encourage students to explore the vast spectrum of finance disciplines and to empower them by providing them with the necessary resource and tools that will enable them to succeed in the finance world. We look forward to the upcoming year’s events and hope that students can enjoy the world of finance with the BFA.

Business Benefits of being a member

- Access to participate in investment challenges with cash Prizes

- Multiple networking opportunities during our annual

events, such as Guest Speaker Series and the CFA Night

- Access to the BFA finance blog and newsletters with

insightful information about upcoming events and what the

world of finance has to offer

CEEG/AEC The Commerce, Energy, and Environment Group (CEEG) was To join, drop by the BFA office or fill out a registration form online founded to assist students in establishing a background the current on ualberta.ca/~bfa/index-2.html and future state of energy and environment industries. This goal will be accomplished by providing members with invaluable resources Our major event highlights: such as speaker series, field trips, networking events, and a worldMock Market Challenge class case competition, the Alberta Energy Challenge (AEC). AEC

- Online investment challenge is a “live” case competition focused on the energy industry. 16

- Learn how to build a portfolio interdisciplinary teams of business, engineering, economics, and

- Access to participate in the Western Canadian investment environment students from across North America will act as Challenges consultants to one of Alberta’s top energy companies. The company

- Compete for cash prizes will present the teams with their most pressing problem. The students CFA night and Guest Speakers will participate in several interactive activities and speaker events

- Expert advice from industry professional of the Edmonton to learn more about the industry and the problem they have been CFA Society asked to solve. The weekend will include a Q&A session with the

- Insights into jobs/careers offered in the finance industry sponsoring company, as well as consulting hours with various industry

- Networking opportunities experts. On the final day of the competition, teams will present their

- Win a scholarship to write the Level I CFA exam findings to a panel of judges from industry and faculty in an Our Location interactive, boardroom-style presentation.

2-04b, School of Business University of Alberta For more information about CEEG and AEC, visit Edmonton, AB T6G 2R6 www.albertaenergychallenge.com, email Web: www.ualberta.ca/~bfa chair@albertaenergychallenge.com, or stop by office 2-04B in the Tel: 780.492.8900 business lounge!

Email: bfa@ualberta.ca Business and Beyond Toast Masters Club Learn the important skills in public speaking in the club through the Toastmasters Program, whether you have to deliver a prepared speech, chair meetings and events, speak impromptu or give feedback. Our weekly meetings give members an opportunity to both practice their public speaking and leadership skills and get evaluated as well.

The club has a friendly environment and every member is dedicated to motivate and learn from each other. Great communication and leadership skills are very valuable both in business and beyond, and the club’s goal is to help you achieve that!

Contact information Website- www.bbtc.ca Facebook Page- Business and Beyond Toastmasters Contact- Giselle General Email- membership@bbtc.ca Meeting Time- Monday nights at 6 PM Meeting Location- Second Floor, Business Building

Club de Commerce Bilingue Le Club de commerce bilingue est un appui académique et social pour les étudiants et étudiantes dans le programme du Baccalauréat bilingue en administration des affaires, ainsi que pour ceux qui espèrent d’y entrer. Le Club de commerce bilingue a pour but de créer une plus grande présence pour ses étudiants au Campus Saint-Jean et à la Alberta School of Business, ainsi de créer un lien entre ces derniers. Finalement, le CCB promeut avec fierté les deux langues officielles du Canada, le français et l’anglais, dans le cadre de tous ses évènements, ses rencontres et ses envergures. Le BAA bilingue vous ouvre les portes au monde; nous sommes ici pour s’assurer que vous en profitiez pleinement!

The Club de Commerce Bilingue is an academic and social support for students in the Bilingual Bachelor of Commerce and for those who wish to enter it. The CCB strives to increase the Bilingual BCom’s presence at both Campus Saint-Jean and the Alberta School of Business, and is a resource centre for bilingual students. The club focuses on promoting Canada’s two official languages, French and English, in all its events, meetings and endeavours. A bilingual degree in business opens many doors—we’re here to make sure you make the most of it!

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Business Visitez notre bureau/Drop by our office: 2-12 D Pavillion McMahon Campus Saint-Jean Courriel/Email : ccb.csj@gmail.com Site web/Website : http://www.csj.ualberta.ca/ccb/ DO YOU HAVE THE EDGE? EDGE Business Competition is a live business simulation for students who strive to challenge themselves, test their skills and expand their learning beyond the classroom. This event is an interactive, multidisciplinary, high-energy case competition. Unlike a static case competition where students read, analyze and solve a case, EDGE simulates a real business environment, adding the element of real time to the competition.

Competitors will face a complex, ambiguous and constantly changing scenario that will force them to think quickly and critically. As a multidisciplinary event, EDGE Business Competition will involve several challenges that will test delegates in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, public relations, and operations management. Teams will need to work together to display their learned skills in these areas, while demonstrating creative and strategic competencies. EDGE is a practical learning opportunity for energetic, determined, and sociable students of any year of study, and any major.

For more information, visit our website at www.edgebusinesscompetition.com, check out our Facebook page at EDGE Business Competition, or contact us by email: edgebusinesscompetition@gmail.com.

out on a rare highlight event at the Alberta School of Business in 2012. Sign-up today! For more information contact Keely Evans (VP HR) at k.evans@jdcwest.com, swing by our office in the Business Lounge 2-04G, or visit www.jdcwest.com.

JDC West Alberta The Alberta JDC West Team consists of a group of 50 Alberta School of Business competitors who compete in different academic, athletic, and social categories each January at JDC West. This case competition is held at different universities across Western Canada; this year it will be held here, in Edmonton.

If you are looking for an opportunity to expand your analysis skills, hone your presentation expertise, and experience an amazing opportunity, the Alberta JDC West Team is where you want to be!

The team offers spots on case teams in categories including, Accounting, Finance, Tax, Marketing, Human Resources, International Business, Management Information Systems, Entrepreneurship, Business Strategy, or Not-For-Profit. We also offer the opportunity to be part of our debate team, sports team (playing Flag Football, and Yukigassen) or social team (think Amazing Race).

Interested? For more information drop by our office in the BSA Lounge (2-04E),visit our website www.albertajdcwest.com or email the Team Captain, Dan Haberstock, at daniel.haberstock@ualberta.ca.

JDC West Competition JDC West 2012 – January 13th to 15th Hosted by the Alberta School of Business JDC West is the largest student-run, multi-faceted business competition that takes place in a new Western Canadian city each year during the month of January. The Alberta School of Business will be hosting 11 competing schools in pursuit of the ultimate prize of “School of the Year”. Aside from 10 academic cases, schools will also compete in a Parliamentary Debate, Social competition that rivals the Amazing Race, as well as an as well as an Athletics competition incorporating two sports: Yukigassen and Flag Football.

While each of the 11 schools are preparing for the big weekend, a separate group of undergraduate students are in charge of the execution of the competition. This Organizing Committee focuses solely on planning the competition and may not compete in JDC West due to conflicts of interest.So where do you, yes, you, come in?

JDC West 2012 will be looking for over 100 volunteers and will need YOUR help on the big weekend to run the competition. Don’t miss 10

Mangement Information Systems Club (MISC) Each and every day, the business world relies more and more on information systems to keep them afloat. Every corporation, big or small, needs an effective information system to be successful in today’s cut throat, do anything to get ahead business environment.

The MISC represents the students in this unique major and provides both opportunities to meet corporate professionals from the MIS world and fellow MIS students alike. We serve as a support system for all students in MIS and our events enhance the extracurricular experience for all students interested in MIS. Feel Lost in MIS 311? Visit the forum on our website, linking you to tutors and fellow students that may be able to help your cause.

Check out our new event, “Gutterbyte”, held in November. Have some creative database creation skills? Take part in the “Database Deathrace” competition in February. Looking to meet MIS professionals? Join us in March for the 2012 MIS Speaker Session.

If you have any questions, contact us at the following: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/misc Twitter: http://twitter.com/uofamisclub Website: www.uofamis.ca Email: misc@ualberta.ca

Business RMBS Ready for the best Reading Week of your undergrad?

Rocky Mountain Business Seminar (RMBS) takes place February 20-24, 2012 in the scenic Canadian Rockies. Going into its 47th year, RMBS has a long standing history with the School of Business and the business community and is a great opportunity to learn outside the classroom. Well worth the $525, registration includes roundtrip bus transportation, four nights accommodation, delicious meals, networking opportunities with business professionals and students from across Canada, engaging seminars, and interactive keynote speakers. Delegates get the chance to participate in a mini case competition, a hockey tournament, and incredible nightly entertainment – including a graffiti night and a casino night!

Sign-up for RMBS on November 25! Sign-up takes the form of a race across campus to find the secret location. The location will be released via our email list, Facebook status, and on www.rmbs.ca at 6:00a.m. Be among the first in line to guarantee a spot at RMBS 2012! A deposit of $275 is required that morning to secure your spot.

For more information check out our information sessions in October and November, visit us in Bus 2-02, or email us at rmbs@ualberta.ca

UAHRMA UAHRMA is a student lead organization at the University of Alberta that is committed to building and promoting the Human Resources community while preparing HRM students for the workplace.

UAHRMA strives to facilitate Human Resources education and career development through: interaction between students, faculty and professionals, seminars featuring industry Human Resources professionals, mentorship opportunities, networking and social events, providing information on trends, career choices, and the changing role of Human Resources. Our main event is our HRM Conference; here we combine all forms of education and career development for the Human Resource Professional into one great event, which is held in March.

UAHRMA is located in the Business Lounge room 2-04F. Visit www.uahrma.com for further information or contact UAHRMA by email: uahrma@ualberta.ca.

The University of Alberta Marketing Association (UAMA) According to sources, February 3 marks the beginning day of Chinese New Year in the year 2011. The animal sign for this year is the rabbit.

According to another source, September 7 marks the beginning of the year for the Business Faculty at the University of Alberta.

The animal for this year is the University of Alberta Marketing Association (UAMA).

RMBS 2012: Your Vision, Your Future. See you there!

University of Alberta Accounting Club The University of Alberta Accounting Club is one of the oldest and most successful student run clubs on campus. We operate with one goal: to help translate your education into a meaningful career.

Whether you need to connect with employers, get informed about career options or add lines to your resume, we can help!

Throughout the year the UAAC provides excellent opportunities for you to network with potential employers. You can dine with representatives of CA training offices at our annual CA Dinner, golf with them at CA Golf or acquaint yourself with representatives from all three designations at our annual Alberta Accounting Student Conference. Members can stay involved and make a difference in the community at our Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic.

Lastly, never miss an important notice or opportunity by receiving weekly updates with the latest from professional associations and firms!

The UAMA is a student-marketing club that strives to further connect the student body through various events and bridge the gap between students’ and marketing professionals.

As a business student, you are encouraged to stop and chat with any of our 2011/2012 executives. They will be more than happy to update you on what is going on with the UAMA and answer any questions you may have!

President Birkley Doll VP External Samuel Dean VP Internal Rayna Larson

VP Communications Mary Colpo

VP Public Relations Franca Brodett VP Academic Elaine Sun VP Finance Vinson Hua We are excited to announce the launch of our new website! It has been completely revamped and is sure to create a buzz in the Business Lounge (www.uama.ca). Follow us daily @UAMA_Alberta on Twitter #can’taffordnottofollowus #whynot?. The door is always open; the UAMA office located in office 2-04A in the Business Lounge. Come say hi!

Drop by our office and take charge of your career! We are located in the Business Student Lounge, Room 2-04C.

Get Involved!

Contact us: Via our website http://www.ualberta.ca/~uaac/ Email us: uaac@ualberta.ca Phone us: 780.492.2993 11

Student Life

Shardo work the pressure is finally off, your officially a “business” student! Some of you may think the is now done and you can just coast to graduation but believe me your wrong! The

next few years will challenge you but at the same time be very rewarding. The Lazy Faire realizes that this may be a bit overwhelming for some students, so we’ve put together a basic survival guide to get you the first few months in your new faculty.

You’ll be amazed at how many different opportunities come knockin’; hopefully we can help you figure out which doors to open.

First Year’s Survival Guide

By Breanne Pisani

F irst things first, you’ll need your textbooks and agenda. You’ll quickly learn that the business building is quite the hike from the bookstore in SUB, but fortunately the Business Student’s Association (BSA) has brought a book

sale to you! You’ll be able to buy and sell used books through the BSA Book Sale that takes place September 6-13.

These books are usually cheaper than anything you find in the book store and are specifically for business students.

The book sale will take place in the Tory Atrium. Remember to get there quick, the books tend to go fast!

Next up, your agenda. The Faculty of Business has specific agendas for its students. Don’t go wondering around quad on the first day of school looking for your agenda, you won’t find them there! Your agenda can be picked up directly from the BSA within the first couple days of school. This is an extremely useful resource as it includes all the information you would find in the regular U of A agendas plus some extra info specifically for business students, including some important dates you won’t want to forget.

The Basics

Ieverything can’t stress enough how important it is to become informed about the Faculty of Business has to offer, how you can get

Get Yourself Informed

involved, and how to take advantage of all the opportunities. What’s the best way to do this? Visit the Business Clubs Fair that will be held the first couple days of school. This is your one stop shop for all the different clubs that exist within the Faculty of Business. This is a great way to find out more information about your major, as well as other majors you might be interested in. Look into various events and conferences that take place throughout the year and determine which one might be beneficial to you. Remember to check out the newest issue of the Lazy Faire each month, you’ll be sure to find tons of information regarding the events that are coming up.

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Student Life

Imonths t’s extremely important to be on top of everything (perhaps try using your handy agenda), especially in the first few as you are still settling in. Whether it’s the class add/drop deadline, or maybe the last day to pay your tuition, the

more organized you are, the less stress you’ll have. To help get you started, we’ve put together a few dates that you might want to keep in mind as the school year begins to creep up on us.

Be Organized

August 15 ---Registration Confirmation Deposit Deadline

September 6 ---Orientation for First Years

September 7 ---Classes Begin

September 6 - 13 ---BSA Book Sale September 20 ---Class Add/Drop Deadline

September 30 ---Fall Tuition Due

Information on Coop --- Check out pg. 17

Student Exchanges --- Check out page 16

Welcome to the

L astly, get to know as many people as possible! Relationships with other are extremely valuable to your degree. Whether it’s getting to know your

School of Business!

prof, or even just a few people within your cohort, these relationships will help you to succeed. You’ll hear about networking over and over, but don’t underestimate how valuable it actually can be. So don’t be afraid to attend conference, join a club, or go to Frosh. Make the most of your experience.

Build Relationships 13

Academics

Bachelor of Commerce Majors

Written by Eileen Lee

Types of BComm Majors Accounting

International Business

Finance

European Studies

Human Resource Management Management and Organization Business Studies Natural Resources, Energy & the Environment

Business Economics & Law Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise

Latin American Studies East Asian Studies Mangement Information Systems Operations Management Marketing

The School of Business offers 16 BComm majors. If you’re still unsure about whether the major you’re in is the right one for you, don’t worry! During your first year of business the courses you will be taking in your cohort are requirements for all majors. Keep in mind though, if you are changing your major or minor there are deadlines in order to ensure you can register for restricted courses next year.

So let’s start off with Accounting. It is definitely the most popular major at the School of Business. With so many possibilities in future careers you’ll learn about making management decisions, auditing, and work involving the taxation system. Finance is another popular major at the School of Business. It involves the management and investing of assets, which will prepare you for a future career involving trade, finance, or investment. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be managing a portfolio worth millions of dollars.

With Human Resource Management it’s all about managing people. If you enjoy SMO 201 then this could be the major for you. You’ll learn about how to communicate effectively in a team and the different aspects of workplace culture. A major in Management and Organization is also similar to HRM but it is geared towards a future career in a management or leadership position. Also there is one more free elective you can take compared to HRM (which is always a plus!)

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However, if you want all the freedom you can get in picking business courses then maybe Business Studies is right for you.

One of the more general degrees it allows you to explore all aspects of business and shape your degree the way you want it.

With this degree there are many possibilities.

You can also get a BComm in Natural Resources, Energy, & the Environment.The School of Business is the only one that offers it in North America.

For a global feel try International Business. You’ll be learning a language, and skills needed to keep up with globalization.

European Studies, Latin American Studies, and East Asian Studies are similar but specialize in an area.

A major in Management Information Systems involves matching the right technology to solve business problems and complete tasks. Operations Management which also focuses on problem solving involves effectively carrying out business processes while eliminating as much variability as you can.

Trust me it’s a lot more interesting than it sounds!

Marketing, which is another popular major, includes studying consumer behaviour, marketing strategies and marketing research, among others. One of your main focuses will be how to show your target market the value of your company. A major in Retailing and Services is similar to marketing but has a core focus on the retail industry.

In Business Economics & Law you’ll be able to choose a general approach or focus on the economic or law aspects of the organization. Lastly, a major in Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise is all about preparing you to own your own business one day. You can choose between specializing in either area.

If you want to look into any of these majors the School of Business website has a pretty good description of each one and includes helpful links. It can be found at http://www.business.ualberta.ca/Programs/BachelorOfCommerce/ProspectiveStudents/AboutBcom/BcomMajors.aspx .

Also, you can get access to the flow charts of all majors under Current Students by logging in with your CCID. Good luck in finding the BComm major that’s right for you!

Student Life

Cohort Program

By Braden Lauer

I

magine walking into your first management science lecture; imagine it as the first class you have taken within the School of Business. We‘ve all been there. You look around and scan all of the seats for friends, while sub-consciously evaluating the members of the class. You pick your seat. There is a good chance that you’ve felt the burning stare of everybody in the class looking at you by now. How do I look?

Was this the right place to sit? Will I meet anyone new? There are all sorts of questions racing through your head while navigating your first day with a room full of strangers. One of the biggest questions in a faculty where so much is based upon group work and cooperation, though, is whether you can build any real relationships. The reality is that it is a tough task in a big classroom environment. However, business is all about building relationships and learning to connect with your peers.

This is the driving force behind the cohort program.

The cohort program is a way to create working groups out of the first year students. It develops communication and leadership between you and the peers you’ll be with for most of the year. Together, you and 64 other students will be working alongside one another to get through the core courses and earn points for the cohort cup. These are the peers that will be with you when you tackle your business plans, and many other projects in many other classes.

Now imagine walking into a marketing class. This time you recognize all of the faces from the class you took earlier. You remember which people answered a lot of class questions. You remember some of the names from the class before. You may have met someone to sit beside. You may have even met a few people that will be there to cry with you after taking your first accounting midterm.

We asked Dan Zajac, a 2010-2011 cohort captain, what he thought the perks of the cohort program were. “Obviously you meet tons of new people and make new friends in your first year, but the program just makes that whole process a lot less daunting. It’s fun to know so many people in your classes, unlike the first year of university. I know I made some great friends in my cohort that will last for the rest of my program and hopefully even longer than that.” Dan was a captain of cohort seven. Students who apply through the BSA in the first months of school and make it through the ‘hiring’ process get to be in this position. “ The captains basically act as liaison between the BSA and the first year students,” Zajac explained.

“You never have to feel out of the loop with what is going on around your school when you are part of a cohort.” And what events do the cohorts attend together? “Well, the captains themselves usually organize two events throughout the year that range from themed bar nights to casino nights. You should always try to get to them for a great break from school and for cohort points. There’s also the dodgeball tourney, frosh retreat, movember, chillin’ for charity, 5 days for the homeless, business week and tons of other BSA events that you can participate in with other cohort members to get out there. You essentially get the extra push to meet some people in your cohort”

Business is all about building relationships and “learning to connect with your peers. ”

So when you walk into your first class this fall try not to be intimidated. Take advantage of the great program the university has and worry not about where you sit. Pretty soon you will be sitting in a whole room of friends.

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Business

xchanges E

Going on a school exchange is a service that is offered to business students, but few decide to make use of. The Business Exchange Association (BEA), a prominent student group in the School of Business, exists to help student thinking about going on a student exchange, showing them how easy it actually is to go through with it.

What better way to learn about what people experience on an exchange than talking to Ann Bawden, a recently returned exchange student?

LF: Tell us about your first experience with the Business Exchange Association (BEA), and how it eventually lead to your exchange.

Ann: My first experience with the Business Exchange Association (BEA) was brought on by a close friend of mine who had joined the club and was very interested in going on exchange. I began attending events the BEA puts on, such as Nation 2 Nation, a competition between foreign exchange students to prove their country is better than the other competing against them that night. The idea of hanging out and partying with students from all over the world and making those connections is so much fun and always proved to bring on interesting conversations and unforgettable nights.

ways, most include a cafe, bar or nightclub, library, restaurant, and much more. Each night of the week different activities are planned at all of the different nations and there is truly an event for any person wanting to do almost anything. The nations are truly unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Lastly I can’t help to mention that Swedish people are unbelievably good looking--the stereotype is VERY true.

LF: Before you left for your exchange, did you have any second thoughts or feel nervous?

Ann: I think everyone feels a little bit nervous when leaving everything they know and are flying across the world to a totally foreign country. I found the hardest part was saying goodbye to my family, but as soon as I was through airport security I was beyond excited to start my exchange journey. I definitely never had any second thoughts and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

LF: Why did you choose Uppsala for your exchange?

Ann: This is a question I got a lot when meeting other exchange students in Sweden. I had heard amazing things about Uppsala from lots of returning students about Uppsala’s top ranked University, gorgeous city, amazing people, and not to mention the huge parties. One of the main reasons was that Uppsala is a University town--it is packed with students that make up about half of the city’s population, giving the city an unreal vibe and constant buzz. Secondly, the city has what are called “student nations”. Uppsala has 13 student nations in the city, each representing a different region of Sweden. Each student in the city chooses one nation to join, but can still go to any nation for the various things they offer. Although different in their own

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Written by Paul Lopushinsky LF: What was the highlight of your exchange?

Ann: The highlight of my exchange was meeting all the new people from Sweden and the other exchange students from all over the world. I met so many amazing and interesting people and made friends I will have for the rest of my life.

LF: What did you learn about yourself while abroad? How did it shift your perspective?

Ann: Everyone who returns always says they change while they’re away on exchange and learn a lot about themselves, but this statement cannot be understood until it’s actually experienced. I can’t tell you how much I learned about myself while I was living in Uppsala and traveling Europe. My exchange shifted my perspective not only on myself, but on the world and everyday life.

LF: What advice would you give to students who are thinking of doing an exchange?

Ann: The first bit of advice I would give to students thinking of doing an exchange is, DO IT. Seriously, do it. You will have absolutely the best time of your life and meet the most amazing people, I promise.

My advice to students going on exchange is very key and that is to never say no to anything and try absolutely everything. Go to all the events, meet all the people you can, eat all the different foods, and honestly, just do anything and everything you can.

Make the most of the opportunity you have while on exchange and do not let anything hold you back. You will not regret one second of it.

Check out more details from Ann’s adventures abroad at www.lazyfaire.tumblr.com!

Business

The Co-op program offered by the School of Business is an optional program that allows you to use what you have learned in the classroom and apply it to a work setting. It consists of a total of 12 months work experience which is divided into three 4 month long work terms. Co-op is one of the best opportunities for you to try different careers that you are interested in!

The Search The Co-op office provides you with plenty of information about current job postings but you’re also going to have to do some research yourself. Also, prepare to put in a lot of extra effort! Expect to write many cover letters and go to many job interviews before being hired. It’s part of the learning process but the coordinators will always be there, ready to check any of your cover letters or give you advice.

What are the Advantages?

In the end what you’ll get is a BComm with a Cooperative Education degree. Along with gaining valuable work experience and getting paid, Co-op gives you the opportunity to build your network and it helps you understand the content taught in your remaining classes. Another plus is Co-op graduates on average are employed faster than their non Co-op peers. In fact, some graduates are hired by the companies whom they have finished a work term with.

Placement Once the search is completed and you have secured a placement, one of the first things you want to do is notify the Co-op office! Once you notify the Co-op office, you will be registered in a work experience course and prepare for your first day of work. When you begin a placement, a term paper is assigned for each 4 month term.

Also, your assigned coordinator will be conducting a site visit throughout your term to sit down with your mentor and yourself to see how the term is coming along. The next thing you know it, your back in classes!

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Written by Eileen Lee

What is the Application Process?

The Co-op program admits students two times each year, once in January and once in September. There is no minimum requirement GPA to apply but you cannot have more than 75 course credits completed towards your BCom. The application package is available online. Also, if you’re interested in applying early the Co-op office offers conditional acceptance! Be on the lookout for info sessions and application deadlines which can be found on the Co-op website at: http://www.business.ualberta.ca/Careers/CooperativeEducation.aspx

What happens after acceptance?

After you apply all applications will be reviewed and some students will be interviewed. Once you’re accepted you’ll be required to take the Co-op Workshop and Seminar where they will teach you valuable job search skills. You’ll learn how to make a resume, cover letter, and how to get through an interview, among other things. In addition, you’ll be assigned a Co-op coordinator who is going to be with you during your whole Co-op journey.

Overall, Co-op is definitely one of the best programs offered at the School of Business. By the time you graduate you’ll have an awesome resume and a whole year of work experience. It’ll definitely give you an advantage once you graduate. If you want to know more about the Co-op program the website provides detailed information or feel free to visit the Co-op office located on the 2nd floor of the Business Building. I guarantee there will always be someone there willing to tell you all about Co-op!

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Student LIife

So what is Orientation?

Orientation allows students to get familiar with their surroundings and become aware of what resrouces are available for them. It is also a chance for students to understand the environment of their new faculty.

Every year, first year business students are given the opportunity to network and interact with their peers in fun and unique ways.

What are some more specific details you can give about orientation?

There will be five guest speakers that will provide more insight in what potential a B.Com degree has. Also there will be a meet and greet BBQ after, where students will have a chance to interact wtih various clubs and BSA members.

What benefits will students get out of orientation?

What is Frosh Retreat?

Frosh Retreat is a weekend where new business students

preview of what we do in the business school, what benefits are offered, as well as strongly encouraging socializing and networking.These two aspects are key in the business environment and therefore want to be introduced as early as possible to all new students

Go to www.bsaonline.ca for more details!!!

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Students will fully understand what a B.Com can do for them, what services and clubs are available to them, as well as give them a head start with interacting with their peers.

Join us on September 6, 2011 for Orientation!

2011

ORIENTATION

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