LF November 2012

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EDITORS’ NOTE

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Editors’ Note

The Lazy Faire team is extremely excited for this month’s issue, not only for its diverse and valuable content, but because November marks the first month that our newly welcomed writers and designers have included their own pieces and touches. We hope that you welcome their input as graciously as we do! Here’s what’s in store this month:

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BY KIRSTEN LEPAGE, ALEX MANOLII & JULIAN NG THE EDITORIAL TEAM

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or our cover, we have featured Lauren Briske and Natasha Birchall, the chairperson and vice chairperson, respectively, of this year’s Rocky Mountain Business Seminar, which is one of the most sought after conferences/Business competitions hosted by our very own Alberta School of Business. Flip to page 12 to find out why you don’t want to miss out on what RMBS has lined up for this year!

Another one of our regular features, the Community Centre hits a little closer to home this time around; LF’s own Power, Point, and Shoot! graces the center fold! This event presents an opportunity for Business students to have their photos taken with their teams and friends by the talented Ella Lin and Josh Le after the BUS 201 presentations. Photos are received by donation and all proceeds support the Campus Food Bank! See pages 10-11 to learn more.

As you flip through these pages, take a moment to familiarize yourself with all of the events this month – like the OM Case Presentation and BSA Christmas in Business– and the happenings of the BSA AGM that took place in October. In the rest of the issue, you’ll hear from our Student Spotlight, Mike Holmes, who is a marketing and competition whiz at the SoB, get some great style and etiquette advice from BUS 201 BP presentation veterans, and find out just exactly what exchange students think when they spend a semester here in Edmonton. You might even pick up some great tips on living a healthy and balanced student life along the way!

Last but not least, don’t forget to answer the student poll on this page for your chance to win some great prizes. Can anyone say “Free Coffee?”

I STUDENT POLL INFO

What is your most memorable case, competition or conference experience?

Head over to lazyfairemagazine. blogspot.ca and answer the poll for a chance to win a gift card for campus vendors and be featured in next month’s issue of Lazy Faire!

Congratulations to Jamey Lo, who was randomly selected as our October Student Poll winner!

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Enjoy November. Enjoy first snowfalls. And enjoy this month’s issue of Lazy Faire!

Af gA

A FEW RESPONSES FROM OCTOBER’S STUDENT POLL

We asked: Why did you choose your major?

I chose Marketing because it suits my personality and allows me to express my creativity to communicate a message to the world...or some target market.

I fell in love with Douglas Peterson. His classes, that is.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

12

RMBS

Learn what spending a week in the Rockies can teach you

13

Mike Holmes

We interview the winner of Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec 2011

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Dress for Success

Kathy West, Aaron Marchadour and Jennifer Nguyen share their tips & tricks

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BSA Annual General Meeting

12

Rocky Mountain Business Seminar

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Events in November

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Student Spotlight: Mike Holmes

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Maintaining a Balance

16

Dress for Success

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Xerox’s Jennifer Thomas

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BUS 201: What I Wish I Knew

10

Lazy Faire Community Project

18

On Exchange in Alberta: A Swedish Perspective

11

Campus Food Bank

November 2012 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kirsten LePage CONTENT EDITOR

Alex Manolii DESIGN EDITOR

Julian Ng SENIOR CONTRIBUTORS

Garry Deng Kristine Gu Sherin Kayat Braden Lauer Eileen Lee

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Jessica Lee Rachel Lee Louis Liu Gabriel Nunes

PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIGN TEAM

Kristine Gu

Colleen Do Shirley Du Ruby (Jing Ru) Gong Eileen Lee Felicia Liang David Ton-Lai Bonnie Truong Jenny Truong Jenny Wang Karolina Zheng

Josh Le Ella Lin ONLINE DIRECTOR

PRINTING THANKS TO

Diana Wyley Xerox Canada PUBLISHED BY

Business Students’ Association (BSA) bsaonline.ca

THANKS TO

Alberta School of Business University of Alberta CONTACT US

lazyfaire@live.ca

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11

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12

26

BBTC Weekly Public Speaking Meeting

BBTC Weekly Public Speaking Meeting

BBTC Weekly Public Speaking Meeting

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13

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14

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22 CFA Beer and Wings

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BEA Nation to Nation

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29 BEA Nation to Nation

LAZY FAIRE POWER, POINT, AND SHOOT - Come and get professional photos of your bus 201 presentation team! See pg. 10

SMO Semi-Formal Networking Dinner

JDC West Chillin’ 4 Charity

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Movember Wrap-Up

BEA Bon Voyage UARC Real Estate Information Forum

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OM Case Competition

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Friday

BEA Case Competition BFA Mock Market Ends RMBS Pump-Up Event

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

UAMA Lunch and Learn

Monday

BBTC Weekly Public Speaking Meeting

Sunday

E VE NT CALE ND A R

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Saturday

P November A want more detail? Head over to bsaonline.ca for full event descriPTIONS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, CLUB INFO AND MORE!

MORE? check out bsaonline. = WANT ca to read more about the bsa’s

budget, constitution and then some

B usiness S tudents ’ A ssociation ’ s

Annual General Meeting The Business Students’ Association (BSA) is making an effort to increase accountability and transparency towards all of its members, which includes every single student at the Alberta School of Business. The BSA has taken the initiative to achieve this by holding its first annual general meeting on October 18, 2012.

The meeting consisted of a summary of everything that the BSA does for its members, including financial breakdowns of the BSA, an open forum for discussion, and the awaited release of the School of Business Lip Dub. Here is a brief summary of what was discussed that evening for those of you that missed it:

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BY GABRIEL NUNES, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY JULIAN NG, DESIGN EDITOR

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he BSA is making an increased effort to foster good relationships with Business student clubs, the Students’ Union, and the general community. Something that the BSA has done to accomplish this is joining the Canadian Association of Business Students (CABS), which is a non-profit organization that links Canadian business students from different schools together.

Academic w The BSA Booksale was a huge success: 165 books were sold at an average price of $62.00 per book. w Energize Conference had 85 students in attendance (sold out!), and over 30 corporate guests attended the conference.

w The BSA generates around $215,000 of revenue and around $196,000 of expenses.

I n t e r n al w Introducing new International Students’ Cohort Captains in order to enhance relationships with international students at the Alberta School of Business and to improve their overall experience.

Events w Dodgeball tournament is upgraded to an entire sports tournament with multiple sports rather than just dodgeball.

Ma r k e t i n g

w Some of the initiatives that the Finance portfolio is considering are:

w Newly created BSA newsletter called “BSA Updates” that will provide students with quick updates and general information regarding BSA news and events. If you are interested in receiving these updates, send an email to the BSA newsletter at updates@bsaonline.ca to subscribe.

Finance w SAF (FAMF) Allocation - a fee that every business student pays; $7.50/student per semester, approximately $28,000 per year. w Around $28,000 was stolen by VP Finance last year, and has been recovered since. The BSA is currently working to restore confidence for all stakeholders.

Events in November You Should Watch Out For

OM Club Case Presentation

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- Cash generating events such as a hall party.

- Creating BSA clothing and apparel such as scarves, hats, ties, gloves, etc.

w Allocated to: $250/semester for Business clubs & $400 grants for the Conference Fund.

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- BSA President, VP Academic, and VP Finance must all sign outgoing transactions.

- There will be no self-approved transactions by the VP Finance.

w The BSA is the only Business faculty association in CABS that has a business magazine.

w The BSA external portfolio has generated over $40,000 in sponsorship during this year.

w Accounting controls that have been put in place:

w The BSA events portfolio is bringing the Winter Gala back to Business Week, which will be held at Chateau Lacombe.

w TASTE Program has increased from 50 pairs last year to 75 pairs in the fall semester of 2012.

E x t e r n al

w An informal audit was conducted on the 2011/2012 and 2010/2011 BSA financial statements. A formal retroactive audit of 2011/2012 statements has been requested and will cost approximately $5000 to conduct.

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Through the Annual General Meeting, the BSA executive team was able to showcase its many accomplishments for students at the School of Business and allowed the BSA to become more accountable and transparent. If you have any further questions, the BSA has office hours during the week at 11 AM - 2 PM so feel free to stop by and ask!

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BY RACHEL LEE, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY BONNIE TRUONG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

BSA Christmas in Business

thing for you. This competition, taking place on November

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9th, is unique since it places more emphasis on the techni-

cookies, decorations for the Business Christmas Tree, and

cal details rather than the broad strategy for a given case.

more. This event runs from 10am to 2pm and is open to any-

By focusing on the technical specifications of the strat-

one in the faculty of Business. Come out to network, mingle

egy and the presentation aspect of the competition, the OM

and de-stress for Christmas! For more information, please

Club offers an experience that is more in line with real world

contact Maryna Vysotski at mvysotsk@ualberta.ca

Do you want to participate in a case competition more similar to the experiences you will be encountering in the work force? If so, the OM Club’s Case Presentation Competition is just the

To spread the holiday cheer before the dreaded exam weeks, BSA will be hosting its annual Christmas in Business on December 4th at the Business Lounge. Christmas in Business allows Business

students the opportunity to make their own gingerbread

consultancy. Participants will be given 3 hours to solve the case in teams of 2 and anyone is welcome to join as long as they are in or completed OM 352. For more information, please e-mail Sam Ito at sjito@ualberta.ca

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WWWWL Maintaining a Balance at the School of Business With the hustle and bustle of midterms, projects, competitions, and extracurricular activities, life as a Business student can be hectic. Keeping on top of your fitness and health during school can also be a time-consuming and extremely difficult chore.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you build and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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BALANCE STRESS WITH FITNESS AND Health, and keep your balance sheet balanced at the same time

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BY LOUIS LIU, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY KAROLINA ZHENG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

What you put in...is what you get out P erhaps the most important part to maintaining a balanced lifestyle is your diet.

With a busy timetable, it is sometimes extremely difficult and time-consuming to plan wholesome daily meals into your schedule. Even refraining from purchasing those “fast-foods” on campus can be a challenge; however, keeping on top of your diet choices doesn’t always have to be a chore. Keep it homemade. Whether it’s packing yourself a homemade lunch, bringing a fresh fruit smoothie with you to class, or loading up on those fruit and veggie snacks, keeping it simple, fresh, and homemade can be quick, easy, and cheap. Avoid the greasy fast food outlets around campus and load up your backpack (or the briefcase for some of us!) with fruits, veggies, and a healthy lunch.

For example, the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” actually does hold its ground, especially for Business students. Apples boost your immune system, contain phenols (decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol), prevent heart disease and perhaps most importantly, are cheap, quick, and easy. Not all of us are Wall Street bankers as of yet, and choosing cheap homemade food options 8

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is a great way to minimize the toll of tuition expenses. If buying meals on campus is your thing, consider food outlets such as “Jacket Potato Man” or “Beez,” as both of these places offer healthier low-calorie menus such as freshly tossed salads and fruit smoothies.

lution for those who struggle to find time for exercise into their daily schedules.

Taylor Riar, 2nd-year Finance student and a player for the University of Alberta Golden Bears basketball team, knows the struggle all too well, offering up a piece of wisdom to fellow business students:

B Set a specific time in

“Set a specific time in the day to get your workouts in, make them as important as the day to get your workouts a class you have to go to, and then plan your studying around your workouts. in. Make them as important They don’t have to be long workouts eias a class you have to go to ther, as long as you try your best to push and then plan your studying yourself and really put in the effort.” For those that want to fit time for fitness into around your workouts. their schedules, activities such as swim- Taylor Riar ming (low wear-and-tear on your body) 2nd Year Finance Student & and intramurals (get your networking U of A Golden Bears Basketball Player on!) can also be fun and are terrific ways to get that all-important workout in.

Get in those workouts: How and what?

Accommodating workouts into the hectic life of a Business student doesn’t always mean hitting the weights. Use your daily commute to your advantage: walking or biking to campus can be a great workout and easy to fit into your schedule. Though winter is coming upon us, using your daily commute to work or to school as a workout on warmer days is the perfect so-

With the life of the Business student comes a busy schedule! Keeping on top of your diet, as well as your fitness, is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing stress levels during the semester. So throw that apple into your briefcase, mark off time for workouts in your agenda, use that daily commute to work or school to your advantage, and keep healthy while maintaining those balance sheets!

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This article is a reprint of an article included in a previous issue that was subject to printing errors. We have included it here for your full consideration and enjoyment.

\ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Thomas

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Jennifer Thomas at the Xerox office in downtown Edmonton.

As one of the leading corporations in document management and printing technology, Xerox has built its success upon the foundations of innovation, creativity and perseverance. After over half a century since it first opened its doors, Xerox continues to grow by expanding its business in international markets, thereby creating an ample amount of career opportunities. Recent Alberta School of Business graduate, Jennifer Thomas, has experienced first-hand the career advancement opportunities that Xerox has to offer.

Having recently been promoted, she now utilizes her skills as a Field Training Consultant. We chose to feature Jennifer as the Student Spotlight for October, since her situation highlights the versatility of a BComm degree and the many opportunities out there for Alberta School of Business graduates.

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BY SHERIN KAYAT, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY JULIAN NG, DESIGN EDITOR

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I graduated from the Alberta School of Business in 2009, with a major in Latin American Studies and a minor in Business Law. More recently, I spend my free time developing my handmade jewellery business, alongside my partner, as well as participating in various charity events like The United Way “Every Day Hero” campaign and the Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event.

Tell us a bit about your position within Xerox.

After working at the Xerox-authorized agency, Segue Systems Inc., in Edmonton for 2 years as an Account Executive, I have recently been promoted to a Field Training Consultant position. As a Field Trainer, I have the opportunity to work with sales representatives across Alberta and Saskatchewan to aid in Xerox product sales, as well as coach them on the soft skills that will help them in a wide array of future business-tobusiness scenarios. Roughly 80% of my time is spent in the field on calls with the sales representatives. The rest of my time is designated to enhancing the training experience and coming

up with creative ways to facilitate the development of the employees.

How is it that you came to work for Xerox?

Had this always been something that you had planned to do?

After completing my degree in 2009 and spending a year working and travelling abroad, I returned to Edmonton eager to get some real business-to-business experience. I applied for various jobs and went to several interviews, but after meeting with the Xerox Sourcing Specialist, Diana Wyley, I knew that I had found a great opportunity. While I didn’t specifically plan to work for Xerox when I was continuing my education, I did know that I ultimately wanted to end up working for a company in a sales environment, where there would be ample room to advance my career.

What are some career opportunities that Xerox has to offer? Are there any opportunities specifically for students?

It is fair to say that the career opportunities are

really endless with Xerox. Whether you want to pursue a career in sales, work towards a sales manager or specialist position, or even become a member of the finance team, there are many career paths that are at your fingertips. For students, there are opportunities to work in sales for the local Xerox agency, Segue Systems Inc., to first get their feet wet in selling to small and medium size businesses, which is the path that I took and which has led to my current role.

Do you have any advice for students soon entering the workplace?

I would say to students that it’s OK not to know exactly where you want to end up 10- 20 years from now – not many people do. When looking for a place to start your career, just make sure that it is one that is going to allow you to continue your learning, expand your experience, as well as provide ample room for growth in the future. At the end of the day, your first job will not be your last, but it’s important to make the right decision about which starting point will accelerate your path to success.

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COMMUNITY CENTER IN SUMMARY

What: When: Where: Price:

Solo/Group Photos November 21 & 22 Business Atrium By donation to Campus Food Bank

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Power, Point, and Shoot for the Campus Food Bank

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BY KRISTINE GU, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY KAROLINA ZHENG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

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t is common knowledge here at the School of Business that stress levels are directly correlated to the date on the calendar— yes, it’s that time of the year again! Although to many of you taking BUS 201 it may feel like business cases were completed just yesterday, business plan presentations are just around the corner. With last minute PowerPoint adjustments, and a rush order at SubPrint, the race is on to wow the judges and for the chance to participate in the Dean’s Competition. But don’t stress too much because Lazy Faire is here for you; take a peek in this month’s issue for some suave tips and tricks on how to dress and present your best.

Now, whether or not you get that refreshing and revitalizing night’s worth of sleep before the presentation, getting dressed and looking your finest is definitely a good beginning to a great day. It’s a part of the culture here at the School of Business to look and feel your best in that dashing English cut suit of yours or in that classic pencil skirt, and why not have that pay off for you and for a good cause? So, join us in Lazy Faire’s first charity event, Power, Point, and Shoot!

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Don’t worry about digging your phone camera out of your pocket when you’ve got us! On the days of the Business 201 business plan presentations (Nov. 21 and 22nd), you’ll see us setting up a photo booth with our own Lazy Faire photographers, Josh Le and Ella Lin, in the business atrium. With a donation to the event, you can have a professional and high quality team or individual photo done on the spot. If you’re not in the mood for a serious shot, you can even have some fun with different props, masks, and cutouts while you’re at it—a great way to wrap up your day and commemorate that historical moment of completing (and rocking) your business plan presentations!

The donations will be going towards a great cause right here at the University of Alberta. The Campus Food Bank is a registered charity that has been distributing much needed food items and toiletries to people throughout the institution since 1991. Skip the lines and reserve your spot online right now at the Lazy Faire blog for yourself and for your team. The event will otherwise run on a first-come, first-serve basis, and photos will be distributed via email following the event.

Why should your memory of this day be taken with a “shady” iPhone 4s when we have Josh, Ella and the Lazy Faire team working to serve you? Don’t let your stunning style go to waste—this is your chance to relax, celebrate, give back to the community, and give back to yourself!

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Professional photos of your Business Presentation Group while giving to a good cause. Not a bad deal.

We’ll see you there, and you’ll see yourselves in the pictures you take, for a long time after!

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CAMPUS FOOD BANK

Why the Campus Food Bank?

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BY LOUIS LIU, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY JENNY TRUONG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

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he Campus Food Bank is a registered charity that runs in affiliation with the University of Alberta to serve students across campus. The CFB exists to ensure that students, workers, and the general campus community all have full access to an array of healthy foods and healthy lifestyle choices. More specifically, the CFB works to distribute food hampers, toiletries, public education about hunger, and poverty reduction referrals to any member of the University community in financial distress.

The CFB is largely funded by the Student's Union, the Graduate Student's Association, and the University of Alberta School of Business, with approximately 80% of monetary donations going directly to food relief for students! In 2011 alone, the CFB distributed enough food to feed 2,300 people, and is always looking for more volunteers to fill the ranks.

Requiring only two hours a week, the CFB is a great way to develop new skills, network with great people, and make an invaluable contribution to the university community. Volunteering at the CFB is a great way to gain work experience while simultaneously making an important, influential, and invaluable contribution to student life. Office staff, special events assistants, and pick-up donation positions are common, and the CFB even offers leadership positions, allowing volunteers to take an active role and hone their special skills at and with CFB. The CFB accepts volunteer applications in September, January, and throughout the spring and summer, and they can be contacted at their office in SUB 1-81, through email at foodbank@ualberta.ca, and online at www.campusfoodbank.com.

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o CLUBS CORNER

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Pictured, from left to right: Kelsey Douglas, Jeff Leech, Leon Li, Natasha Birchall, RĂŠmi Lafleche, Lauren Briske, Nadia De Santis, Cindy Lee

? DID YOU KNOW? There will be 108 student delegations for 2013 consisting of 60% University of Alberta students and 40% students from universities across Canada All-inclusive cost: $525 + $25 refundable damage deposit will include accommodation, transportation, meals, night events, swag, etc.

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FEATURED STORY

Rocky Mountain Business Seminar

Rocky Mountain Business Seminar (RMBS) is a week-long conference aimed at enhancing education beyond the classroom by offering Canadian Business students the opportunity to network with other fellow Business students and experienced business leaders alike. Being the longest-running, student-organized Business conference within Canada, RMBS is geared up for its 48th consecutive year of operations this coming February and is looking forward to hosting the prestigious conference once again at the world-renowned Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Approximately sixty students from our very own Alberta School of Business will have the chance to participate in the conference as well! Lazy Faire has recently had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with the chairperson, Lauren Briske, and vice chairperson, Natasha Birchall, to tell us more about RMBS.

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BY GARRY DENG, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY JENNY TRUONG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

What is the Rocky Mountain Business Seminar?

What are some interesting things Rocky Mountain Business Seminar has done in past years?

Lauren: The Rocky Mountain Business Seminar is a week-long conference in Jasper, which is held at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

It’s basically a week filled with seminars and activities; there will be a case competition, networking events, meals, parties, and social events. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself within the business world, to talk to corporates and speak with them on a one-on-one basis and really learn in a down-to-earth environment. At RMBS, it’s really easy to connect with other students from across Canada as well as the University of Alberta.

Natasha: We try and keep the days really upbeat and different. There’s always a hockey tournament every year that’s really popular as well as the Case Competition to spice things up, and then, in the evening, we have different themed events. In past years, we’ve had circus themed events, different games nights and casino nights. There’s always an opportunity to get creative each year so that’s exciting and it offers something different to delegates who might have already attended.

How can students in the Alberta School of Business sign up? Why should they sign up?

Lauren: On November 23rd, we’ll be using a pretty unique sign up system, the only sign up process like this in Canada for sure. Instead of having applications and needing to hand in a resume or cover letter, what you have to do is be on campus by 6:00am. At 6:00am, we will release our secret location on campus through email, Facebook, Twitter as well as our website. Then it’s basically just a mad dash line up; the first 60 students to arrive will get a spot on RMBS and then we start a waiting list. It’s pretty intense!

Natasha: We also have a breakfast right after the sign up event, to reward you for coming out so early in the morning. We typically do a pancake breakfast with some exciting pump up music and start the conference vibe off at the sign up so as to give you an insight on who the executives are and the types of people who you’ll be spending the week in February with.

Looking back on past conferences Rocky Mountain Business Seminar has hosted, what are some things that will be different this time around?

Lauren: Every year we have different speakers, so that’ll always change. However, we like to keep our new event details under wraps in order to maintain an element of surprise at the conference; this is why students always have a positive experience at RMBS. You hear from your peers about how much fun they had at RMBS, but you can’t fully understand it until you experience it for yourself. I can tell you one of our surprise events from last year though: one of the sponsors was about to give a short address to the students after lunch, but instead randomly drew the names of 5 students, and each one received a $500 scholarship under the sponsor’s name. You’ll just have to come see for yourself the different events we have for the upcoming conference!

Lauren: One of the most valuable events is actually the meals. There’ll be six students and one or two corporates to a table. It’s great because you’re eating the same food as them, in the same down-to-earth environment, and you can talk to them about anything. Our corporates love talking to students, that’s why they keep coming back and getting involved with our conference. It’s a really great networking opportunity that you can’t really get anywhere else because the corporates that attend not only show up for their speaker spot but they actually attend the conference, so you get to interact with them and not just get a quick word in after their speaker sessions.

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It’ll be our 50th conference in two years so we’re really excited to make it that much better and bigger than past years. Hopefully we’ll continue this for the next 50 years.

- Natasha Birchall Vice Chairperson, RMBS Rocky Mountain Business Seminar has a strong history and relationship with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge where the conference will be held, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Natasha: This will be the 18th consecutive year that we have held the conference at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; it’s the perfect location for such a conference since its nestled right in the middle of the most beautiful mountains in Canada. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that RMBS has with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in that we bring a lot of really prestigious corporates and delegates to their facility each year and vice versa, they provide us with the perfect atmosphere and environment to hold our conference. We have really good relations with the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and we expect to continue those relations moving forward. It’ll be our 50th con-

ference in two years so we’re really excited to make it that much better and bigger than past years. Hopefully we’ll continue this for the next 50 years as well.

To end things off, Rocky Mountain Business Seminar’s 50th anniversary will be coming up in the year 2015! What are some goals and plans you have for the future?

Lauren: Our executives turn over every year, so we won’t be able to directly plan anything for that conference. However, a group of RMBS alumni have formed a formal alumni group and one of their big plans is to build the network, find as many past executives and even past delegates that have attended RMBS over the last 48 years and get them to come to the conference to meet students and share stories.

It would be such an amazing atmosphere to be able to meet someone who has been to this conference something like thirty years ago.

Natasha: After securing the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as our location for the 50th year, it’s a little easier to start brainstorming ideas and coming up with new ways to make it that much more impressive. Obviously, we can start with different designs and different ideas for themes, taking it one step further and maybe expanding it by opening it to more delegates and opening it to more corporate sponsors. With the alumni, in an indirect way, we’ll be able to come back and contribute to the 50th year by forming a partnership with them. And as a fun fact, the year we celebrate our 50th conference anniversary will be the same year that we celebrate the 20th consecutive year at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, so I know they’ll be super interested in promoting that as well.

Rocky Mountain Business Seminar aims to be the best student conference in terms of prestige, value and experience. Be sure to not miss out on this amazing opportunity!

I I IMPORTANT DATES

Nov. 15 - Info Session @ 5:30 PM Location: MBA Lounge (4th Floor) Nov. 23 - Sign up @ 6:00 AM Location: TBA

Feb. 18- 22, 2013 - RMBS Location: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

CONTACT INFO

E-mail: rmbs@ualberta.ca Website: rmbs.ca Facebook: Rocky Mountain Business Seminar

Twitter: @rmbs2013

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\ STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Mike Holmes

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BY BRADEN LAUER, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY BONNIE TRUONG, DESIGN DIRECTOR

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very issue this year, we will be featuring a recently graduated or current Alberta School of Business student. While there are many students that stand out in our faculty, few are as outstanding in the marketing field as Mike Holmes, who is about to graduate in December. Fresh off an 8-month work period at Microsoft’s marketing department in Ontario, Mike already has significant marketing experience in the work field. As well, along with Maya Cieszynska, Mike won Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec in 2011 – a truly significant feat considering the large number of applications, amount of work involved and vigorous competition process. Without a doubt, hearing what Mike has to say will prove especially helpful for all the marketing aspirants out there and, really, anyone trying to start a career as a business professional.

Lazy Faire: Hey Mike, tell us a bit about yourself.

Mike Holmes: I am a major in marketing. I’ve been attending the Faculty of Business since the fall of 2007, which seems like a really long time when I actually think about it. When I first entered Business I had no idea what I was doing; I think I marked down marketing as my major, simply because it seemed the most interesting, but I did it with the full intention of changing it later. That never happened. Once I decided I was going to stick with this, I started to get involved a fair bit. I always want to justify the six years that I have been in business, but honestly I have just done a whole lot: staying involved mostly with cases, an exchange, and three 8-month co-op terms.

LF: So how did you decide that you actually wanted to take marketing as a major?

MH: Well, when I originally signed up for school I wanted a liberal arts degree, and in my first year I wanted to be an English major, but then I got paranoid about my job prospects: my interest in marketing sort of stemmed from there, because of the close connection between the two. Things like the use of language, communication, aesthetics etc.

LF: You are somewhat of a “case prodigy” at the U of A school of Business. Could you give us some insight about your experience in the past with cases like Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec (CNTAE)? What are some important things you have learned over the years about approaching a case?

MH: My original affinity for them stemmed from the fact that out of all of the ways to get involved, this seemed the most beneficial. I got my start from BUS 201, actually, after we put together our business plan.

One of my group members (one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Jessica Gagne) nagged us all to take 14

our business plan and enter it into a competition. We ended up placing second. From that point forward things started going. Immediately afterwards we both did a marketing case together and we came in third! It was two rookies cleaning up. So from that point on, the seed was planted. I did JDC, AICC you name it, and it all culminated with Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec in 2011.

LF: And what was that experience like?

MH: It was insane. I was just an Edmonton kid being thrust into another world of marketing insanity. We had a 23 member judging panel: all industry professionals from General Motors, Pepsi, McDonalds and the like. It was equal parts thrilling and intimidating.

We seemed to make it up as we went along but the preparation period for that case was unreal. We did lots and lots of research and even more late nights on Google. My prior work and case experience became very beneficial at that point. It all just came together somehow, and we won it.

LF: So what have you been up to since winning the CNTAE in 2011?

MH: Immediately after winning I took a marketing position at Microsoft, (from browsing the job postings board and probably because of my case experience). It was at the Canadian headquarters in Toronto, in some suburb way out there. It was an eight month position.

LF: What did you learn from the long work term about the real world and marketing? What advice would you give to students looking to get that kind of work experience?

MH: Well… There is this cliché out there that there is a huge divide between marketing in the classroom and marketing in the real world. I didn’t quite understand what that meant, but after my work experi-

ence, I’d say I get it now: All these textbook models and terminology; none if it is truly used out in the real world. They either use grounded language or custom analytical tools. The other thing is that a class gives you the opportunity for second chances.

You just can’t make mistakes in the real world the way you can in a report. You are held accountable for that. So it basically just taught me a new level of discipline and, simply put, Microsoft taught me to get my **** together! The other big thing it showed me was the importance of connections. Now that I am in the middle of a job hunt I fully appreciate the importance of knowing the right people. There can be a job that I apply for where I find out that 3000 other people have already applied. You have to have a connection or a big differentiating factor to even get your resume looked at.

LF: Agreed. So are you going to be taking part in more cases this year? How else are you involved in the SOB? MH: (laughs) Well I like to say that I am semi-retired from all of that now. I am taking part in ICBC, though, and I am actually a case coach for the JDC West marketing team. JDC was probably the biggest developmental thing for me in my university career so I jumped at the chance to get back involved in it.

LF: What other wisdom or advice would you have for a new Marketing student trying to make their mark at the school?

MH: Differentiate or die. I’m pretty sure that is actually the name of a marketing book, but it’s true, very sound advice. Things did sort of line up for me, but I wish someone had told me in my first year how hard it is out there: Everything is just so hyper competitive that you need to find something during your degree that makes you exceptional… Also GO ON AN EXCHANGE!

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Dress for Success

V

BY JESSICA LEE, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY COLLEEN DO, DESIGN DIRECTOR

Dos & Don’ts: Kathy West – Do make sure your jackets, shirts, pant/skirts are pressed- no wrinkles.

Don’t wear runners.

Aaron Marchadour – Do discuss with your group what you will each be wearing.You don't want your outfits to clash or for one person to show up in a three piece suit and someone else in a polo and chinos. That would be awkward.

Don’t wear anything too flashy.

Jennifer Nguyen – Do make your make-up as neutral as possible. Try to look fresh and clean. Less is more.

Don't wear clothes that are not fitted.

Must Have Attire for Business Presentations: Kathy West – Always wear a jacket. It does not have to be a suit, but a jacket is a must. It should also be relatively conservative. It does not have to be black, but wild plaid is not your best choice either.

Aaron Marchadour – For BUS 201 presentations specifically, you should be dressing business professional. At the very minimum, wear dress pants, dress shoes, a dress shirt and a tie.

Jennifer Nguyen – My go-to outfits are the business dresses alongside a black blazer or a coloured pencil skirt with a simple white blouse. Pairing these looks with comfy, closed-toed pumps always adds the confidence you need for those business presentations.

Style Icon & Favorite Place to Shop: Kathy West – Jackie O. (Onassis Kennedy) and Nordstorm Rack, The Bay, and Windscape on 124th Street.

Aaron Marchadour – Ryan Gosling and Zara.

Jennifer Nguyen – Olivia Palermo and Zara, H&M and The Gap. 16

9

BUS 201

What I Wish I Knew

V

BY LOUIS LIU, GABRIEL NUNES, JESSICA LEE, RACHEL LEE & ALEX MANOLII DESIGNED BY JULIAN NG, DESIGN EDITOR

E

very fall term, students enrolled in their first year of classes at the School of Business get their first hands-on experience with critical case analysis and business plan construction through BUS 201. Regardless of your major, BUS 201 is an essential component of your BComm.

Here is what your peers had to say about this labourintensive course:

1

5

Jenna Balogh, a seminar manager, looking to complete the second year of her BComm at the end of the upcoming winter term, said: “I wish I knew exactly how long the editing process of the case study and business plan took, and how long it took to come up with an idea to begin with.”

“Choose a business plan that you and your group members are actually passionate about and as cheesy as this sounds…treat this like your baby. This will make a difference and you will see how the end results will differ.”

– James Kim, 2012 BComm Graduate

2

6

“This is your chance to improve your communication skills. If you were once the shy person, you can really outgrow this in BUS 201. Take some risks in this class and you might surprise yourself!“ – Ralph Nanad, 4th Year

3

Edward Manolii, a 2nd year HR Major, shared the following: “Make sure to “invest” some of your personal savings and take a pay cut for your business.

Your NPV will thank you. Also, colour coordinate your clothing when presenting. It’s classy and you get extra points in the judges’ books.”

4

“It all boils down to money. If the plan in its simplest state won’t provide a steady cash flow, it’s a bad business plan. They’re not looking for the best idea. They’re looking for an idea that MAKES MONEY.” – Mark Wang

Garry Deng, a LF regular contributor, gave the following sound advice: “Do not procrastinate!”

I IN CONCLUSION

Many of these points were echoed multiple times, which further indicates that they truly are the keys to success.

Take these words to heart and you may be the finalist in this year’s Dean’s Competition!

It’s redundant and obvious, but too many students still procrastinate. If you leave your business plans until your case competitions are finished, you will not have enough time to adequately finish your business plans. Schedule weekly meetings and plan early, for diligence is key to success.

7

“Practice, practice, – Joyce Chan

practice”

Practice the presentations and do multiple rehearsals. This will build confidence and help you catch the early mishaps that might arise from miscommunication. Nothing is worse than not knowing what to say on the day of the presentation.

17

ASIDE

Check out our previous October issue where we explore exchanges from the opposite angle! lazyfairemagazine.blogspot.ca

ON EXCHANGE IN ALBERTA A Swedish Perspective

V 18

BY SHERIN KAYAT, SR. CONTRIBUTOR DESIGNED BY JULIAN NG, DESIGN EDITOR

W

hat is the first thought that comes to mind after hearing the word “exchange”? Some imagine themselves walking through the streets of an exotic foreign city and breathing in the heart and soul of unfamiliar surroundings. Others will imagine themselves driving through the mountainside, past ancient ruins and medieval castles. Regardless of the destination, when students leave the familiarity of their hometown, they (usually) experience a culture shock that breaks down the perceptions they had prior to arrival. Lazy Faire has decided to turn the tables and see what life has been like for three Swedish exchange students from Uppsala University that are studying a term at our very own Alberta School of Business: Jonas Dahlén, Joakim Larsson-Werle and Victor Lund. One thing is for certain, you can never tell what adventures await you when you choose to go on an exchange… In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading what our Swedish exchange students have to say.

What made you want to go on an exchange?

Jonas: It’s a good experience to go abroad for a semester and have to speak English.

Joakim: I wanted to go to an English speaking country.

Victor: I just wanted to go skiing.

Did you specifically want to come to Edmonton or simply any English speaking country?

Jonas: Well, we could pick different cities. They give the spots away based on grades. Lots of people wanted to go to Singapore, Croatia and Australia. I had Hong Kong first and then Edmonton, Queens, and Manchester. I got my second choice.

Victor: My first choice was Vancouver because I love to ski but I didn’t get that spot so I came here instead. I love it.

Joakim: I just love hockey so that is another reason why I chose to come here.

What was your perception of Canada, or Edmonton specifically, before you came?

Victor: The city itself is nice. I think everything is bigger, even the coffee. We don’t build high buildings at all. What is the highest building in Sweden? Like maybe fifty floors or something close to that.

What would you say has been the biggest difficulty you have had to face to date on your exchange?

Jonas: I would have to say that it’s with Finance.

We’ve had to relearn the terms for everything, even the easy stuff. For example, present value has a different name in Swedish. That’s a bit of a struggle. It takes some time.

Jonas: Definitely, the people are friendlier here.

During the first couple of weeks, we didn’t know how to respond.

And how did you respond when people randomly came up to you and said hello?

Jonas: Well, we said hi.

Victor: We said hi but we didn’t know exactly what to think. I would definitely have to say the people are the biggest cultural difference. They are very outgoing. The food is also very different.

Jonas: Like in the grocery stores.

Victor: Finance and Canadian girls.

Victor: I can’t find anything that I am looking for.

Joakim: I agree.

Jonas: We have different kinds of food.

Victor: But I did imagine having trouble going from one course, like we do in Sweden, to five which is a really big step. It’s really hard doing five instead of one.

Victor: Healthier food.

Jonas: Basically, in Sweden, one semester is split up into four parts and we take our courses in blocks.

Victor: Here, we cook for ourselves and I have limited myself to chicken and tuna.

Jonas: I have two or three friends who came here for a semester and they said that there is not a lot happening and that it’s a boring but nice place. I disagree. I think it’s a fun place.

Victor: Also, I think the exams here will be very different, like with the multiple choice questions.

I have never had a multiple choice exam before.

As well, in Sweden, our shortest exam is maybe three hours and our finals are five to six hours.

Joakim: I heard that it would not be exactly like Sweden but quite similar, in terms of mentality.

Joakim: I forgot about that. Thank god for multiple choice questions.

Victor: I heard that it was very multicultural, which I thought was a good thing when I chose to go abroad, and that Canadians are very polite and helpful in every way. I also heard that the University was good. Jonas had friends who came here and they loved it; they said campus was awesome, which it is.

Jonas: We don’t do midterms in the same way because we will have maybe one final, a project and maybe some small tests.

What was your first impression once you arrived?

Jonas: We have a different grading system based on pass or fail.

Victor: That everything is so big.

Victor: It makes it difficult for us to transfer our grades back when we go on an exchange.

So, there are no letter grades in Sweden?

Joakim: There are in other Universities.

Jonas: The first week we stayed in a hotel downtown and we thought the architecture was so ugly and that it’s an ugly city.

Joakim: But other Universities in Sweden have your system, with A to F.

Joakim: The architecture is different for sure but the campus area is nice.

What have you noticed is the biggest cultural difference?

Jonas: Yes, much healthier. We eat much healthier back home.

Joakim: Same for me, and eggs sometimes.

The three of you speak English very well, how is it you came to learn it?

Jonas: In school. We’ve had to take English since the third grade. I think it’s because we started learning English early.

Joakim: Of course, all the movies we watch are in English. They don’t translate it into Swedish so that’s another reason.

Victor: We also listen to a lot of American music. Right now, we are listening to a lot of country music.

Do you have any advice for anyone about to go (or who wishes to go) on an exchange?

Joakim: Talk to people as much as possible.

Victor: Go and participate in all the events on campus that are arranged.

Jonas: Try to get to know as many people as possible.

Victor: As quick as possible.

19

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.ca. Xerox is a proud sponsor of the University of Alberta BSA.

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