September’s come and gone here at Schulich, and for many students this first month had been quite the unique experience. For many first year students, this month was a rollercoaster ride as they were trying to figure out the dynamics of university life. For second and third year students, it was a month of getting out of the summer groove and figuring out what they can do to get ahead of the Schulich pack. For graduating students, it was a month heavily focused on recruitment season as they were trying to land that dream job with that dream company. Nevertheless, each and every one of these experiences is what makes this month so exciting; makes this month a great start to the school year. (well, for me at least.)

Frosh was a great chance for students to transition into their first week of school. Nerves calmed, minds opened, expectations high – a great combination to start off their premier year of university life. Seems like this attitude benefitted them greatly at Club Fair, where they had the chance to explore the diverse array of clubs in Schulich. Each booth at club fair had something unique to offer. “Interested in marketing? Join the York Marketing Association!” or “Wondering what career opportunities are available for you in Finance? Then join the York Finance Club!” Brochures, pictures with the Schulich Bulldog Mascot, and even candy were used to lure students towards each club, and an open-mind with high expectations ensured a successful club week for first years at Schulich. But now that all the fun and games are done with, students are getting down to studying mode. Stats homework, Business History Readings, Management 1000 assignments; oh, the joy of being a first year student. My biggest tip first years – enjoy this year while it lasts, because it will pass by so fast that it will seem like a blur in no time.

Now the question is – what’s going on in the heads of returning students? After being through the ups and downs of first year, it’s time for them to figure out what they want to pursue, and September is the perfect month for that. One of the most attractive things I find about Schulich is that the opportunities are limitless. Companies always grace us with their presence at least every other week, through information sessions and networking events. On top of that, the Career Development Centre (CDC) is always there to help out students seeking employment. Mock interviews or resume workshops, whatever it is that you need help with, the CDC is there. September had been a very busy month for both students and the CDC, as recruitment season was ripe and students were anxiously using CDC resources to ensure that they landed a rewarding internship or a full-time career. Actually, seems like many upper-year students had disregarded school for the month of September to focus on being recruited! But now that it has wind down to an end, students are getting back to hitting the books. Many hearts have been broken for students who haven’t received an interview, and many careers have been set for students with multiple offers. But that’s the thrill of recruitment season; the thrill of expecting the unexpected and the thrill of hoping for the best. Once again, recruitment season has ended, and upper-years, like first-years, are starting to get back to studying mode once again.

The staff and faculty here at Schulich have an amazing ability of making September an interesting month, filled with both curricular and extra-curricular events. That is what makes the first month of school such a great experience at Schulich, leading onto an even more interesting year to follow. That’s the Schulich difference, and students here are very lucky to benefit from all these opportunities.

A warm welcome to all first years, and best of luck to everyone for this school year!

Nidal Haque, BBA ’15