It’s decision time. As final acceptances roll out over the next few weeks, you will all make the critical decision of which university you want to attend. I often get asked the question of “Why I chose Schulich” so I have decided to share the top reasons why Schulich was the best fit for me. I hope this helps you  decide where you want to study for the next four years! When I think of my Schulich student experience thus far, there are a few key phrases that come to my mind. These include:

  • small classes
  • unique exchange opportunities
  • excellent professors
  • exposure to career opportunities with the best firms in Canada
  • access to a varied range of specializations
  • the Schulich student community!

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SMALL CLASS SIZES

The small class sizes (22 – 55 students) and interactive class environment helped me transition from high school to university very easily. I was able to get to know my professors and classmates on a personal level, and at the same time have the opportunity to engage in interesting class discussions.

EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES

I have come to learn from my friends who are in the iBBA program, or who are BBAs who have opted to go on exchange, that studying abroad has provided them with new perspectives on business, culture and people. It has also given them the opportunity to make lifelong friends and connections. In addition, the exchange program has enabled them to become more confident and well-rounded individuals.

EXPOSURE

While at Schulich, I have had the amazing opportunity to participate in key networking activities such as Industry Advising Breakfasts and Industry Panel Discussions hosted by the Career Development Center. These events have enabled me to gain insight into various career paths that I could pursue after graduation. Schulich has given me the opportunity to develop my future career aspirations by gaining exposure to numerous Corporate Information Sessions. Through these sessions, I have had the most amazing opportunities to meet potential recruiters, alumni and executives to determine which companies match my personal career goals.

MGMT 1000 Business Plan Project – BPTP Group participating in Annual BPTP Competition

DIRECT ENTRY BUSINESS PROGRAM

The direct entry program at Schulich is a great feature as you get to experience most of the specializations available in your first and second year courses. You are taught by Schulich professors from Day 1 and this gives you the opportunity to learn from world class professors who are the best in their field. This will help you decide which specialization interests you. Taking the accounting courses at Schulich and attending recruiting sessions with the Big 4 accounting firms helped me solidify my decision to pursue the CPA route.

SPECIALIZATIONS 

At Schulich, you have the opportunity to choose one or two areas to specialize in. I really encourage you to meet with your academic advisors at Schulich (Rohini and Marianna) at some point when you start your first year at Schulich to learn more about the specializations and opportunities available to you. You can book your appointment on the Undergrad Blog or you can stop by on Fridays for drop-in Academic Advising. Don’t stress! You have two years to decide, and there’s a great event in second year called FOCUS that gives you lots of insight into the 10 different specializations that are available!  I will be pursuing the Accounting Specialization and CPA route. Feel free to message me or email me if you have any questions regarding this specialization.

CLUBS

Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Schulich Ambassador Program where I helped organize Schulich High School Visits, participated in the Dean’s Reception, and conducted building tours. This program has been instrumental in my personal development here at Schulich as it has helped me hone my interpersonal and leadership skills, and become more a confident individual. Since my first year at Schulich, I have also been involved with the Schulich Accounting Society. This club has given me access to so many networking opportunities with the Big 4 Accounting firms to jumpstart my career in the accounting field. In my first year, I had the opportunity to participate in the mentorship program where I was paired up with a third year student who had an internship at KPMG. The mentorship program helped me understand the networking process from a student’s perspective and prepared me for the recruitment process. This year I also had the opportunity to be a Marketing Director on York Students Offering Support Club which provides exam aid sessions to help prepare students for upcoming midterms and exams. Through this club, I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of people and make a difference in the community since all the proceeds where donated to fund education projects in Latin America.

Group picture of the Schulich Ambassador Independent High School Visit to Stephen Lewis Secondary School (Vaughan). During my visit I was able to speak to many students and provide advice and support with their application process.

TIPS For Accepting Your Offer

  • If you are still confused about which university offer you are going to accept, I encourage you to come to campus for a tour of the Schulich Building. It is important that you visit the campus to experience the culture and where you will spend most of your time for the next four years.
  • I would also encourage you to attend events run by the Undergraduate Programs Unit, such as the Dean’s Reception, to meet Student Ambassadors and hear about their experiences at Schulich. I attended the Dean’s Reception as a Student Ambassador last year. It was such a great opportunity for me to meet the prospective Class of 2019 and address their questions.
  • If you have already accepted your offer, I would encourage you to book your enrollment appointment on MyFile as soon as possible. It is important to get an early enrollment appointment so that you can get your desired schedule.

 

Stay tuned for more blog posts. We want to hear back from you! If you have any suggestions for future posts, don’t hesitate to contact us!

 

By: Natasha Kanji, First Year Advisor
BBA Candidate, 2018 (Accounting specialization)