While university is mostly about studying, exams and earning a degree, it can also be about exploring new opportunities, gaining valuable life lessons and giving back to the community, a professor says.
Dr. Gina Grandy, dean of the faculty of business administration at the University of Regina, spoke to about 50 students at Vanier Collegiate on March 24 with the goal of building relationships with prospective business students.
There was also a presentation by the university’s Paul J. Hill School of Business and a general overview of what the post-secondary institution offers.
When students go to university, they will discover what career they want and who they are and who they want to be, Grandy said.
She pointed to a group of business students who recently participated in the 13th annual Five Days for the Homeless Campaign, a fundraiser for Carmichael Outreach. Three students spent five days sleeping outdoors on campus with no shelter, showers, cell phones and only donated food.
The group raised $40,550.30, which adds to the 13-year total of $450,000 donated to the charity.
“Now, if that isn’t impressive when you talk about how you can make an impact in your community, not only was that seriously life-changing for the leaders, we’re (also) talking about actually making change in the communities that surround you,” Grandy said.
The business faculty recently held a student recognition night where the department honoured over 50 students for their academics or community work, while about 50 business leaders were present, she continued. During the event, she saw many students walk away with business cards and even jobs because of their networking.
Recalling her university days, Grandy explained that she entered the business faculty and thought she wanted to be an accountant — that didn’t end up happening. She took the Co-operative education path, which allowed her to pursue paid work placements while studying, which helped pay for her degree.
Grandy spent four months studying in the Netherlands as part of an educational exchange. She thought this was a great experience since she met amazing people, she changed as a person, and her perspective on the world changed.
“Every single one of those opportunities as a learning experience were incredibly valuable. Valuable, because I sort of learned what I didn’t want to do, and I also learned about the things I really liked and what I wanted to do more of … ,” she said.
“If there was an opportunity to be had, I took advantage of it even if I wasn’t necessarily good at it. And … I came to a place where I figured out, actually, I kind of know what I’d like to do.”
Grandy added that she was willing to explore, fail, and learn from her mistakes, contributing to who she is today.
Afterward, Grade 11 student Eric Meili said he thought the presentation was informative and appreciated hearing what the U of R offers. He liked Grandy’s talk since she indicated the business faculty is like a family that supports its students. He noted that he’s thinking about going into business administration — his siblings are in that field — but hasn’t fully decided yet.
“I saw on here (info brochure) there’s a sport and recreation management (degree) because I play a lot of sports. So, I was thinking of maybe going into something like,” he added. “Hopefully, something to do with sports or business.”
Grade 11 student Emily Pouteaux also enjoyed the presentation and appreciated hearing from Grandy. However, she was not sure business admin was for her.
“I don’t really know yet (about a degree). Either an arts degree or something with architecture,” she added.
The U of R has an in-person open house on campus on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.uregina.ca for more information.
