As an SFU MBA ambassador, I was excited about the Meet the Pros Event, my first networking event in Canada. I was also eager to learn from SFU alums and their wealth of experience in various industries, including tech, apparel, finance, and consulting.
I started the night speaking with someone from Arc’teryx. They told me about their journey and how they found the role at their company. They emphasized doing your research, finding your passion, and showing how it aligns with the company’s values and interests. In this case, they tied their passion with Arc’teryx’s vision for sustainability.
I then spoke with an alum from a Finance background at Citi who told me that the most critical part of getting your role is showing your passion and drive, and always being willing to change and learn new things. In this interaction, the crucial point was that skills can be taught, but the right attitude must come from the person.
When speaking with another alumnus in consulting from PWC, I was curious as to how he got his start and, surprisingly, didn’t need a CPA or a background in consulting. This surprised me because I had always thought you needed one or the other to work for one of the Big 4.
I had come up with so many preconceptions of what roles needed and how you should get them. It was refreshing to be proven wrong and learn from those with a wealth of experience in their respective industries. In many of these interactions, the critical theme of work-life balance was paramount to being successful in their roles. Each person made sure that these boundaries were clear for them so that they could be happy with the roles that they were in. They also clarified that progression isn’t a straight path; it is more like a zigzag for them to keep moving forward in their careers in different companies. Each individual I spoke with at the event provided invaluable insights into improving my job search and laying the groundwork for a new career.
The event, organized by the Career Management Centre, was a transformative experience that I wholeheartedly recommend all Beedie School of Business students to attend during their time at SFU. The connections I made, and the lessons I learned have not only advanced my career but also enriched me as a person.
___________________________________________________________
About the Author
Juan Pestana is a marketing professional with a diverse background in digital marketing and strategy, holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance and strategy and innovation from Boston University. As a former Senior Digital Marketing Executive at EF in Shanghai, China, Juan led a team for website transition projects, effectively managing landing pages and lead generation for Indonesia and China business units. In his free time, Juan engages in various extracurricular activities, such as marathons, intramural sports leagues, and hiking. Notably, he serves as the captain of the SFU E-Sports team in the BC MBA Games.