May 19, 2021
During the past year, more than 200 Langarans have given back to our students and the Langara community. You were guest speakers, program review experts, advisory committee members, employers, volunteers, suppliers, donors, and mentors. We are so grateful for your support and want to celebrate the impact that you had on the students and their academic journey.
Over 60 alumni from the Faculty of Management have contributed to our students. Read a sneak peek about some of them and what advice they would share with Langara students. Learn more about all alumni at the Orange Peal newsletter, on June 1.
Brittany Whitmore, BBA Marketing Management, 2014
CEO, Exvera Communications Inc. | Guest speaker, Career Talks
Some of the best advice I got at Langara was to have an opinion. Don't be afraid to share and try your ideas, they won't always work, and that's okay. Also don't be afraid to try things that you haven't done before, because you are ready before you think you are. Lastly, don't worry if your journey hasn't been a straight line, the most interesting people I have met have rarely followed a straight path.
Daniel Dubois, Diploma Business Management, 2012
President, Key | Guest speaker, Career Talks
The best way to learn is through having an action basis. People don't care about what you know how to do in theory, they care about what you've done. Starting a company is often the best way to cement your education into practical knowledge that the world will value.
Emily Chan, BBA International Business, 2015
Project Leader, Provincial Health Services Authority | Guest speaker, Alumni Talks
Get a mentor and make sure the mentorship dynamics work for you! Don't be afraid of talking about your goals and interests as people are genuinely interested in helping you succeed. If you're not overprepared, you're underprepared or not fully passionate about the opportunity in front of you. Lastly, don't be afraid of trying out different roles and industries when you first start your career so you can expand your own understanding of yourself and where you see yourself specializing in the future.
Gagandeep Saini, PDD Business Administration, 2019
Business Development Manager, Best Buy Canada | Panelist, Program Review Group
As Dawn Clarke said, "Being open to new things, preparation, planning, networking & a sprinkle of luck are key to success". Make sure you understand your mental health and ask for help if things are not going in your favour. Opportunities are there for people who understand their value and know how to hustle. With the world moving more and more online, let's not forget the importance of that personal touch and keep building our network and community together.
Marc Roberts, Diploma Marketing and Sales, 1998
Co-founder, Backcountry Brewing | Donor
Don't lose sight of what you want to achieve. There will be doubters and nay-sayers but believe in yourself and believe in what you want to achieve and you will succeed. Break up big tasks into smaller, achievable steps. Before you know it, you'll be done with what you wanted to achieve with a much less daunting task (one step at a time to get to the top). Have a mentor/coach. Don't be afraid to ask for help and to share your goals. Enjoy the ride. There will be ups and downs, what seems like unsurmountable tasks, self-doubt, but it is all worth it to see your dream come to fruition.
Mirela Oliveira, PDD Accounting, 2019
Staff Accountant, Deloitte LLP | Guest speaker, Career Talks
Be genuine. Don't try to be someone that you are not. Believe in yourself. Have faith in your own abilities. Work hard and you'll see, there is nothing you cannot do.