Jolene Sangster
Graduate Career Services & Employment Coach, Sobey School of Business
Established in 1934, the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University is one of Eastern Canada’s oldest and most respected business schools. For students seeking a rewarding finance career, the school offers excellent, recognized programs, including a Master of Finance (MFin) and a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) in Finance.
Students benefit from small class sizes, internationally known faculty and a diverse, close-knit community. “They gain the academic and social skills required to succeed when entering the business world,” says Jolene Sangster, an Employment Coach with the Graduate Programs Career Services. She offers six helpful tips for finance students looking to stand out as they enter the workforce.
1. Gain practical experience
The Bachelor of Commerce program gives students the opportunity to earn real-world experience through its co-operative education component. It’s an exciting way for students to boost their resume, earn money, and build a network of contacts.
2. Become resilient
The BComm and MFin programs offered are built to prepare students for intensive real-life business scenarios. Students build resilience by juggling multiple deadlines, working on business strategies, and participating in tough case competitions.
3. Build your skills
Across all graduate programs, students develop core communication and financial literacy skills that are critical for entering the business world. “We also support students in their career journey with practical tools, such as resume writing, interview prep and networking skills,” adds Sangster.
4. Gain a global outlook
With 50% of the school’s students coming from outside of Canada, Sobey School students have the opportunity to study with an international cohort and build their intercultural literacy. Plus, students can engage in study abroad opportunities to expand their classroom experience and prepare for an increasingly global business environment.
5. Earn your designations
The MFin and BComm Finance programs are Affiliated Programs of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Institute. Students are thoroughly prepared with the tools and confidence to achieve success on their CFA® exams.
6. Know your industry
Enrichment activities include corporate tours which expose students to an array of potential workplaces including banks, investment houses, and large companies such as Thompson-Reuters. Sobey hosts an accounting and finance-focused career fair annually. Plus, industry-expert guest speakers are a regular feature.
The programs offered at the Sobey School of Business help students build critical skills for any business setting. “Employees are seeking motivated candidates who have strong communication and problem-solving skills that Sobey teaches,” says Sangster.
