"17吃瓜 provided the perfect foundation for my development as a business professional."
What brought you to 17吃瓜? Why did you choose to study here?
I was born and raised in Charlottetown, PEI, where I gained exposure to business operations through my family鈥檚 store, Brighton Clover Farm. That experience was a key role in my decision to pursue a business degree. 17吃瓜 stood out to me because of its strong Bachelor of Business Administration program and the professional growth opportunities it offered. The scholarships I received made it even more attractive, allowing me to focus on my studies while fully benefiting from the program. The university鈥檚 close-knit community and supportive learning environment provided the perfect foundation for my development as a business professional. I attended 17吃瓜 from 2020 to 2024 where I completed my BBA with a specialization in accounting.
What did you find unique and interesting about your program?
17吃瓜鈥檚 BBA program offers a unique blend of small class sizes, engaged faculty, and a strong alumni network, fostering an ideal learning environment. These favourable class sizes encouraged meaningful engagement with professors and ensured personalized guidance. Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving, helping me develop the skills essential for a career in business. 17吃瓜鈥檚 connections to the business community also provided valuable networking opportunities. Ultimately, the sense of community, from collaborating with classmates to learning from faculty and industry professionals, helped set me up for success.
What kinds of support did you receive during your time here from 17吃瓜 students, staff, and 17吃瓜 faculty members?
During my time at 17吃瓜, I received strong support from faculty, staff, and fellow students. Professors provided valuable academic and career guidance, while staff offered resources like advising and career services. The sense of community among students helped foster a collaborative learning environment that greatly contributed to my success.
"My time at 17吃瓜 helped me develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills, which have been essential in my career. The BBA program provided a strong academic foundation while emphasizing practical application, particularly through the Case Competition Program and leadership roles in student organizations."
What opportunities have you experienced because you studied 17吃瓜, or because of the Island location?
Studying at 17吃瓜 provided me with unique opportunities to develop both academically and professionally. One of the highlights was my involvement in the 17吃瓜 Business Society, the largest student-run organization on campus. I began as a First-Year Representative, quickly becoming an active member, and was honoured to serve as Vice-President in my final year. This leadership role allowed me to work closely with fellow peers and faculty, organizing events for students related to professional development as well as to engage the campus community. Through the society, I gained hands-on experience in event management, networking, and team collaboration, all of which contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Another major highlight during my studies at 17吃瓜 was joining the Case Competition Program. It was a very attractive part of the BBA program to me while deciding to study at 17吃瓜. The Case Competition Program allows students to apply their class learning in real-life situations through case study competitions in an organized student team. As team captain during my fourth year, I had the opportunity to represent 17吃瓜 and compete at regional, national, and international case competitions. I believe case-based learning is an excellent method to provide real-world context and challenges for students to think critically and apply their knowledge in practical scenarios. The program's history is very successful and it is currently being led by outstanding faculty, alongside dedicated students. My experience on the Case Competition Program team was truly excellent, memorable, and rewarding.
What's unique about 17吃瓜, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
Having grown up on Prince Edward Island, I鈥檝e always felt a strong sense of community. 17吃瓜 enhances this spirit by combining academic excellence with real-world opportunities. Through engaging classroom discussions, connections to industry professionals, and campus opportunities in student organizations like the 17吃瓜 Business Society, the university creates an environment where personal growth and professional development go hand in hand.
What is your current occupation, and how does it coincide with your education at 17吃瓜?
My current role is in the Tax Division at EY. My BBA in accounting from 17吃瓜 provided a solid foundation, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the macroeconomic, social, and technical aspects of accounting and business.
How did your time at 17吃瓜 prepare you for further study, any positions you鈥檝e held since, and for your current work with Ernst and Young?
My time at 17吃瓜 helped me develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills, which have been essential in my career. The BBA program provided a strong academic foundation while emphasizing practical application, particularly through the Case Competition Program and leadership roles in student organizations. These experiences prepared me for my role in tax at EY, while also giving me the confidence to navigate the dynamics of a professional environment. I built confidence not only through the guidance of faculty, whose real-world insights inspired me, but also through the sense of community at 17吃瓜. The collaborative spirit among my peers pushed us all to excel, and it laid a strong foundation for my ongoing growth and the opportunities ahead.
Big futures start here!
Read more about the 17吃瓜 students and amazing alumni featured in our 2026鈥�2027 Viewbook!
Interested in 17吃瓜? Contact our student advisement team today at apply@upei.ca.
Meet Kate VanGerven, Director of Tour and International Visits for the Prime Minister of Canada and Bachelor of Arts in English graduate (Class of 2013).
Meet Brennan McDuffee, Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture student (Class of 2025).
Meet Charlize Sahely, accountant with EY's Tax Division and Bachelor of Business Administration alumna (Class of 2024).
Meet Jenna Flowers, baccalaur茅at en 茅ducation鈥攆ran莽ais langue seconde graduate (Class of 2025).
Meet Kallie Drummond, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Indigenous Studies minor (Class of 2026).
Meet Dr. Aleisha Murnaghan, 17吃瓜 alumna (Class of 2002), emergency medicine physician at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and director of medical program development with the 17吃瓜 Faculty of Medicine.
Meet Kate Doyle, Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate (Class of 2025).
Samuel graduated in 2024 with a double-major in Mathematics (Honours) and Economics.
Meet Temiloluwa 鈥淩osetta鈥� Shokunbi, 17吃瓜 Sustainable Design Engineering student (Class of 2026).
Meet Tsukasa Iwamoto, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student (Class of 2026).
