"17吃瓜 has provided me with countless opportunities."
What brought you to 17吃瓜? Why did you choose to study here?
I鈥檓 originally from Arequipa, a beautiful and historically rich city in Peru, known for its stunning traditional architecture, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. As an international student, several factors influenced my decision to come to 17吃瓜. The smaller class sizes allow for stronger connections with both faculty and peers, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the safe and welcoming nature of Prince Edward Island made it an ideal place to study, grow, and feel at home while being far from my home country.
What do you find unique and interesting about your program?
I鈥檓 currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in International Business. I鈥檓 also enrolled in the co-op education program and working towards that designation. My passion for international business comes from from my interest in how global markets operate, how businesses adapt across cultures, and the strategic decisions companies make to expand worldwide. One of the things I love most about my program is the well-rounded education it provides. I get exposure to all aspects of the business such as evidence-based management, marketing, accounting, finance, and human resources just to name a few. While my specialization allows me to apply these concepts on a global scale, diving deeper into international marketing, or intercultural management for example.
A highlight for me has been participating in McDougall Faculty of Business Case Competition Team. These experiences have given me the chance to represent 17吃瓜 internationally, applying what we learn in the classroom to real-world business challenges. I鈥檝e had the opportunity to present business strategies to company executives and even CEOs. Competing in places like Hungary, Germany, the United States, and across Canada in Halifax and Montreal has been an incredible experience. We鈥檝e placed multiple times, and it鈥檚 been rewarding to showcase all the knowledge 17吃瓜 has provided on such a large stage, having audiences of up to 800 people so far on different kinds of competitions such as family business, CFA ethics, risk management, and even interdisciplinary work with engineering students.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from 17吃瓜 students, staff, and faculty?
17吃瓜 has a strong support system for all students. Professors are always willing to provide feedback and guidance, which has been incredibly helpful. As someone who also works on campus, I鈥檝e learned about various student support programs, from mental health resources to career services, which help students navigate both their academic and personal journeys.
What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at 17吃瓜 or because of the Island location?
17吃瓜 has provided me with countless opportunities. One of my first significant experiences was through the International Student Employment Program, where I secured my first Canadian professional work experience with a summer internship. Since then, I鈥檝e taken on various roles, on and off-campus, thanks to 17吃瓜, including:
- Student assistant with 17吃瓜 Experiential Education, helping students with resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, career resources, and so on.
- Student marker for the McDougall Faculty of Business, gaining insights into academic evaluations and business coursework.
- Social Media Manager for the McDougall Faculty of Business, managing online content and engagement.
- Yearbook Editor-in-Chief for the Student Union, overseeing the yearbook鈥檚 production and a team of contributors.
I also completed my first co-op work term with the provincial government, further expanding my professional experience. Beyond academics, I鈥檝e been heavily involved in extracurriculars, holding leadership roles in multiple clubs and societies:
- Vice-President of Marketing and Operations with Enactus 17吃瓜
- Vice-President of Marketing with the 17吃瓜 Business Society
- President of 17吃瓜 Relay for Life (formerly Vice-President of Marketing), helping raise over $13,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Founder and President of the 17吃瓜 Latin Society, creating a space to celebrate and share Latin American culture on campus.
- Organizer, Access for All Initiative with the Canadian Center of Diversity and Inclusion, advocating for a more accessible and inclusive campus.
These experiences have shaped my leadership skills and given me opportunities to work on meaningful projects.
"One of the things I love most about my program is the well-rounded education it provides. I get exposure to all aspects of the business such as evidence-based management, marketing, accounting, finance, and human resources just to name a few."
What's unique about 17吃瓜 and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
17吃瓜 has a strong sense of community. It鈥檚 easy to build lasting connections, whether through friendships, academic collaborations, or professional networking. PEI itself is a welcoming and beautiful place, offering a close-knit environment that makes it easy to get involved and make an impact.
What would you tell a high school student considering 17吃瓜 and the McDougall Faculty of Business?
I鈥檇 highly recommend making the most of every opportunity, engage with professors, build relationships with peers, and get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Hands-on experience is invaluable, and 17吃瓜 provides so many ways to gain it. Also, consider specializing in an area of business that aligns with your interests, it can open doors to unique career paths.
How has 17吃瓜 prepared you for your future?
17吃瓜 has given me the right mix of academic knowledge and practical experience to step confidently into the workforce. The connections I鈥檝e made, the hands-on learning experiences, and the leadership opportunities I鈥檝e had have all contributed to my growth. I feel prepared to navigate the global business landscape, apply what I鈥檝e learned in real-world situations, and continue growing both professionally and personally.
