Current students

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Our Singapore trip: The resume

Three SAF students — Diana, Leo, and Franco — served as the Marketing and Culture team for the International Study Course trip to Singapore this spring. From their first moments on the island, they were struck by how seamlessly Singapore blends innovation with tradition. In this blog, they share their impressions of the city and the highlights that made the experience unforgettable.

First-year students in the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program planted 100 native trees and shrubs on the University’s north campus as part of the annual micro-forest planting with Sustainable Waterloo Region.

The event connected students with sustainability in practice while highlighting the program’s unique blend of accounting, finance, and environmental responsibility. Faculty, staff, RBC leaders, and community partners joined to support the initiative, reinforcing the collective effort needed to advance a sustainable future.

SAF undergraduate programs are evolving in response to advancements in technology and sustainability. AFM is the first to implement these changes, but soon all programs will adopt this new model to embrace future-ready, experiential learning. 

The Corporate Relations Team for the recent International Study Course trip to Hong Kong shares their strategy for connecting with professionals and how they remained positive throughout the process despite the rejections and unanswered messages.

Transitioning from high school to university, Alina carried the same mindset that once defined her idea of success, but that approach quickly led to burnout. She realized that to her, success isn't about meeting impossible expectations, it's about having the courage to choose what's right for you, even when the path looks different from others. 

When Alina first started her post-secondary career, she was terrified of networking events. But with the encouragement from friends, teammates and professors, she slowly built the confidence to put herself out there.

This growth followed her to her first co-op role, where asking questions and making connections helped her learn, build relationships, and truly enjoy the experience. 

The end of summer means back to school and back to routines with the spirit of learning in full swing. For SAF alumni, crossing the stage at Convocation isn't the end of their educational journey, but the start of a new chapter. Many decide to give back and share their knowledge by mentoring students, guest lecturing and promoting financial literacy in their communities. These alumni create a ripple effect that inspires and support future generations. 

As a new term rolls around, so do new opportunities. As second year students get ready for co-op applications, it can be incredibly nerve-wracking. SAF's annual Co-op Ready Conference helps to provide students with valuable, actionable advice that is useful for creating outstanding resumes and captivating cover letters, as well as how to ace interviews and network to get your name out there. 

Mentorship shaped his student experience, and now Dean Ah Sen (MAcc ’16) has come full circle, giving back to the SAF community as a Fellowship Honouree. While leading financial reporting at CAPREIT, he continues to help students navigate challenges and step outside their comfort zones.

Networking via email doesn’t have to feel awkward. Learn practical tips for writing three essential types of emails every student should know: the cold email, the post-interview thank-you, and the post-offer thank-you.