Future students

From river cruises in Frankfurt to boardroom discussions with global firms, our International Study Course (AFM 334) team's recent trip to Germany challenged them to bring their classroom knowledge to life and make the most of this unique study experience.

While real-world corporate meetings initially felt daunting, the team reflects on how their creative preparation methods turned each session into an opportunity for learning — from Digital Euro at the European Central Bank to credit risk at Munich Re.

What started as a way for Aarya to "get involved and meet people" as a first-year SFM student evolved into one of the most meaningful parts of her undergraduate experience.

Through the SAF Outreach and Ambassador Program (SOAP) and the Fellowship Program, she discovered how mentorship, leadership, and genuine community connection can shape not just your career path—but your confidence and sense of direction.

Each year, the University of Waterloo recognizes exceptional alumni from each faculty and school with Alumni Awards. Recipients from 2025, Troy Maxwell (BA ’89, MAcc ’89) and Adnan Khan (BAFM ’17, MAcc ’17), are highlighted for their professional achievements, leadership and community impact.

Visit the 2025 Alumni Awards page for a full list of recipients.

Third-year Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) student Emma shares how a coffee chat through the SAF Fellowship Program led her to a research assistant role with Professor Tim Bauer — and changed how she thinks about her future.

Working in audit experimental research, she found that the RA experience offered more than just skills: it gave her a new understanding of how knowledge is created and made academia feel like a real, personal option.

University of Waterloo students have won the global CFA Institute Research Challenge, outperforming teams from 1,200 universities worldwide and securing the university’s third global title in a decade.

In partnership with the Waterloo Region District School Board’s Black Brilliance initiative, the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance welcomed secondary school students and teachers to campus for an immersive day exploring business education.

Through mentorship, hands-on activities and conversations with faculty, students and entrepreneurs, the visit aimed to make pathways in business, finance and entrepreneurship feel visible, accessible and welcoming.

Shrisha, Jackson, Reda and Luke recently participated in the Business Valuation Challenge, where they gained hands-on experience with valuation and explored the Chartered Business Valuator career path.

Read their blog to learn more about the experience from their perspective.

What does it take to compete on a national consulting stage? This student blog follows a University of Waterloo team at the National Strategy Consulting Competition in Vancouver, where they placed among the top 12 teams nationwide.

Discover the lessons they share on teamwork, strategy, and personal growth through an intense real‑world case competition experience.

When SFM student Aarya started university, she was excited to get involved but unsure where to begin. Joining the School of Accounting and Finance Fellowship Program changed that.

Through mentorship with an alumni mentor, professional events like meeting KPMG's CEO, and meaningful social connections with other Fellows, she discovered how much the program has to offer—and how much it can open doors.

Our team of accounting and financial management (AFM) students had an outstanding performance at the Association of Canadian Intercollegiate Investment Clubs (ACIIC) Fall 2025 stock pitch competition. They expertly made calls, analyzed data and made financial models to formulate a "buy" pitch to UpWork, resulting in a successful third place finish.