Future students

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Beyond the boardroom: SAF alumni bridging industry and academia

by Hailee L., Digital Marketing and Content Associate

In honour of World Teachers’ Day this month, the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) is celebrating alumni who have returned to the classroom—bringing the lessons they’ve learned in industry back to where their own journeys began.  

Balancing careers in both business and academia, our alumni bridge theory and practice, offering their insights and experiences to give our students a firsthand look at how classroom concepts come to life in real-world settings. 

Leading the International Study Course trip class through three days of cultural exploration in Hong Kong, the Marketing and Culture team reflects on the breathtaking sights, delicious food and vibrant culture they were able to immerse themselves in when they weren't in meetings with leaders of global businesses, building life-long memories in the process.

Having recently returned from the spring International Study Course trip to Hong Kong, the Meals and Logistics team reflects on their experience working behind the scenes to keep the trip running smoothly from coordinating travel plans, restaurants, meeting times and everything in between.

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.