Through the School of Accounting and Finance’s (SAF) Fellowship Program, I had the opportunity to work as a Special Projects Assistant (SPA) for two academic terms. This was a valuable experience that significantly shaped my academic interests and professional direction. I had always been curious about teaching, research and how classroom learning translates beyond lectures, and this role gave me a firsthand look into all three.
As an SPA, I worked with Professor Haaris Mian to update a data analytics course. This course introduces Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) students to the foundational skills required for data mining and upper year business analytics electives. In this role, I sourced relevant real-world datasets, reviewed course materials and created question sets and solution banks. This experience not only refreshed my own understanding of the course content, but also helped me connect and translate theoretical concepts to practical applications and decision making.
Another important dimension of the project involved discussions around artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, Professor Mian’s guidance helped me understand AI’s capabilities, how quickly it is evolving and how educators can prevent it from replacing meaningful student learning. Being part of these conversations encouraged me to think critically about the balance between innovation and academic integrity, a topic that will become increasingly more important in the years ahead.
One of the most valuable aspects of the role was gaining insight into the teaching perspective. I learned just how much planning, thought and iteration occurs behind the scenes to design a course that truly supports student learning, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the work faculty members do. Professor Mian is an incredible mentor who provided thoughtful guidance, encouragement and access to valuable resources that enhanced my learning.
The Fellowship Program played a key role in shaping my future goals. Beyond skills development, it encouraged me to reflect on my interests and explore pathways I had not previously considered. Through this experience, I developed a stronger interest in pursuing teaching opportunities and in applying to programs such as The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Ontario Centre for Sustainability Reporting and Performance Management (CSPM) Mentorship Program, which aligns well with my academic and professional aspirations.
Perhaps most importantly, the Fellowship Program introduced me to a supportive and inspiring community. I built meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates while gaining clarity about my academic direction. For any student, especially those in first-year, who are curious about research, teaching or exploring academic interests outside the classroom, I would highly recommend considering the SAF Fellowship Program. It truly opens doors, provides valuable perspectives and creates opportunities that extend well beyond the term itself.