Three pieces of advice for my first-year self

Friday, January 7, 2022
by Sarah L., 2A AFM student

Find time to expand your network and develop a strong support system

sarah
Hello, I’m Sarah, a second-year student in the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program at the University of Waterloo! First year was quite the experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless it was so much fun! If I could go back and give my first-year self some advice, here’s what I would say:

  • Save time for socializing as it is just as important as school. Developing a strong friend group is essential for your mental health as everyone needs a break from school from time to time. They are who will support you through the rough times and celebrate your wins.
  • Networking is key. Start planning for your second-year co-op placement now by reaching out to recruiters, participating in networking conferences, and trying out a few case competitions. If you establish a rapport with company recruiters, you’ll be sure to stand out amongst your peers.
  • Always try to complete the assigned readings before class. The advice given during lectures is meant to further explain topics covered in the readings. If you don’t have the basic understanding first, you will just end up very confused and ill-prepared for class.

I hope this helps you navigate your first year in AFM. If things don’t go as planned, don’t worry, just keep your eye on the prize, and success will follow!