Student Experience

School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) student Hanna shares how the SAF Fellowship Program provided her with valuable new experiences and deepened her connection to the University of Waterloo community.

From receiving mentorship from an industry-seasoned Waterloo alum to judging case competitions and introducing prospective students to SAF, Hanna reflects on how the program helped her grow both personally and professionally.

It started with a matcha, but led to a meaningful connection between mentor and mentee. 

Selena reflects on her experience of being Kailey's mentor as part of the School of Accounting and Finance's Fellowship Program, highlighting how a casual café environment created space for honest discussions about co-op, academics and university life.

Sometimes, the most meaningful connections begin in the simplest ways.

For Selena and Kailey, Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) students in SAF's Fellowship Program, it started with two cups of matcha and a pistachio lava bun.

In his final year of the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program, Joel P. took on a Research Assistant role through the SAF Fellowship Program where he had the opportunity to explore one of today’s fastest-evolving spaces: artificial intelligence (AI).

Analyzing and comparing AI tools alongside Professor Efrim Boritz, Joel's experience was defined by open-ended problem-solving and the kind of ownership rarely found in a classroom. He reflects on how the role shaped his academic and professional path, and why his advice to first-years is simple: you have more time than you think.

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.

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.

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.