Student Experience

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.

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.

Aarya, a Sustainability and Financial Management student, highlights her experiences as a fellowship student and SOAP ambassador at the School of Accounting and Finance.

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.

The Fall 2025 AFM 334 International Study Course class explored New York City through iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and meetings with leading firms across finance, media, and law. From Times Square and Broadway to Wall Street and the NYSE, the trip blended sightseeing with real-world business insights.

Read their blog for a behind-the-scenes look at how students navigated and learned in the Concrete Jungle.

AFM 334's study trip to New York City took a turn when the first stop on their list was cancelled due to a coastal flood warning.

This unexpected change in plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading to one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip.

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.