Student Experience

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. 

As a new term rolls around, so do new opportunities. As second year students get ready for co-op applications, it can be incredibly nerve-wracking. SAF's annual Co-op Ready Conference helps to provide students with valuable, actionable advice that is useful for creating outstanding resumes and captivating cover letters, as well as how to ace interviews and network to get your name out there. 

Networking via email doesn’t have to feel awkward. Learn practical tips for writing three essential types of emails every student should know: the cold email, the post-interview thank-you, and the post-offer thank-you.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The road to the CFA Global Finals

Five SAF students—Luka, Jai, Hemadri, Charlene, and Josh—advanced to the CFA Institute Investment Research Challenge Global Finals, competing against the best students from 1,000+ universities worldwide.

Backed by months of research and industry insights, their confident “buy” recommendation for BRP showcased adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, earning them a top-tier finish on the global stage.

In January, Gurpartap, Leo, Brishank, and Franco—second-year Accounting and Financial Management students—participated in the Eclipse Case Competition at the University of Toronto.

The competition brought together students from across Ontario to solve business challenges in four streams: Sales Management, ESG Strategy, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. Read on to learn about their experience competing in the Technology stream!

Accounting and Financial Management students Ian, Luka, and Chiranjeev reflect on their experience competing in the Toronto Metropolitan University’s annual Battle on Bay case competition. They secured a second-place position at this three-day event, comprised of various networking events, pitches and socials which concluded with an awards ceremony and gala dinner.   

In honour of Black History Month, SAF student Daniella shares her experience as an Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) student at the University of Waterloo. Through dance, leadership, and community building, she has embraced her culture and created spaces for connection—from leading the African Student Association to co-founding an initiative supporting Black students in finance, she’s working to empower the next generation.