As first-year students in our 1B term, all with diverse backgrounds and experiences, we came together to take on the Schulich Accounting Society (SAS) Pathways Case Competition.
The excitement began with a week of intense preparations for the Schulich Accounting Society (SAS) Pathways Case Competition. Together, we poured our hearts and souls into crafting the perfect executive summary that would showcase our dedication and enthusiasm for the competition. Our collaborative efforts paid off, as we advanced to the semi-finals and embarked on the next step of our journey. With the pressure mounting, we spent countless hours developing a comprehensive presentation for the case study. We knew it would pay off.
The competition took place in the heart of downtown at KPMG's stunning office. The breathtaking view and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for what was sure to be an unforgettable experience. Although we performed well during our presentation, the clock was not on our side, and we ultimately ran out of time. Despite this setback, we were proud of our accomplishments and eager to learn from the experience.
After the competition, we took the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who shared our passion for accounting and business. It was an incredible learning experience, as we exchanged ideas and gained valuable insights from one another. One of the highlights of the event was meeting Beverly Loh, a University of Waterloo alum, who generously provided us with a tour of the office and shared her wisdom on the recruitment process. Beverly's guidance was invaluable, and we were grateful for the chance to connect with someone who had successfully navigated the path we were just beginning.
The following day, we attended the closing ceremony and finals of the competition at a beautiful banquet hall. The exquisite food and lively atmosphere made for a memorable evening. A special shoutout goes to Jake Karls from Mid-Day Squares for his inspiring and insightful presentation. Jake's emphasis on building a brand with fans, not customers, and his advice on sharing the good, the bad, and the nasty in your story truly resonated with us and changed the way we think about business.
One of the most valuable experiences for us was witnessing the finalists present their solutions. We observed innovative techniques and approaches we had never seen or thought of before. This exposure to new ideas and methods was incredibly valuable and further motivated us to push boundaries and continue learning. Throughout the event, we also had the opportunity to connect with upper-year students who offered advice on how to grow within our respective fields. Their words of wisdom served as a constant reminder that the journey to success is one of growth, learning, and perseverance. As we reflect on our incredible week at the SAS Pathways Case Competition, we are grateful for the connections we made, the lessons we learned, and the memories we created together. This experience has undoubtedly shaped us as professionals and individuals, and we can't wait to see where our newfound knowledge and skills will take us in the future.