Blog

When Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) student Scarlett attended a Waterloo open house as a future student, a SOAP Ambassador helped her imagine what life at the School of Accounting and Finance could be.

Now, through the Fellowship Program, she’s on the other side of the table — sharing her own experiences with prospective students and helping them see what's possible.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In my first term, it has already given me many opportunities to meet industry professionals and attend a variety of workshops and events.

Once I attended UW, I was then offered the opportunity to join the Fellowship program. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but today I can proudly say I have not regretted signing up for the program once.

The Fellowship program is amazing in that it provides you with the ability to connect with like-minded individuals who are both friendly and supportive.