by Kelsey Stoddart
With September comes a return to classrooms, new routines, and the excitement of learning. For many School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) alumni, education doesn’t end with their own degrees, it’s something they continue to champion by teaching, mentoring, and sharing financial literacy with the next generation.
This month, we’re highlighting SAF alumni who have embraced education as a way to give back. From guiding students in university lecture halls to supporting financial literacy in the workplace, these grads are making an impact that extends well beyond their own careers.
Konrad Pawlak
BAFM ’08, MAcc ’09
Professor, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
A former competitive swimmer and outdoors enthusiast, Konrad built his early career in corporate roles before running his own coaching practice for three years. He later returned to SAF as a faculty member, where he has taught in both undergraduate and graduate programs (Master of Accounting) and has co-designed four SAF courses to date.
Pawlak reflects on his time as a student with gratitude, noting that he made the most of his university years by stepping outside his comfort zone and creating his own opportunities. “The student experience is even better now because there are more academic paths and choices, and many more opportunities to connect with new people and communities,” he says.
He wishes he had realized sooner how willing people are to connect, and that applies to both professors and peers. “The point of coming to university is to learn and expand your knowledge. By definition, this implies that you won’t already know much of the material. So ask questions; be a sponge, absorb new information,” Pawlak explains. “From a student perspective, other students are looking to connect. Many of them are likely just as shy and unsure as you are, so stick your neck out and say hello. Get to know your peers.”
His advice for incoming students is twofold: assume the best intentions in others, and master time management early. “Probably the #1 cause of students performing poorly is weak time management skills,” he notes, encouraging students to use calendars and build healthy habits from the start.
Nishi Shah
BMath ‘18, MAcc ‘19
Manager, Deloitte; Professor, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
After starting her career as a CPA in Risk Consulting, Nishi Shah pivoted into the Actuarial field. With dual designations as a CPA and Actuary, Shah has built a career helping insurance companies transform their pricing and reporting practices. At Deloitte, she works with clients across the globe, addressing macro-economic challenges such as inflation, tariffs, reforms, and climate change. Beyond consulting, Shah also teaches at SAF and is an avid sports fan and supporter of the Buffalo Bills.
Looking back, Shah recalls that her student life at SAF was grounded in in-person connections. “Life revolved around face-to-face interactions, study sessions in the library, and figuring out assignments with friends,” explains Shah. Today, the student experience is more flexible and digital with tools like ChatGPT, but she cautions that this can eliminate the ability for students to learn essential research skills. “The challenge is to be able to use all that great technology access to your advantage without losing the human connections that make learning truly memorable and fun.”
One lesson Shah wishes she had learned earlier is the value of getting to know professors beyond coursework. “Teachers are secretly people!” she jokes. “The moment I started asking questions beyond the syllabus and having real conversions with them, I discovered they could be incredible mentors. They'd share stories about their own mistakes, tips for navigating challenges, and even opportunities I didn't know existed. It completely changed the way I experienced school.” Now, as a faculty member, Shah strives to build the same meaningful connections with her students.
Her advice for today’s first years is simple: “enjoy the process and don’t take it for granted.” While some aspects of school might feel grueling now, it’s important to remember to have fun and take in all that UW and SAF have to offer; get involved, meet people, connect with your professors, focus on academics, but most importantly – enjoy the experience!
Ben Jackson
BAFM ‘19, MAcc ‘20
Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Axonify; Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
As the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Axonify, a Waterloo-based software firm, Ben Jackson manages the budgeting and forecasting processes of the company along with the reporting of financial and metric results. He also teaches courses in strategy and performance management at SAF. When he’s not working or teaching, he enjoys time on the golf course or curling rink.
As a student, Jackson found his passion in areas like finance, strategy, and performance management, but notes that these courses weren’t offered in depth until later in his program. “It’s exciting to see how SAF has since expanded its curriculum to reflect the full breadth of skills the accounting and finance profession demands today.” This change will lead to more well-rounded professionals and allow students to find their subject interests earlier on.
Looking back, Jackson wishes he had appreciated his student experience more in the moment. “I met some people who I still call best friends, and I participated in extracurriculars and a varsity sport that changed my life, he says. “I wish I had known to appreciate every experience that came my way, both good and bad, instead of waiting for my professional career. I love what I do for work, but school is a great place to live and learn.”
His advice for students? Find something beyond school that you love, and don’t let others dictate your path. For Jackson, varsity curling kept him from burning out and he reflects on his decision to try out as one of the best decisions he’s ever made. “You control your own destiny. Apply to that unique job, try out for that sports team, join a new club. Don’t let anyone tell you what your school experience should look like.”
David Ha
BAFM ’08, MAcc ’09
Co-Director, Professional Masters Programs; and Professor, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
As Co-Director of SAF’s Professional Masters Programs, David Ha has the unique opportunity to teach students early in their studies at SAF, then see them again as they return for graduate programs. He finds great joy in watching students develop their passions and launch their professional careers.
Ha remembers his time at SAF fondly, from co-op terms to building friendships and connecting with professors. “SAF really shaped who I am personally and professionally by giving me ample opportunities to explore my interests, in and out of the classroom, and through dedicated co-op work terms.” Today, he admires the range of experiential opportunities available to students. Programs like the Student Venture Fund and Non-Profit Organization Consulting (NPOC) help students explore entrepreneurship and community impact; while webinars and sessions with guest speakers help students explore their career interests and learn more about emerging issues impacting the business world today.
He wishes he had known more about the hidden gems on campus where students can unwind. “Places like Waterloo's Environmental Reserve by the Columbia Icefield (CIF) athletic facility have great trails around Columbia Lake that lead through forests and meadows – a great place to go for a hike or a jog with friends,” he shares.
Ha’s main advice for students is to prioritize what recharges you. “Make them non-negotiable and build them into your schedules. For me, that meant prioritizing my time at the gym - it always gave me that extra energy boost to get things done and was a good way to take care of my physical and mental wellbeing.”
Across these stories, one theme is clear: mentorship is more than advice – it’s a connection that empowers growth, confidence, and community. At SAF, our alumni create a cycle of support that continues well beyond graduation. Together, they show how mentorship shapes not only careers, but also the culture of giving back that defines our community.