BA Economics, 2012

What work are you doing now?

I am currently looking for employment outside retail banking. Right now I am in the process of making local connections with centres of influence in the community, and looking at doing volunteer work. Hopefully, that helps me with my job search. I am also taking this time to explore opportunities for Continuing Education/Graduate-level education, possibly an MBA.

What other positions have you held since graduating?

I started my career in banking while in University and worked at TD Bank (July 2010) as a Customer Service Representative. I was promoted to Financial Services Representative with TD Bank mid-way through University (July 2011). I completed the BA Economics program at UNBC in December 2011. I then got an offer from Scotiabank and accepted a position as Manager, Customer Service in May 2012, and then as Branch Manager in 2013. I left the Branch Manager role to move to Ottawa last October 2017 as my partner received a job offer that required both of us to make a move to Ottawa. While off work, I took the time off to focus on other things in my life and enrolled in the Chartered Financial Analyst program through the CFA Institute. I also started French lessons and travelled the country. 

What other training have you completed?

I completed training through the Canadian Securities Institute from 2001 to 2014. The courses I took that complemented my career in banking were:               

• Investment Funds in Canada
• Personal Financial Services Advice
• Financial Planning 1 and 2
• Branch Compliance Officer

How did your degree lead to these activities?

My degree helped me start my career in the Financial Services industry. As a Financial Advisor and Manager in retail banking I was able to leverage my skills learned through my degree at UNBC.

How do you use the knowledge acquired through the degree in your job/schooling?

My degree has really helped me in my career in banking. It helped with understanding economic trends and having discussions with colleagues on economic activities as they relate to banking. I also believe that it helped me move up in my career.

What do you really enjoy about Economics?

I enjoy the aspect of Economics that helps people understand how the world works, understanding how business, industry, government, and social norms impact economic activity. When I was in the Economics program at UNBC the course I enjoyed the most was ECON 499 - Women in the Economy with Dr. Fiona MacPhail. It helped me understand and be open to the grey areas in the field of Economics.

Why would you recommend the Economics program at UNBC to potential students?

I would recommend the economics program at UNBC because of the professors/instructors at UNBC. I believe that the small classes and flexibility of my instructors/professors in the program really helped me have a better understanding of economic theory.