SuccessBeyond

The Seneca Experience

Why did you decide to enrol in this program at Seneca Polytechnic?

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of business. Seneca felt like the perfect fit to allow me to learn every part of what makes an organization grow. What stood out to me about Seneca was how theory was consistently woven into practical learning through opportunities that were both created and encouraged. What drew me most to the Business Administration – Management program was its interdisciplinary approach, which connected all these areas seamlessly. The courses were thoughtfully designed, and the mandatory co-op term was something I valued from the start.

How would you describe your experience at Seneca?

My experience at Seneca was full of opportunities. I worked across different roles on campus, as a Digital Content Creator with Student Services, a Marketing Assistant with the Seneca Student Federation (SSF), a Research Assistant with Seneca Applied Research and was the President of Enactus Seneca — all while studying full-time. The concepts I learned in class continually strengthened my work on campus and helped deepen my understanding of what I was studying. The professors were also incredibly supportive and understanding whenever I had competitions, conferences or other deadlines. They encouraged me to participate, represent Seneca and make the most of every opportunity.

What was your most memorable experience at Seneca?

The most memorable part of my journey at Seneca was all of the opportunities that were available to me. My very first job in Canada was as a Digital Content Creator with Seneca’s Student Services team, a role I held until I graduated. It was through that experience that I learned how to tell stories, connect with students, collaborate across departments and carry myself with confidence. It was also such a fun job to create content, and along the way, I made my first set of friends and found mentors who guided me throughout my journey. That role opened so many doors for me and became the foundation for everything I went on to do at Seneca and beyond.

Did you participate in any extracurricular activities? If you did, can you talk about what skills you have learnt and how that impacted you as a person?

Almost everything I did at Seneca was beyond the classroom, from leading Enactus Seneca to supporting the SSF and Student Services teams. Beyond that, I participated in case competitions, volunteered at sustainability events, served as a peer mentor and was often invited to speak in classrooms and on podcasts. Outside of Seneca, I mentored international students through the Re-Defined program and built a growing community on LinkedIn. Each experience was different but equally meaningful. I learned how to manage teams, lead projects and communicate with purpose. Many of our initiatives created a visible impact on campus and in the community, which made the work even more rewarding. Being involved in so many spaces also taught me balance, how to prioritize, stay disciplined and lead with empathy.

Going from a Diploma to a Degree

What influenced your decision to continue your education at Seneca Polytechnic after completing your diploma?

I’ve always had a curious mindset and a love for learning. The Business Administration – Management diploma program gave me a strong foundation, but I wanted to dive deeper into certain subjects like sustainability, strategy and entrepreneurship. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce – Business Management degree program felt like the natural next step. It truly felt like the right place to grow both personally and professionally.

How did your Seneca diploma program prepare you for your degree program?

My diploma program gave me a strong base in business fundamentals and made the transition into the degree program feel natural. The subjects were well aligned, so it didn’t feel like starting over, but rather building on what I had already learned. Being familiar with Seneca’s professors, courses and academic structure also helped me adjust smoothly and stay consistent in how I learned and applied knowledge.

What was the transition like going from a diploma to a degree? What are some of the differences?

The transition from diploma to degree was very smooth. Since both programs were well-connected, it felt more like a continuation than a major shift. The main difference I noticed was the depth of learning. The degree courses were more analytical and research focused which allowed me to explore topics in greater detail and apply concepts more critically. Another key difference was the addition of a mandatory co-op term, which I truly valued. It gave me hands-on experience and helped me transition into the corporate world.

What advantage do you see in having both a diploma and degree at Seneca?

The biggest advantage of having both a diploma and a degree at Seneca was the continuity of learning. The diploma program gave me a strong foundation in business fundamentals, while the degree helped me expand that knowledge through deeper, more strategic learning.

Together, they offered the perfect balance of practical and academic experience. Continuing at Seneca also meant I could build on existing connections with professors and departments, which made the overall learning experience more meaningful and cohesive.

Advice

What advice would you have for someone who is considering pursuing a degree?

What truly matters is how you use your degree, how you apply your learning, the experiences you build along the way and the growth that comes from them. So, say yes to every opportunity, even the small ones, because every experience adds up — whether it’s a competition, a networking event or a project you take on just to learn something new. College is your space to explore, so take the time to try different things and see what excites you.

Any tips for current students or professionals on how to balance work, school and life?

As someone who had a full-time course load while working three campus jobs and volunteering, for me, balance did not mean doing everything at once. It meant understanding what was most important at each stage and being fully present in those priorities.

I learned that balance looks different for everyone. It is about knowing your limits, recognizing when to pause and taking care of your mental health before it affects everything else. Balance is not about perfection but about aligning your time and energy with your goals while being kind to yourself along the way.

Current Life

What are you up to now (life, work and school)?

I am currently working full-time as an Assistant Product Manager on the Strategic Initiatives team at Loblaw Companies Limited. In this role, I support strategic projects for Loblaws’ control brands such as PC and No Name. Alongside this, I continue to work part-time as a Research Assistant with Seneca Applied Research on a four-year longitudinal study evaluating the effectiveness of work integration social enterprises serving Black and racialized groups.

Outside of work, I volunteer as a mentor with Re-Defined, an organization that supports international students in building their careers. I also create content on LinkedIn to share my experiences and insights on student life, sustainability and career growth, with the goal of helping others navigate similar journeys.

What are your plans for the future (short-term and long-term)?

My goal is always to stay curious, lead with intention and keep creating opportunities that make a difference.

In the short term, I want to continue growing in my current roles at Loblaws and Seneca Applied Research. Also, I would like to strengthen my skills in sustainability, strategy and project management while creating meaningful impact through my work and current roles.

In the long term, I hope to build my own social enterprise that contributes to both community and environmental well-being. I also plan to continue mentoring and creating educational content to empower students and young professionals to find their path with confidence and purpose.