Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

Creating content looks a little different when the office is the ocean. 🌊

Ella Svab, 3rd year BCom student, put her creative and digital marketing skills into practice during a work term with Victoria-based e-foil company Nuefoil.

As social media and digital marketing coordinator, Ella created video content, managed ad campaigns, analyzed performance and got behind—and in front of—the camera.

“I had the freedom to be creative and try new things with the content I created. I really enjoyed experimenting with different types of content and editing styles, while having the space to learn and grow in a digital marketing role.”

Read more about Ella’s work term experience: https://ow.ly/HYFG50ZssrN

Some classmates instinctively chose the same seats they occupied 25 years ago. Then came a pop quiz filled with inside jokes, graduation gowns pulled out for one more wear and a reading of *Oh, the Places You’ll Go!* from a beloved professor celebrating his 90th birthday.

The MBA Class of 2001 brought plenty of stories and just as much energy back to their old classroom.

See what happened when they returned to where it all began: https://www.uvic.ca/gustavson/stories/alumni/the-mba-class-of-2001-celebrates-25-years-of-friendship.php

As a Gustavson alum, Jen Scharien, BCom ’07, enjoys sharing her experience with students as they prepare to launch their careers.

Jen is the founder of Finlotus, a business she built around helping people feel more confident with money.

Through budgeting, cash flow planning, financial goal setting and money mindset coaching, Jen supports clients as they build financial wellness.

“It’s really more about building a philosophy around money,” says Jen.

Her work grew out of what she saw in earlier roles across finance, accounting and operations: people were dealing with financial challenges, but not always getting the support they needed.

Jen now brings that experience back to Gustavson students, making time to speak with those preparing to graduate and offering perspective on career paths, business ownership and the flexibility a background in business and finance can create.

“Planning your career path can feel overwhelming, and some of the best advice comes from people already doing the work you hope to do one day.”

Read Jen’s story: https://ow.ly/JuLa50ZnBpa

Are you a Gustavson alum interested in connecting with students? Reach out to Anika Leist, our Connections Coordinator, at [email protected] to learn more.

Seeing more young people struggle to find summer work? There’s a reason for that.

Rick Cotton, associate professor at Gustavson, joined CFAX1070 to talk about what’s driving the shift and how young job seekers can navigate it.

His take: uncertainty is making businesses slower to hire, especially for entry-level roles. But young people still have options.

Start by knowing your strengths. Cast a wider net. Look beyond the obvious postings. Local programs, community services, volunteer roles, neighbourhood jobs and small business ideas can all help build experience, confidence and momentum.

🔉 Listen to the full interview: https://ow.ly/eUM750ZkUjs

Symona likes to think a few steps ahead.

A third-year Bachelor of Commerce student from Ukraine, she is drawn to finance because of the way numbers, strategy and relationships come together to shape real-world decisions.

Before coming to Gustavson, Symona built entrepreneurial experience in her home country. Now, she’s creating a strong path in finance while staying open to where that path might lead.

The past few years have also meant adjusting to a new environment and rebuilding stability while the war in Ukraine continues to affect her home country and her family’s story.

When Symona received the BMO Alliance for Women in Business Award, the timing mattered.

“This award meant a lot to me on a personal level,” she shared. “It gave me a sense of encouragement and reassurance during a challenging time.”

The award also helped ease some of the financial stress that can sit in the background of student life, allowing Symona to focus more energy on her education, personal growth and new opportunities.

Next up, she’s heading on exchange to the Czech Republic while continuing to explore where finance might take her.

And as always, she’s already thinking a few moves ahead.