“Show compassion in all that you do, and help as many people as you can along the way.”
– Erica Wong, Co-op Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Candidate 2023, University of Toronto Scarborough
Congratulations to Erica, our Management and Economics Student of the Year 2021!
How would you describe the learning community at U of T Scarborough?
The learning experience of every UTSC Management student is diverse, inclusive, and different depending on our own interests and goals, which is what I find so special about this community. Whether you want to take specialized courses like MGHD14H3: Leadership and MGMC02H3: Consumer Behaviour, get involved in extracurriculars through Management clubs, participate in opportunities for academic growth—such as being a Teaching Assistant, participating in courses with Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), engaging as a Research Assistant in a field of interest, or finding other ways to get involved with the Department of Management and The BRIDGE including work-study employment, you can tailor your learning experience to what you want it to be.
What are your career aspirations and how will you leverage your BBA to achieve them?
Although I know I want to work in marketing—I’m leaning towards the areas of branding, strategic marketing, and consumer behaviour—I am still very much exploring and developing my career goals. I will leverage the management skills I’ve developed at university to help make a positive impact in the communities around me. Thirty years from now, I want to be able to say that I’ve made a real difference.
Why should a graduating high-school student pursue their BBA from U of T Scarborough?
Experiential learning is the core of everything we do at UTSC. It’s not just sitting in class and reading textbooks; it’s working in groups, making an impact with real organizations through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), going on co-op work terms and gaining experience in the workplace. It’s creating a start-up, joining extracurriculars, and feeling supported by your community. It’s working directly with your faculty and staff to advance your growth and build connections that will support you long after graduation. Earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at UTSC gives you the freedom to try everything and customize your degree. Above all, the BBA teaches you how to be a good manager and a good person in many different aspects.
What are you most proud of when you reflect upon your experience at U of T?
Arriving at the University of Toronto right out of high school, I lacked self-confidence and didn’t believe that I could be someone who drives change for the better. After my first leap of faith by joining extracurriculars, I am so thankful for the opportunities that have allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and take on leadership roles in my community. I am eternally grateful for the supportive, diverse, and inclusive community here at UTSC. As co-president of the Management and Economics Students’ Association (MESA), I have made lifelong friends and built a support network that pushes me to do better every single day. I was given the opportunity to serve my community, contribute to a warm and welcoming environment where students feel heard and share a sense of belonging, and to help others achieve personal growth through mentoring. This is what I am most proud of. Each of these experiences helped me gain confidence in my own leadership abilities, which really is the cherry on top.
Words to live by?
Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient. So take that step—believe in yourself. Trust yourself and the choices you make. But most importantly, show compassion in all that you do, and help as many people as you can along the way.
