Management and Economics Student of the Year: Joey Chan
“The skills you develop will give you the ability to do absolutely anything you dream of.”
– Joey Chan, Co-op Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialist in Accounting Graduate 2022, University of Toronto Scarborough
Congratulations to Joey, our Management and Economics Student of the Year 2020!
What are you most proud of when you reflect upon your experience at U of T?
It's the impact that I have created for others during my time here. Whether it was spearheading a new online mentorship group for first years, helping a Big Four accounting firm recruit top talent from UTSC, or providing one-on-one coaching in my role as co-president of the Management and Economics Students' Association (MESA), I've shared a lot of my own knowledge and experiences with younger students. I’m proud of this because it made me realize that small consistent actions of giving can truly make a difference in others’ lives.
Whose support are you most grateful for?
I’m beyond grateful for my peers and friends in the Management program. They have supported me through my co-ops at KPMG, my extracurricular activities, and in my courses. They've also given me different perspectives and always reminded me to focus on the bigger picture. As for Department staff, their doors are always open, which shows how genuinely they care about all students in this program.
How would you describe the learning community at U of T Scarborough?
It's truly one of a kind. Your professors, staff, and peers care for you and your learning. The faculty is always finding different ways to accommodate and engage their students (even in online classes) while ensuring that their material is delivered in the best way possible. In just about every course, you will get the opportunity to work with other people—hence, preparing you for the world of business beyond books. Some courses even have a Work-Integrated Learning component with prizes, which allows students to pitch solutions and solve actual current business problems with local organizations.
What are your career goals, and how will you leverage your BBA to achieve them?
My career goal is to pursue a CPA, become a senior executive in an accounting firm, then to start my own business one day. I will leverage all of the important skills I’ve developed while earning my BBA such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, and resilience. I will also utilize all of the technical skills, experience from my co-ops, and the networks I have built during my time as a U of T student.
Favourite Management course and why?
MGHC02H3 Management Skills is one of my all-time favourites. This course discusses important topics that are directly applicable to the real business world. From self-awareness to leadership, to ethics and negotiation, you will be equipped with the fundamentals of business no matter which BBA specialization you choose. My favourite part of this course is that it allows you to reflect on your personal strengths and weaknesses, set goals to capitalize or improve upon them, and then develop a strategic action plan. While it may not seem too important now, thinking about these things is crucial to enable self-growth and personal development in the long run.
Why should a graduating high-school student pursue their BBA degree from U of T Scarborough?
The BBA degree from UTSC is not only an extremely reputable program, but the community that you will be immersed in is impeccable and like none other. Your professors, staff, and peers care about you immensely and will always support you. Not only that, there are numerous Management Clubs and a wide range of courses for you to explore and discover your interests. The opportunities and resources in this program are endless, and the skills you develop will give you the ability to do absolutely anything you dream of. We've all seen that those who graduate from the Management program go on to do amazing things!
