Work Term Recognition Award: Oliver Pan

Oliver Pan

“My future is in data science.”

– Oliver Pan, Co-op Double Degree in Quantitative Finance and Statistics (BBA + BSc) Candidate 2023, University of Toronto Scarborough
 
Congratulations to Oliver, recipient of a Management Co-op Work Term Recognition Award for his contributions at Royal Canin in Summer 2020.
 

What is the most impactful or innovative project you worked on during your co-op?

Royal Canin logo
One large assignment involved analyzing a subscription service offered by the company. It was my introduction to data science, using regression models to generate recommendations and present results to the higher-ups. In the end, my team was able to secure thousands of dollars in funding due to the insights and plans we laid out for Royal Canin. This was my first project using real-life data, so being able to translate that into actual business results was quite thrilling for me.
 

Describe your best day on the job.

I got to present my project findings to the General Manager of the entire company. With our research phase spanning nearly two months, it was exciting to showcase our technical solutions and explain how we were able to translate raw data into robust recommendations. The whole leadership team attended the call, and I think that underlines the level of responsibility that Royal Canin gives to co-op students. 
 

What are your career goals, and how will you leverage your Double Degree to achieve them?

Ever since taking my first computer science course at U of T, I've wanted to pursue a career that leverages both programming and the skills learned within the BBA—hence, my future is in data science. I would love to work at a FinTech company one day! The BBA program sets up students very well with financial concepts, and my work terms have given me exposure to how data operates in the workplace, which I will continue to leverage as I advance my career.
 

Why should a graduating high-school student pursue their Double Degree from U of T Scarborough? 

This program prepares you exceptionally well for careers in finance and tech. In the job-seeking world, acquiring two Bachelor’s degrees simultaneously can also give you a competitive edge! The Double Degree is an exciting choice for students who want to go above and beyond and never settle for "just OK". With every opportunity, you get a chance to put yourself in a leadership role.