Business

Published on March 20, 2016 | by Julia Robinson Photography by Julia Robinson

Prospective business students attracted to Guelph-Humber’s “close-knit community”

Intimate. Small. Personal.

That was the common theme on campus when the University of Guelph-Humber hosted its annual business studies program preview day.

Students in their final year of high school, as well as those interested in transferring from their current post-secondary institution, attended the event to gain information about the university’s business studies program, tour the campus and learn about the services the school has to offer.

Volunteers welcomed each visitor who entered into the school’s bright atrium with a gift bag full of Guelph-Humber “swag.” There were booths sprawled across the first floor of the building offering pamphlets and information about residence life, study abroad trips and different clubs to join.

“A lot of students get an opportunity to experience the program to see if it’s a good fit for them,” said Piradeepa Rajanayagam, a business studies leader for Guelph-Humber’s Student Transition and Resource Team (START).

“I hope they get their questions answered and feel comfortable here.”

Ethan Graham, a grade 12 student, said he has been interested in the field of marketing from a young age, and hopes to be accepted into Guelph-Humber’s business program.

“I like that it’s smaller and more personal,” he said of the campus.

Another grade 12 student, Aiyana Ramsahoi, said she “loves everything about business,” particularly the networking aspect of it. She attended the event, “hoping to know more about the campus and how it differs from other schools,” citing the university’s reputation for having a “close-knit community.”

This topic was a focus of the conversation at the program information session, where a panel of alumni and current business studies students discussed their experiences at Guelph-Humber.

“Our total population is about 4,300 students,” said Hilton Lieu, who accepted a position as the school’s liaison outreach coordinator after graduation.

“You are able to get involved with class discussions and work with professors.”

Aditaya Sharma was one of the speakers on the panel. He graduated from Guelph-Humber’s business program in 2011 and is currently an accountant for Maple Leaf Sport and Entertainment.

“I didn’t choose the University of Guelph-Humber right out of high school,” said Sharma.” “I went to a bigger school and transferred here.”

Sharma said that Guelph-Humber allowed him to hone his ability for intercommunication skills by working with peers, and also gain presentation skills.

“You are able to ask questions here,” said Sharma, “at larger schools [professors] have specific times you have to go speak to them.”

Parisa Khazar, a third year business student, shared a similar sentiment when explaining her decision to attend Guelph-Humber.

“When I was trying to decide what university to go to, I came to this event in March,” she said. “The small class sizes were a big factor in making my decision… the other thing is how convenient the campus is.”

“You become a person to the [professors], not another number,” said Kevin Vong, fourth year student and president of Guelph-Humber’s DECA chapter.

“The experience you get at Guelph-Humber doesn’t really compare to other universities.”