My experience in the Beedie Mentorship Program was more supportive and valuable to my start at SFU than I could have ever imagined. Entering as an international student, I had a very small social network within Beedie. At first mention, I figured BMP would be a fundamental step in orienting myself within the Beedie community; it accomplished that and so much more. Because of this program, I’ve not only met many fabulous first-year students, but also countless inspirational mentors including my own mentor, Jessica.
From the first meeting I could tell we were perfectly matched. The time flew-by as we gushed about being type-As and the lame things that followed such as list making and organizing. We were both ecstatic to make mentee/mentor goals. The meetings Jessica and I had were focused on what I wanted to get out of BMP. Following our goals, I was lucky enough to meet one-on-one with the presidents of many clubs and really explore what Beedie has to offer. It was a blessing to have a mentor who is so knowledgeable and dedicated to helping me build my social network as well as find my footing in Beedie. Through our meetings, I was able to plan out my next four years up to graduation. Not only did Jessica help with course selection but she was able to give insight I never would have considered with out her such as: which classes to take in the same semester, or which classes to avoid in the same semester. Being able to visualize my future at SFU was powerful and reassuring to me, especially so early in my educational career. In one meeting with Jessica I mentioned my interest in competing in Case Competitions and she happened to know a fellow student who wanted to coach a team. Meeting Jordan, the Chair of BMP, and having him as my Case Competition coach has been monumental to the start of my involvement within Beedie.
The events offered by BMP were incredible opportunities. The midterm relief was an excellent chance to meet more Beedie mentees and mentors as well as relax and take a break from stressing over the pressure of my first university exams. Pitch-Off was truly a learning experience. The BMP Pitch Off is an event where the first year mentees create a 1 minute pitch about themselves and present it in front of industry professionals. Although many mentees were very nervous about talking to alumni and industry professionals, we all bonded over it and helped each other improve through each round. For me, Pitch-Off was the first real chance I had to practice the skills I had learned in my preliminary Beedie courses. I feel incredibly thankful for what I learned through the feedback from the event. At the wrap-up event, I felt very at home within the Beedie cohort.
BMP is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I cannot recommend enough. For any first year student who feels overwhelmed, under informed, or just wants to have a blast while exploring Beedie and meeting people – this is the program for you.
Mitchell is a first year student in the Beedie School of Business. Because of her extensive involvement in DECA, a business competition, she’s joined a case team that’s currently training for their first competition. She’s planning on concentrating in Marketing and is keen to begin taking more specialized Marketing classes. Mitchell currently feels very comfortable in Beedie and believes the upcoming years will be just as enlightening and enjoyable.