Beedie welcomes Speakers on Campus

Vice President of People at Coast Capital Savings and Beedie alumna, Lewisa Anciano, speaking to Bus 201 Introduction to Business students about her career path.

The Beedie School of Business has launched the Speakers on Campus program, connecting industry professionals — along with their expertise and experience — with undergraduate and graduate students.

The program aims to host approximately 100 sessions each semester, and is divided into four segments. Career panels help students understand career opportunities available in certain industries or companies, while Personal Career Story Sharing allows speakers to share their unique stories with students, providing advice and guidance. Speakers may also be asked to speak at student club events.

The main component sees speakers join classes as in-class special topics experts, where they speak to a specific topic that aligns with the course syllabus, adding a practical aspect to students’ learning. Additionally, in the BUS 343 Introduction to Marketing class, industry professionals work with groups of students to help them develop personal brands and provide networking experience. In this simulation, students pitch themselves to their dream company, and receive feedback from the professionals.

“Speakers on Campus is a cornerstone of our ongoing multi-faceted strategy to integrate the corporate world into the classroom by exposing students to first-hand knowledge from professionals in various industries,” said Casey Dorin, Executive Director of Undergraduate Programs at the Beedie School of Business. “Having business leaders and alumni sharing their expertise is a critical component in our efforts to bridge the classroom and the corporate world.”

Kyle Krystalowich, BBA alumnus and IT Risk and Assurance staff member at Ernst and Young, returned to the classroom as a speaker for BUS 201, Introduction to Business. Krystalowich was one of 21 BBA alumni asked to share their personal journey with students, detailing their experiences as undergraduate students, and the steps they took following graduation that led to their career success.

As well, Krystalowich told the students about the assortment of activities he was involved with as a student and how he secured his current position. “Find one or two things you like and get involved, don’t try to do everything. You have to set goals and then choose what fits with those goals.”

Lewisa Anciano, Vice President of People at Coast Capital Savings, also joined the list of alumni to speak in BUS 201. She advised students that they should concentrate on getting a foot in the door of an industry or company they like, rather than searching for the perfect job. “Your first position should be all about absorption – and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or accept criticism if you want to improve.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Beedie School of Business’ Speakers on Campus program should create a profile at: https://beediecommunity.sfu.ca/SpeakersOnCampus.htm. Speaking requests are faculty driven – when there is a match between request and speaker expertise, the program manager, Lisa Dalla Vecchia, will be in touch regarding opportunities.