This article was written by Avery Groeneveld
Events
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the opportunities open to Asper students, this section is here to break down everything going on to kick off your year on the right note!
Are you a finance major? Do you find value in listening to experienced professionals discuss their knowledge and insights? Well then listen up because The University of Manitoba Finance Organization (UMFO) has the opportunity for you. The UMFO Speaker Series will be bringing in different companies from all areas of the finance industry to come and speak to any students who are interested. These sessions will provide insight into the various career paths in finance, while also providing the chance to build valuable connections with your peers and industry professionals. You do not have to be a finance major to attend these events, anyone who is interested in hearing more about these sessions can sign up for the UMFO mailing list! The speaker series will run on various dates throughout the year, and if you are interested in attending, the zoom links will be sent out through the mailing list- click here to sign up: https://www.umfo.org/become-a-member
Mark your calendars because Shine week is almost here! After a busy summer of fundraising events, the Shinerama team is gearing up to make this year’s Shine week better than ever. For those new to Asper, Shine week is a week full of awareness with special guest speakers, personal anecdotes from the local cystic fibrosis community, prizes, and much more! This year Shine week will be taking place on October 4th-8th. Be sure to check in on the @shinetoba Instagram for more details and information and be sure to donate and participate in any way you can to help this worthy cause!
If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved that satisfies your intellectual curiosity and competitive edge you might be looking to get started in the world of case competitions. Asper is holding a few events coming up that are great chances to dip your toes in the water of academic case competitions.
If you are wondering what case competitions are, or if you feel like you don’t have enough experience to participate then you should consider attending Case Comp 101! Case Comp 101 is a workshop that can help you take that first step to learn more about what case competitions are, tips on how to excel at the problem solving involved in these competitions, presenting skills, and so much more! The event includes presentations from experienced students from JDC West and an opportunity to learn and practice. The event is going to be divided into three sessions throughout the day:
Session 1: Introduction and Structure 9:30am – 10:30 am
Session 2: Content and Depth 11:00am – 1:00pm
Session 3: Presentation and Storytelling 1:30pm – 3:00pm
This is an amazing opportunity for both first-year students and anyone else who would like to brush up on their case comp skills. The event will be taking place on September 25th via zoom! To learn more check out the @aspercsa Instagram or use this link to sign up directly: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/case-comp-101-tickets-170857197477
If you’re interested in putting your newly acquired skills to the test after Case Comp 101, you might find that the Asper Introductory Case Competition will be a great place to start! If you have little to no experience with Case Competitions, this one is designed to be a starting point in your competitive journey. This free competition will take place on October 2nd, 2021 from 9 am-4 pm. Keep your eye on the @aspercsa Instagram for more information and how to sign up!
If you’re a first-year student who is looking to make your mark in Asper, then you may be interested in running for the first-year representative, or applying for a position on the first-year committee (FYC). To learn more about these positions and the commitment involved, Asper is holding an FYC Info Session on Friday, September 24th, 2021 from 6 pm-7 pm. This event is a great opportunity to not only learn, but to hear from prior FYC members about their experiences and to ask any questions you may have. Check out this link: http://committees.aspercsa.com/committee-info-session-sign-up/ to register for a spot.
The mentorship program is still looking for mentees for this upcoming academic year! As a mentee, you will be matched with an experienced Asper student who will provide you with advice, guidance, and friendship during the school year. A mentor is a great resource for any questions you may have about university life. Applying to be a mentee is open to any students looking to learn more about Asper. If you’re interested in becoming a mentee for the upcoming academic year, visit https://www.aspercsa.com/students/mentorship/ to learn more- applications are open until September 30th.
Student Stories
Now that back to school is officially underway, getting involved in something that is constantly on everyone’s minds. But “getting involved” looks different for each and every Asper student, and in Student Stories this month, the CSA Scoop talked to two different students who are passionate about making their voices heard and impacting their peers in the Asper School of Business.
Lauren Bartlett is a 3rd-year student who is majoring in Accounting and Finance in the Asper School of Business. Lauren loves the ukulele, Starbucks pumpkin cream cold brew, and being an active member of student life in Asper. She is currently the President of Asper Network of Empowered Women (ANEW) which is one of the many student action groups (STAGs) that is run out of Asper. This is Lauren’s second year as a member of ANEW and as this is her first year as president, she is very passionate about her leadership role. Lauren believes that especially this year, joining a STAG is a great opportunity to connect with peers and meet like-minded individuals. If you are interested in learning more about ANEW check out their Instagram at @anew.group to see the different events and membership opportunities this group has to offer!
Carter Butterfield is a Finance and Marketing major entering his fifth year in the Asper School of Business. When he is not playing the guitar, Carter is very passionate about getting involved. He is currently the Internal Auditor of the CSA and the Vice President of UMFO. Carter has held many positions in the past, he was a Manager of Corporate Relations on the CSA and has been both a member and a Director of Corporate Relations on UMFO in the past. When speaking to why he believes getting involved is so important, Carter mentioned how it allows students to gain experiences and responsibilities that are meaningful and valuable. Carter has found personally that being involved has allowed him to build a great network of peers and friends around Asper. Although he doesn’t believe everyone will necessarily find their best friend in a STAG meeting, Carter has found that being an involved student allows you to at least recognize familiar faces in your classes and potentially afterward as well. To learn more about UMFO and how to be involved with the group, check them out on Instagram @umfinanceorganization.
University Life
Another important thing to remember when looking for different opportunities to be an active participant in student life at the University of Manitoba is to look for the many different offerings from outside of Asper and around the University. Meeting peers from other faculties often leads to very valuable experiences, and the U of M has a very large assortment of clubs so there will surely be one that peaks your interest. From the different sororities and fraternities on campus to the clubs that represent specific cultures and religions, the U of M is sure to have a place where you’ll fit right in. To see a full directory of all of the clubs the University of Manitoba has to offer click here: https://umsu.ca/student-clubs-associations/student-clubs/
Also, remember the many other ways you can pursue extra-curricular activities to enhance your university experience. There are so many different volunteering opportunities that can boost a resume and really make a difference in the lives of yourself and others. There are physical activities that can lead to a great health and wellness balance in your life as a student. Keep in mind that despite classes being important, your university experience should be enriching in many different ways, and getting involved is a sure way to take your degree to the next level.
Want to keep up with all things CSA? Follow us on Instagram @aspercsa!