It’s hard to believe that it has been almost half a year since the first edition

of The Executive of our term was published. Over this time, we have grown

as a team with the addtion of three lovely associates. We strived to meet your

needs through various platforms including social media and the blog. We

aimed to fill every edition with of love, passion and creativity to make the

read as enjoyable as possible. It’s bittersweet that this edition is the last one

we will work on together, but we are overjoyed to see what the future brings.

The end of semester two marks the end to another school year and,

even better, the beginning of the long awaited summer. It’s

time to peel yourself away from your computer and stimulate

your mind by doing something fun. We want you to enjoy

yourself through the many summer attractions Toronto has

to offer. We also encourage you to explore new and exciting

opportunities, such as working abroad or going on an exchange.

In this issue of The Executive, you’ll find all you’ll need to

know in order to prepare for an adventure away from home.

It’s important not to forget that the beginning of something

wonderful always entails the end of something else. Whether you

had the time of your life or encountered struggles that detoured

you, look back at all the memories you’ve made this year. Set

goals for yourself to be the best, aim for the top; even if that

is to become the most valuable employee to your employer.

Whether you’re eager to say goodbye or you just don’t

want your school memories to end, it’s inevitable that your

university experience won’t last forever. So, just sit back,

relax and enjoy your university career while it’s here.

Another academic year is quickly coming to a close and it feels like it was just yesterday that school started. Looking back, this school year has been full of exciting developments: the introduction of the new Management and

International Business (MIB) program, the 7th annual LIVE Conference, significant curriculum changes in our course calendar, and a new chair of the Department of Management, just to name a few. I am extremely proud of our accomplishments this year and even more for the future of our program and UTSC.

Our successes can be attributed to our faculty members and students. Our faculty members are always working hard to develop the program and our students. This year, there have been many successes: for one, the launch of the MIB program! This new curriculum has been designed to ensure our students have a global perspective when looking at business. Furthermore, our accounting program completed their qualification process for the new and upcoming accounting body. These are only some examples of the huge successes we’ve shared over the last year. On the other side of the equation are our students. Our student body is driven and motivated; they are constantly seeking opportunities to showcase and develop their talents at conferences such as LIVE, DECA, and ICBC. Our school and students are top notch. However, this does

not mean that we, as a school, should be content. To truly leave a mark behind, we must collectively

continue to strive for greatness and push the boundaries.

With that said, I have had the pleasure of working with some great individuals this year: both in a professional and personal capacity. The MESA Executive team consists of 24 individuals – they have worked hard, stayed up late, and challenged the limits at our school. I am proud to say I was a part of their team. A President takes on the role of being the leader; someone that always knows what to do and someone who you can look up to. In reality, it was the complete opposite. I thank them for their contributions to the school and myself. Without them, I could not have developed into a stronger business professional. They have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me accomplish my goals in the past year.

In closing, I am a strong believer of the saying: work hard, play hard. Nothing in life is guaranteed. We are entitled to nothing. We must work for everything. Life is about exploring and developing, but this is usually hindered by the fear of failure. Just remember that failure will teach you much more than success ever will. I am proud to say that I have failed many times in my capacity as President. I am also proud to say that I have learned from my mistakes and grown from it. Always remember that failure is the key to success. Time flies at university and your time here is truly what you decide to make out of it. Explore your passions and push your boundaries. As I graduate, I do not see this as an end, but rather a new beginning.

Best Regards,

Wesley Chan President, MESA 2012-2013

Denis Wu – PresidentDenis has displayed outstanding leadership qualities, strong work ethic, and visionary thinking, but most importantly, his passion for MESA. Denis is currently in the role as a Student Experience Director where he expresses a strong interest in student development and external conferences. Entering in his fourth year of the Management Co-op program and completing work terms in Mill Street Brewery and Cott Beverages, Denis will bring dedication and commitment to MESA through every aspect. His determination to succeed, visionary thinking, and charismatic personality are all vital components of a great leader.

Maggie Li – Vice President of Business DevelopmentEntering in her third year in the Management Co-op program and completing her work term in Deloitte, Maggie brings a wide range of talents in quality and excellence. Maggie has demonstrated her commitment to MESA since her role as an Associate in first year and currently a Finance Manager in 2012-2013. She has pioneered the MESA Plus Card discounts program while generating long lasting partnerships, and displayed enthusiasm to take control of MESA’s treasury functions. Her genuine interest and dedication in the development of MESA makes her the ideal candidate as a Vice President of Business Development.

Sonia Fung – Vice President of Communications With an open minded, cheery, and ambitious personality, Sonia expresses her artistic and creative talents to the 2013-2014 Communications Team. In her current role as a Marketing Manager, Sonia excels in engaging with the student body with her Marketing Campaigns and social media channels. Stepping into her third year of the Management Co-op program, Sonia is ready to take on any challenges along her way. With a keen eye for detail and innovative thinking, Sonia will ensure that the MESA’s Communications team will flourish in the coming year.

Serene Chan– Vice President of Communications As one of the most creative idea generators seen in MESA, Serene takes innovation in greater perspective. Serene shows her dedication to making an impact on campus from her first year university in MESA. From the role as a Marketing Associate, to Publications Manager, Serene is ready to take on her next stepping-stone in MESA as a Vice President of Communications of 2013-2014. In her recent role as a Publications Manager, Serene amplified her strategic planning capabilities in MESA’s quarterly publication and social media channels. Entering in her third year of the Management Co-op program and completing her work term at AGF, Serene will drive her team to build a lasting relationship with the student body.

Karyn Xiong – Vice President of OperationsIn her current role as a Human Resources Manager, Karyn possesses the ability to effectively motivate and lead teams. Karyn brings wealth of experience to the table, as she was a Corporate Relations Manager in MESA’s branch project – LIVE Conference, and a Human Resources Manager in 2012-2013. Karyn demonstrated her enthusiasm for student learning by leading MESA’s Associate Program and the overall advancement of the entire Executive team. Stepping into her fourth year majoring in Economics and International Development, Karyn will surely be a driving force behind next year’s operations.

Derek Fan – Vice President of Operations Bridging the gap between academic studies and student life is what Derek does best. His recent role as a Social Events Director enabled him to form a strong student presence on campus where he took on one of the biggest social events of the year such as Coffee Night and Pub Night. Entering in his third year in the Management program, Derek will co-lead the 2013-2014 Operations Team with enthusiasm and dedication. With his determined and forward thinking mindset, Derek will surely pilot MESA’s operations to greater boundaries.

Karen ChanPublications Manager, MESA

Karen ChanPublications Manager, MESA

Serene ChanPublications Manager, MESA

It’s finally the end of another school year and it’s safe to say that time has gone by with a blur. With most of us working through life without stopping for a breath, it’s a shame that we don’t take time out for some introspection. Without taking time out for some self reflection, we might not always get to where we want to go, and this could lead to running around in circles.

Make TimeThink about it this way: computer programs perform routine examinations for their own internal systems, constantly modifying different things to improve their operational efficiency. The effect of self evaluation on humans is very much the same. However, it appears that the biggest challenge that we always find ourselves facing is that this isn’t exactly “built-in” into our internal systems. Living in such a fast paced society, most of us find it hard to turn off the work mode even when the work is done. It’s like we forgot how to relax and just take it easy. The trick is to find time alone with your thoughts during a normal day in a relatively quiet atmosphere. Whether it be during a quick study break, while you brush your teeth or even in the shower, you’ll be surprised with the number of creative solutions you might find for practical problems.

Ask QuestionsIt’s common sense to say that there’s no point in wasting time on things that add no value to you. But how many of us have actually stopped to really think about which things are most important to us and how much time we spend on our priorities compared to less important things? Understanding what brings value to you sheds light on your decision making process. Before you make new goals for the year, ask yourself what in your life is really worth focusing your energy on. Next, figure out what you’ve achieved and what needs to be changed in order to align your goals

with your values. By asking yourself questions, you’re stopping to acknowledge and better understand the work you’ve done. Only then can you weed out your mistakes and keep them in mind for next time.

Be HonestWhether intentional or not, we often distort our self evaluation. Honesty can be uncomfortable, especially when it’s negative. It’s human tendency to use things like denial and false optimism to avoid dealing with issues from the past. What we often forget is that this locks us in this cycle of self sabotage and poor self esteem, preventing us from continuing our dreams. Being honest means to identify where your wrong paths, mistakes and failures lie and accepting what they are. Once we’ve recognized our issues, we’ll be ready to move forward and deal with them one at a time.

That “Aha!” moment, the whole idea of a self reflection, means to gain some insight about something that you haven’t thought about before from the evaluation process. Regardless of whether or not all your questions get solved at once, you’ll begin to see an opportunity to make a positive change for yourself with this better understanding. With some self knowledge under your belt, you’ll be making real progress toward your goals in no time.

As children, we all remember being constantly reminded by our parents that if we wanted to be successful, we have to go through years of schooling and education. There are some though, that beg to differ. Take Richard Branson, he left school at the age of 16 - but has now built the Virgin Brand – including Virgin Records and Atlantic Airways. Or consider Larry Ellison, who attended both the University of Illinois and Chicago, and dropped out of both. In 1977, Ellison put in $2000 to start up Oracle, which is now the world’s second largest software company. Lastly, David Karp, who dropped out of the elite Bronx High School of Science when he was 15, later founded Tumblr.

From these examples, it’s clear that success can be achieved in different ways. But what philosophies, thinking styles, and habits tend to shape those who become successful? Here are some tips and beliefs you might not have considered before, that make individuals successful.

You choose who you associate withWe’ve all been there – there are some people we just can’t stand, whether they are our friends, coworkers, professors, or even bosses. Don’t blame them though – blame yourself. After all, you chose them. You drew these individuals into your personal or professional life and you let them stay. To avoid dissatisfaction with the people who you work with, think about the types of people you’d want to work with, or about the friends you’d like to have. Then, change yourself so you can start attracting those types

of people. Hardworking individuals want to work with others who are hardworking, kind people want to associate with other kind individuals, but most importantly - successful people are instinctively drawn to other successful people.

Failure doesn’t “just happen” to you; it happens because of youImagine five-year old you. You just broke your favourite toy train. You run to your daddy, and instead of saying “I broke my toy...” you manage to mumble out, “My toy got broken.”

Sadly, five-year old you isn’t too different from today’s

business professionals, or even university students. They’ll

say the economy tanked, the market wasn’t

ready, or they thought their professor was too boring and slept through all the lectures. They’ll always shift their failure onto someone or something else.

By constantly distancing yourself from your mistakes, you don’t learn from your failures. Occasionally, something completely external and out of your control can cause you to fail, but in most cases, it’s you. And it’s alright. Every successful person has failed – many times, over and over again. Almost all have failed more than you. That’s why they’re successful now. Face the music, and accept your failure. Own it, learn from it and take full responsibility of it, so that next time, things will play out differently.

Volunteer – to learn, participate, and growWhenever you add more onto your plate, whether it be in the workplace or at school, you’ll always be asked to do more. And that’s a good thing. Doing more is a chance to learn, impress, gain skills, build new relationships, and do something you wouldn’t otherwise have done. Success is not based on what you think you’ll do or say you’ll do; it’s based on what you do – it’s based on your actions. The more you volunteer yourself, the more you get to act and create opportunities, and the closer you are to success. So, what are you waiting for?

Take only the time you need – and no moreDeadlines and timeframes are tools that help us to establish parameters on how we spend our time, but it doesn’t mean they are laws that govern the natural universe. Tasks should only take as long as they need, and not longer. Many people, if they are given a task due in two weeks will either wait until the last day to complete it, or spread it evenly over two weeks. This example clearly demonstrates there’s no need for the task to take the entire two weeks, because if you really wanted to (and had to), it could be done in a day. So do it, and do it early. Do everything as quickly, effectively and to the best of you ability as you can. Then use the “free time” you’ve gained to get other things done as quickly and effectively as you can, and you’ll suddenly realize you have time to get around to that fabulous idea you thought up the other day.

Don’t lose focusCondition yourself to look forward, and ask “what if?” and “why not?” Be curious and open to new ideas, and allow yourself to develop a creative mind. See beyond the present, and think about what is missing that could make the world better for those who inhabit it.

Elaine VuongAssociate Writer, MESA

CarmenChanPublications Manager, MESA

Finishing a University Degree for the wanderlust and obtaining a four year degree at a single school may be a bore for some! There are many options for you as students to help add a little spice while en route to finishing your education. There are many options to studying abroad, one of these is to enroll in one or more courses at the other University of Toronto campuses: Mississauga and St George. Although all three campuses are still under the University of Toronto, they are very different when considering campus size, culture, student population and much more. As an extension of this alternative, students may also choose to study at an entirely different university within or out of the current country they are residing in. All of these choices are exceptional opportunities for you to change up a university experience and meet new people. With that in mind, there are many things that you must consider and take into account before diving in on this new adventure.

Application DeadlinesDepending on if you would like to change campuses within a university or attend a new university within the country or abroad, there are many deadlines that you must adhere to. This will ensure that you will be successfully admitted to the school. Different experiences have varying guidelines for applicantions that they will accept. From personal experience, in order to study abroad you may to apply up to one year in advance. Applications may also require reference letters and possible entrance interviews. This is not to deter you, but to ensure that the school sends a good pool of students.

Academic Dates You will find that if you decide to study at a different university, many dates that you are familiar with at your home school do not hold. Some things that will change include examination periods, the duration of a semester and much more. These changes will depend on which experience you choose to take! If you decide to study at a U of T campus, you may see smaller changes in these dates. But if you would like to study in an entirely different country, the differences will be much more

noticable. For example, a winter semester at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus runs from the beginning of January to the end of April. But in the United Kingdom, their winter semester starts in January and does not end until June. This is an important point to note if you have other plans or commitments after a normal semester at UTSC; your May to June will still be booked up if you’re studying in the UK.

Planning for Your ExperienceBefore all the fun begins, there are several things that you must take care of. You will need to decide which courses are offered at the new school that you are interested in taking. These courses must be approved by a program supervisor to be counted as transfer credits. This will ensure that taking a course abroad will fulfill degree or program requirements. In addition, you may need to take vaccinations and apply for visas prior to departure. It is also very important to plan financially when studying at a different university. You much consider costs you will face such as residence, transportation, food and much more.

You may notice that once you arrive at the new school that the culture, norms and types of students are very different. It is all a part of the experience and I strongly encourage you to soak in every moment of it because it’ll go by a lot quicker than you think! Remember to take a lot of pictures, make tons of new friends and keep a journal to document your trip so you have something to look back on! Make the most of your experience and immerse yourself into the experience by creating life lasting memories. This experience can be as great as you try to make it, so it is all up to you!

Yuri CurumthaullyThird Year Student, UTSC

In 1995, Ivan Goldbert coined a term “Internet Addiction Disorder” to refer to the excessive use of Internet that interferes with the daily life activities. Not surprisingly, this addiction has taken the leap and its effect has become somehow significant through the 566.4% growth of Internet users in the last decade. Youth culture was once a culture filled of cars, symbolizing freedom, independence and even rebellion. Now, there are different ways to catch freedom and the Internet is one of the protagonists. However, freedom has a price to pay. Along with the excessive usage of Internet itself, an alarmingly increase in the number of addicts has sadly been the by-product. Who is to be blamed in this process? Is it a result of our inability to control ourselves over the Internet? Or is it the utter dependency that we have been conditioned in order to meet with our daily needs? One thing we can be sure of is that the answers cannot be found online.

In an age of an explosion of knowledge, there is an urgent need to store and share the information with the world. The Internet has proven to be an excellent tool in achieving this goal. We are nowadays witnessing the era of digitalization of information. We are starting to use the Internet at a very young age and the range of people being affected by Internet addiction has sadly increased. How does one can get addicted so easily? Is it because of the successful reproduction of digital life? We have to be aware that life itself is a process of receiving and giving, connecting and disconnecting. This is all driven by our human nature of curiosity. If this can be reproduced virtually, then we may observe that the Internet can indeed fulfill the ego of our online self.

This part of our self has been nurtured in such a way that it has taken over and affected our true self; this is where Internet addiction takes its roots. It occurs mostly unconsciously to the point that it is hard to survive without its constant use. With the Internet, we feel good, we feel free and we feel secured. We have been conditioned to the unconditioned that is the Internet to fulfill our needs. Education and technology has been a great couple for recent years and we, the students, have been enjoying their relationship in our thirst for knowledge and academic excellence. This observation reflects the positive side of the Internet, but at the same time points out a certain risk

that we may not be aware of. The number of Internet users has a positive correlation with the number of uses on the Internet.

According to recent surveys, the student on average spends 11 hours per day on the Internet. This number is said to be an under-estimate according to experts. However, the Internet addiction should not be defined only in the number of hours spent online but rather also on its effects offline. The Internet has proven to have a lot of impact of our mental and physiological health. Some of the prevalent effects of the Internet are sleep disturbances, pronounced weight gain/loss and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in hands and wrists). Some psychological effects also include personality disorders, poor communication skills and depression. While some signs of addiction are procrastination, mixed feelings on the computer and irritability off the screen, people with previous record of anxiety disorders are the one most susceptible to be addicted .

To recognize that we are indeed addicted is one of the hardest steps towards one’s rehabilitation. There are online tests that are provided to identify whether or not we are affected by this disorder. Do we feel we need to take the test or are we strong enough to feel that we have the power over the Internet? That is the question. Moreover, there exist a lot of ways to fight against this addiction. One of the main effective methods includes counter conditioning. The person affected has to observe how the Internet has gained control over his true self and taken over his normal flow of activities. However, to achieve this observation, one needs to take time out of his online self and his social world, and build across it to connect to his true self. Meditation is the perfect way to perform this task and offers a lot of benefits to counter-act this conditioning, including enhancement of the mental and psychological health.

Absence from the Internet makes our addiction grow fonder but our dependence even stronger. We have to understand and identify the fight and the fighter in this disorder. Are we ready to sacrifice our online self? One has to be aware that the Internet Addiction Disorder is soon to be included in the list of mental health disorders. Internet can be indeed a good friend, but are we ready to be its best friend?

Living the Digital Overload Age

Aarushi PandhiHuman Resources Associate, MESA

Someone wise once said, “An idle brain is a devil’s workshop.” This refers to when a person resorts to doing something undesirable or meaningless just to kill time. If we remain this way, we’ll more likely get into trouble than one who is doing something constructive with their time. To some extent, the quote stands true in our lives. When we have absolutely nothing to do, our mind will start to develop negative thoughts towards things that we observe around us. Even with the incredible amount of potential we all have, we tend to waste it by spending our free time watching television, sleeping all day, or eating junk food. Your brain is no different from the rest of the muscles in your body. When you put it to good use, it will stay sharp!

There are many ways for students to relax their minds and work towards building a better future at the same time. Research has shown that working on activities like Scrabble, Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches help stimulate the mind and leads to positive growth, some of which include memory power, attention span, speed, problem solving and flexibility. Many online resources today allow us to exercise and train our brain in a variety of entertaining ways. Lumosity (www.lumosity.com), for example, is an online resource designed to assist with the building of the strength and growth of the human brain. The idea is based on the science of neuroplasticity, a complicated concept with a simple impact. You’ll have access to a variety of puzzles and games, depending on which area of the brain you would like to improve.

Just as you would use the gym to stimulate your muscle cells, you can actually use physical exercise to give your brain an additional boost! Why not try yoga? There are techniques and postures in this refreshing and pure art form of physical exercise that can help you relax your mind. It can allow you to concentrate on a particular topic for a longer period of time, increase your retention of new information and improve your reaction to complex situations. Imagine how helpful this would be during an exam! Other activities, such as playing sports and going for a run not only assist with the relaxation and stress levels, but can also improve your mood. Research shows that physical activity can even help produce more brain cells, which will help your brain and body work more efficiently.

Deep inside, everyone has a passion for a certain activity. Whether it is dancing or writing, summer is the perfect time to explore whatever our passion is. We should all put some effort and devote some time towards things that bring a smile to our faces. Take a minute and think about particular things that you always had a passion for but never had a chance to explore. Whether it be a short or a long-term goal, we should all make a move and run towards it. Taking time for yourself to do your favorite hobby helps your mind become stress-free, making your summer that much more enjoyable!

If you really can’t see yourself doing any of the things mentioned above, there’s nothing wrong with just resting. Research has shown that the stress coming from everyday events has negative effects on areas of the brain, controlling our emotions and circulation. Thus, sometimes doing nothing can be good too! Spontaneous thoughts usually appear frequently throughout the course of our day. Your brain will be relaxed when you do nothing about them and let the thoughts flow. Research has shown that this will help the mind travel towards a more creative and innovative path.

So, let’s get started in stimulating the mind; which came first: orange the color or orange the fruit?

Interviewed by Serene ChanPublications Manager, MESA

What are some common mistakes people make after they secured their job and start working? A lot of the times, students have this misconception that you show up on day one and you’ll be given this training manual with someone sitting beside you, walking you through everything you’ll need to know. A lot of the work that you’ll be end up doing will be learnt on the job. There are individuals that you can reach out to, to make sure that you are performing correctly. But don’t anticipate that you’re going to have someone just beside you at all times. At the same time, don’t be afraid when you do have to ask for help. You don’t want to sit at your computer for two hours trying to do something which would have taken you a coworker 2 minutes if you just asked for help.

What are the steps one should take in order to prove themselves important to the company? With a lot of the companies that you start working with, they always have their own orientation on what it’s like to work there and what the culture is all about. Pay attention to the corporate culture of where you’ll be working. Introduce yourself to team members who are sitting around you. Show that initiative in the first couple of weeks since the work is a little bit lighter. At that point, that’s where you can go out and say, “I’m happy to take on some additional work”.

It’s very important to understand the company culture and show that you fit in. Fitting in well with the group of people you’re working with also shows that you have the capability

of working with different groups and you can take on more leadership opportunities. If you work for a company where the culture is really all work and maybe you’re communicating a lot, but not actually showing results, there might be a mismatch of skills or the people won’t see as that as value. You need to see what is important to the company to be able to seen as a valuable employee because they will be grading you against their expectations.

What are some qualities of a valuable employee?It’s not always just the one thing that’s going to make you a valuable employee. One great trait to have is to definitely show initiative while learning and that you’re excited to be there. Going out to ask your team or boss if there are any additional projects that you could work on after you complete your standardized responsibilities and let them know you where are with your work.

Another quality would be communication. Not just talking about written communication, but verbal as well. I find that new employees who don’t have a professional work experience, sometimes they just expect people to know things without actually communicating it properly. Be able to communicate with your team and let them know where you’re going to be, what’s going on so that your boss knows how you’re managing your time.

A really good skill and something that comes with time, is being able to recognize the resources around you.

Seeing how you can leverage the people around you and helping them out as well.

Don’t be afraid to share your ideas!

Andrea Brennan is a Campus Recruitment Specialist with Deloitte LLP focused on hiring Chartered Accountant students for the Toronto region. Andrea has been a part of the Deloitte Campus team for almost three years. Prior to joining the firm she worked in Talent Acquisition in both the automobile and retail industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology and Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resources Management.

Interviewed by Carmen ChanPublications Manager, MESA

Please describe your new role in detail.In my new role with CBC Sports, I am constantly looking for upcoming events such as Hockey Night. My main responsibility is to get sports fans to engage with us and athletes online. I strategize and implement creative ideas that get our audience excited about sports. This can be done through various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or even through live chat. Some things I’ve done in my job include retweeting atheletes’ tweets and holding Tribute Tuesday, which is a sports trivia. The real time poll is very popular since our audience gets instant results, which creates great integration for the community.

I enjoy empowering people and letting them to know that they are all a part of the social media effort at CBC Sports. It is not just a one person task, but truly a team effort. This is really a hybrid position and I love it!

What were some of your favourite events to discuss during the year? Scotiabank Hockey Day was super exciting and that took place on February 9th. It is one of the biggest celebrations for hockey in the year and as you know, hockey fans are some of the most intense fans. It was held in Peterborough and I was able to “tweet up” to meet up with fans through Twitter. Canadians really wanted to be a part of it by sharing their stories. I really love doing something new like this on a spree cast or live chat with athletes. Recently, I was able to use the social media platforms to connect fans to athletes. I had a live video chat with Meghan Agosta-Marciano. Fans were able to submit their questions online and get engaged

as if they were right there with me!How is your current role different from your previous role at CTV?Both are really similar in the sense that the role was created out of a need. What I love about it is that it continues to evolve and I am always learning as I go. This current role is even more advanced than the last and has allowed me to expand into more platforms. The team I work with is very open minded to hear about various ideas to utilize social media effectively.

What advice would you give business students about social media and its importance?People sometimes don’t understand how social media can be used to connect fans to a brand. We really need to understand social media and tap into the creative side of business. I would encourage students to take a serious look at how they are using social media to build up their own brand. Regardless of what you are specializing in, social media should be integrated into what you are doing and should not be a separate thing. Look at what you are, what you have to represent, and communicate that through the various platforms available online. It can be used to powerfully present oneself in a positive light.

Monika has spent a decade working in journalism, sports and live events with nearly half of her career working in the digital world. She is a graduate of Ryerson University with a very strong journalism background. In 2005 while attending Ryerson, Monika became the Game Night Host and Announcer for the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Team. She is now the Social Media Lead at CBC Sports covering Hockey Night in Canada.

Interviewed by Carmen ChanPublications Manager, MESA

I am a first year

student in the Management

and International Business Coop program. Despite being amongst the first group of students admitted to the program, I chose this school because of the exchange opportunities and the close knit community at the school. I am aspiring to complete a work term in Hong Kong and school semester in England. I enjoy having the University of Toronto brand behind me, because I believe it will be beneficial and can be used as leverage when applying to work and study abroad. One thing I find enjoyable about the program is the fact that senior courses have an international twist to them, which will give me a global perspective while still providing me with basic business knowledge to work domestically. By going to two different countries on my work terms, I am looking to learn more about each country’s culture and the different styles of doing business. This will allow me to cater to the people that I meet in a more effective way.

I had the fortune of travelling to Oxford, England as part of the UT Summer Abroad program prior to my final BBA semester. In August 2012, I took a full-credit history elective whilst staying in Worcester College at Oxford University. The experience was incredible. Oxford is a city so rich in history and culture; it was easy and pleasant to immerse myself in my new environment. To learn

about its history one day and visit the sites on a field trip the next, seeing the buildings and sites where historical events actually took place, is a learning experience that cannot be replicated. By travelling to an English-speaking nation, I was able to travel freely in the short time I was there. I really enjoyed the autonomy I had, being the sole individual to decide how to divide my time amongst studying, socializing, and travelling. England is beautiful and impeccably maintained, the environment is lively and safe, and the people are friendly and helpful; I had an amazing time.

Being able to travel and study abroad is a fulfilling and irreplaceable experience. University is the perfect time to do it; you are young and (mostly) free of obligations. It can definitely be expensive and sacrifices will have to be made, but you will find that the experience will be well worth your time and effort.

I studied at the National Taiwan University during my Fall 2012 semester. I learned to be a lot more independent since I had to live on my own and I couldn’t always rely on others. It was a great opportunity for me to improve my Chinese since my language skills were nowhere near in the same ball park compared to the locals. I had the pleasure to meet people from all over the world, allowing me to expand my network. Studying abroad put me into an entirely new environment than what I was used to; this challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone, where I had to learn in a different academic environment. Being able to meet people from all around the world, I was able to interact with different cultures. It was very different speaking to Europeans because they travelled a lot more than I did and were in turn more knowledgeable. Some also had accents, which made it difficult for me to understand what they were saying. Overall, this experience has heightened my teamwork and social interaction skills, as well as helped me to expand my network, which I believe to be a very important aspect of business.

I completed my exchange at National Taiwan University, which is conveniently situated right in the centre of of a shopping district.Luckily, I was able to take three MBA equivalent courses at the university, which helped me gain

valuable networks with individualds who were already in the work force. I gained a broader prospective with my exchange experience which I am thankful for. One thing I would change if I redo this experience is to actually live on residence. I was able to create many networks with locals, but they were not deep. The opportunity to study in Taiwan was truly valuable.

Despite UTSC being a commuter school, many of our students in the management program have international exposure through their cultural background or travel experiences.

O Canada! With our seemingly endless supply of maple syrup, unparalleled skill in hockey and deliciously cheesy poutine, many are proud to call this country our

home and native land. Canada is a welcoming country, and with publicly funded healthcare and a strong educational system, many of us see Canada as a top-tier nation. Surprisingly, not many expats agree that Canada as the ideal home away from home! According to the 2012 reports by the OECD and HSBC, Canada only ranks 21st in work life balance and 21st in expat economics and experience respectively. But what exactly do people look for when working abroad? And how does Canada compare?

Currently, two major reports exist – the OECD Better Life Index and the HSBC Expat Survey. The OECD measures work-life balance through hours worked and time for leisure and personal care. The HSBC Expat Survey is based on feedback from those working abroad.

In working abroad, what exactly can people find that is not already in Canada? Employment wise, Canada is already a financial epicentre with many multinational corporations offices here. What other countries offer however, is the international experience. One can learn a new language, try the local cuisine, explore new careers – the opportunities are endless! Expats often show great soft skills, especially (1) initiative, as through their determination in finding and securing a job, (2) excellent communication skills due to working in a different culture and language, and (3) adaptability, for they must make a new home in a whole, new environment.

Canada offers Working Holiday visas for those aged 18-35, allowing a year-long opportunity to gain international experience. Many popular destinations, like Australia, Hong Kong, and the UK allow these temporary work permits. Note that there is a required minimum amount of money participants must possess, so be sure to check out the requirements and regulations for working internationally.

Working abroad can involve not just a job, but volunteering, teaching, and researching. The benefits to working abroad are endless, and if given the opportunity, be sure to seize it! Just don’t forget your home and native land!

Denmark (1st in OECD)Ranking 1st in childcare services and lowest in child poverty rates, Denmark boasts a family-friendly environment, with an average of 34 days of paid vacation! Interestingly, it is also the first country to levy a ‘fat’ tax – both a happy and healthy country?Work Life Balance Index: 9.1Average Hours Worked: 1559/yearEmployees Working Long Hours: 2 %Personal Care and Leisure: 16.1 hours/day

Singapore (1st in HSBC)An increasingly popular expat destination, it is a global trade and financial center. While it is the 8th most expensive city (Mercer’s 2011 Cost of Living Index), it also has the greatest financial incentives. Home to a diverse range of cultures, there are many tourist hotspots and an amazing nightlife – 76% of expats agreed their standard of living has improved in Singapore!

Canada (21st in OECD and HSBC)Performing well in family indicators, Canada is a great choice for expats to establish a new home. Quebec in particular, has some of the most family-friendly policies, with childcare support, in-work benefits for parents and paternity leave. Canada ranks 5th and 6th respectively in integrating into the community and making local friends. Work Life Balance Index: 6.5Average Hours Worked: 1702/yearEmployees Working Long Hours: 4 %Personal Care and Leisure: 14.3 hours/day

United Kingdom (16th in OECD, 27th HSBC)A popular choice for expats, many report excellent local entertainment and cultural events. The UK offers many financial oriented jobs, but be wary – recent spending cuts and pricey housing can be an issue!Work Life Balance Index: 6.5Average Hours Worked: 1647/yearEmployees Working Long Hours: 12%

Hong Kong (5th in HSBC)As a financial center, there are many job opportunities and high wages, with 55% of surveyed expats earning over $150 000. Yet take the higher salaries with a grain of salt – living, healthcare and childcare expenses are significantly greater.

Inez HuangAssociate Writer, MESA

If you weren’t a professor, what would you be or do?I would like to be living in Edwardian England or Scotland. I would be a country gentleman living in a big drafty house. It would be my dream to just relax there. My wife and I are Irish and we quite like Great Britain. I am hoping that for my

next sabbatical, I can live there for a while. I lived and worked in Scotland

for seven or eight years, where I did a bit of consulting. The landscape

is beautiful, historically and culturally dense! If you go a few miles in, you will come across an

interesting site or a nice cathedral.

One thing students would be surprised to know about you.Most students in the first year class would probably be surprised to know that before I worked for a big bank on Wall Street, I was a lead singer in a band! I sang folk, country and bluegrass style music. This was while I was in university and I played at most of the big bars in Kingston. I actually

met up with the lead guitarist in October whom I haven’t seen in over 30 years. He brought his guitar and we sang. We didn’t skip a beat ! My voice wasn’t as strong as it used to be, but he still played beautifully. I can’t imagine people sitting in IC130 thinking “Wow, he used to be in a band”.

If you were immortal for a day, what would you do?

It would be fascinating

to see the earth from 1000 feet up. I would like to go on a hot air balloon just to see the geography! It is probably a dangerous thing to do. But if I was immortal, that wouldn’t be a problem. It would be very interesting to see what is going on in a town or a small village. I wouldn’t want to be too far up, such as in space. The top of mountains is a decent height. If I was absolutely immortal, I would also bungee jump!

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned the hard way?Most of the important things I’ve learned, I had to learn it the hard way. I probably screwed up more often while doing something for the first time. I’ve learned that people are fallible and we don’t always get things right the first time. I used to be a spoiled and not to mention an arrogant teenager. Then I turned into a lazy and arrogant college student, which led me to become an aggressive young man. I probably offended a lot of people, blowing off chances and treading on peoples’ toes. I hope I am becoming more humble and more patient. I am learning these because as a young man, I was neither one of this. I alienated and hurt people as a result of this. I still have a long way to go until I completely master patience and humility, but I’m getting there.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you?I learnt this advice from a couple of Professors at Queen’s University. If you are prepared to do the work, we are willing to help you. They basically

indirectly said to me ”Sit down, be quiet and do as your told.” I did

this and eventually profited and benefited from it.

Interviewed by Carmen Chan and Inez HuangPublications Manager and Associate Writer, MESA

With classes winding down and finals coming up, we all start our summer break countdown. But what else can you do this summer, besides get a summer job, hit the beach and lounge at home? The Executive has got all the Toronto details to plan your best summer yet!

Entertainment Doors Open Toronto (May 25 – 26) is a weekend event in which over 130 architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings open their doors to the public for free to highlight the people who built our city.

Luminato (June 14-23) is Toronto’s Festival of Arts and Creativity. Revolving around the city’s culture and energy, this arts festival celebrates all forms of art, showing premieres of new works, art exhibits, and performances. Definitely a quirky and thought-provoking event to check out!

MusicToronto Jazz Festival (June 20 – 29) is a celebration of all genres of jazz and remains one of North America’s most renowned music festivals. Centered around Nathan Phillips Square, there are over 40, mostly indoor, locations scattered throughout downtown. Many greats have graced the stage, including Aretha Franklin and the Tower of Power.

Vans Warped Tour (July 5) is a music festival which travels around Canada and the USA each summer. Showcasing genres like punk rock and metalcore, the Warped Tour will be held at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. Each show involves up to 100 bands and with the venue having multiple stages, you can get a chance to hear all your favourite artists in one day!

Festivals and ParadesPride Week (June 21 – 30) is known for the fabulous Pride Parade situated around Wellesley and Church Street, and is one of the largest Pride celebrations worldwide. Pride Week celebrates Toronto’s LGTBTTIQQ2SA*

community, history, culture, creativity, friends and lives. *Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited,

Allies

Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) (July 9 – August 4) features the exciting cultural explosion of Caribbean music, performing and visual arts, cuisine and revelry. The Caribana Grand Parade will take place on August 3, along Lakeshore Boulevard and showcases Caribbean music such as Soca and Calypso.

The Great Outdoors!HTO Park is an urban beach located west of Harbourfront Centre on Lake Ontario. Built from Toronto’s old inner harbour, the area is now a family-friendly beach, complete with enormous yellow umbrellas and Muskoka chairs. Alas, swimming is prohibited, but with a boardwalk and warm sandpit, it is the perfect urban get-a-way!

Edwards Gardens is a botanical garden at the southwest corner of Leslie St. and Lawrence Ave. East. With breathtaking wildflowers and gentle streams, the garden trials are perfect for walking, rollerblading, or biking. Edwards Gardens is just a quick 20 minute drive from downtown, allowing an easy escape from the ever busy city.

And last but certainly not least...

Food!Taste of Asia (June 29 – 30) and Night It Up! (July 12 – July 14) are two authentic Asian street market events located at Kennedy and Steeles, and the Markham Civic Centre respectively. Taste of Asia is a multicultural event that features performances and street vendor booths operated by different cultural groups while, Night It Up! is an outdoor night market mimicking those found in Asia. Both events have free admission!

Taste of Danforth (August 9 – August 11) means it’s time to head over to Greektown again and submerge yourself in the fun flavours of Greece and summertime. Many exhibitors offer contests, prizes and free samples, but don’t forget to check out the hordes of tasty food stations that showcase the Danforth’s variety of multicultural restaurants.

Inez Huang and Elaine VuongAssociate Writers, MESA

Karen ChanPublications Manager, MESA