What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I moved to Prince Edward Island from the Philippines when I was about 15 years old. My parents made that decision to provide me with better opportunities for my future. I was born and raised in Davao City, a vibrant city in the southern Philippines known for its beautiful beaches and hospitable people. Davao City holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my journey began, where I was born, where my family and relatives still live, and where I formed lifelong friendships. It is where I began developing the skills and values that shaped who I am today and helped me transition into new opportunities here in Canada. Davao City, Philippines, is the place I call home.

Fast forward to my final year of high school, when several universities from across the Atlantic region visited our school to share information about their programs. I remember being a very confused 19-year-old student, collecting handbooks from nearly every booth. I think I gathered more than ten. Eventually, I chose to take a gap year to give myself more time to reflect on what I truly wanted.

As application deadlines approached, I found myself going through those handbooks again. For some reason, UPEI just felt right. My parents would often remind me that we are placed where we are meant to grow, and I carried that reassurance with me as I made my decision. What ultimately drew me to UPEI was its strong Bachelor of Business Administration program, not only for the quality of its courses but also for the supportive faculty and staff who are deeply invested in student success. That sense of mentorship and guidance was important to me as I pursued a degree in business.

I was attracted to the smaller class sizes, which make it easier to build meaningful connections with professors, staff, and fellow students. Beyond the classroom, UPEI offers countless opportunities to get involved, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience. These are experiences I never imagined I would have when I first arrived in Canada. Looking back, choosing UPEI has been one of the best decisions I have made.

What do you find unique and interesting about UPEI's Bachelor of Business Administration program?

What I find most unique about the program is its strong sense of community. Smaller class sizes foster a close-knit environment where it is easy to build meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff. Over the past four years, I have observed that the faculty at the McDougall Faculty of Business is genuinely invested in student growth and success. Professors are approachable, supportive, and highly accomplished in their respective fields. Many bring diverse academic backgrounds and extensive industry experience that I had not anticipated at a university of this size. The quality of instruction and mentorship is truly on par with leading business schools across the country. Their encouragement and expertise have consistently motivated me to aim higher and push beyond what I initially thought possible.

The balance between theory and real-world application is another defining feature of the program. We do not simply learn concepts from textbooks; we actively apply them. From analyzing financial statements and developing strategic recommendations for well-known companies to creating business plans and simulating executive decision-making roles, the program emphasizes hands-on learning. These experiences have strengthened my critical thinking, refined my communication skills, and deepened my understanding of how business decisions unfold in professional environments.

Direct engagement with industry professionals has also been incredibly valuable. Through projects and course collaborations, I have had the opportunity to interview leaders from major organizations on the Island and present our work to panels of industry judges. Presenting to experienced professionals builds confidence, sharpens professionalism, and strengthens the ability to perform under pressure. It creates a meaningful connection between classroom learning and real-world expectations.

One of the most impactful experiences in my program has been being part of the McDougall Faculty of Business Case Competition Team. Through this opportunity, I competed at both national and international levels, travelling to Halifax, Germany, and the United States, and applied classroom knowledge to complex, real-life business challenges. Working alongside driven and talented teammates, we analyzed multiple business cases under intense time constraints and presented our recommendations to industry professionals. Competing against top students from around the world pushed me beyond my comfort zone and significantly strengthened my analytical ability, adaptability, and teamwork skills. It is an experience I never imagined having when I first entered the program, and one that has shaped my confidence and professional growth in lasting ways.

What truly sets this program apart is how intentionally it develops students beyond technical knowledge. It cultivates leadership, resilience, strategic thinking, and the confidence to navigate high-pressure environments. I leave not only with a strong academic foundation but with real-world experience, meaningful mentorship, and a network of peers and professionals who have influenced my journey. The McDougall Faculty of Business has prepared me not simply to enter the business world, but to contribute to it with competence, purpose, and confidence.

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members?

UPEI offers a wide range of support systems that enhance both students’ academic journeys and their overall well-being. My experience with academic advising, in particular, reflects the university’s commitment to individualized support. I initially enrolled in the International Business specialization, later switched to Finance in my final year, and eventually decided to pursue a dual specialization. This was not a typical academic path, but the academic advising team played a crucial role in helping me navigate the transition. They carefully guided me through the requirements, ensured that I remained on track for graduation, and helped me make informed decisions at each step. Their clarity and responsiveness gave me confidence during a pivotal period in my academic career.

Their support extended beyond course planning. When I studied abroad, advisors continued to check in regularly to ensure that my transfer credits aligned with my degree requirements. They also took the time to ask how I was adjusting personally, which made me feel genuinely supported throughout the experience. That level of personalized attention made a significant difference in both my academic progress and my overall well-being.

Beyond advising, support at UPEI is evident across campus. Professors consistently provide thoughtful feedback and mentorship, fostering both academic growth and professional development. Staff members contribute to a welcoming environment by maintaining clean and comfortable study spaces and organizing small but meaningful initiatives, such as providing snacks during midterm and final exam seasons. The expansion of study spaces and access to financial support systems, including bursaries that help alleviate financial burdens, further demonstrate the university’s commitment to student success.

Altogether, these support systems create an environment where students feel guided, valued, and empowered to succeed. Knowing that there is a strong network behind you makes it easier to focus on growth, learning, and achieving your goals.

"One of the most impactful experiences in my program has been being part of the McDougall Faculty of Business Case Competition Team. Through this opportunity, I competed at both national and international levels, travelling to Halifax, Germany, and the United States, and applied classroom knowledge to complex, real-life business challenges."

What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

Studying at UPEI, within the close-knit environment of Prince Edward Island, has provided opportunities that extend beyond the classroom into global engagement, leadership, and community involvement.

One of the most transformative experiences was studying abroad in South Korea for nearly three months. During that time, I taught English to Korean students alongside a student from the United States, completed a Korean language course, and connected with students from around the world. The experience strengthened my adaptability and broadened my global perspective.

International collaboration continued through Enactus UPEI, where I work on a project in partnership with Enactus Münster. Contributing to a cross-border social impact initiative has allowed me to apply business knowledge in a global context while developing teamwork and communication skills.

On campus, leadership opportunities have been equally meaningful. As the Social Media Manager for the UPEI Filipino Society, I help showcase Filipino culture and create a welcoming space for Filipino students. In my International Politics class, I had the opportunity to moderate an event featuring the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, an experience that strengthened my confidence in professional settings.

Academically, I have worked as a student marker for professors in Marketing and Organizational Behaviour, which provided insight into academic standards from a faculty perspective. As a member of a case competition team, I have travelled locally and internationally to represent the McDougall Faculty of Business and leverage the business principles and analytical frameworks developed at UPEI to address real-world challenges.

The Island setting makes these opportunities more accessible. The smaller campus environment encourages involvement, fosters meaningful connections with faculty and peers, and creates space to step into leadership roles that support both academic and personal growth.

What's unique about UPEI and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?

One of the things I love most about PEI is the meaningful connections I have built. Through school, work, peers, faculty, and staff, I have developed lasting relationships that have shaped both my personal and professional growth. In larger institutions, building genuine networks can be challenging within a much broader student population. At UPEI, however, the close-knit community creates space for authentic relationships to flourish. As someone who was not born here, UPEI gave me more than an education. It gave me a sense of belonging and an environment where I could grow with confidence and establish myself professionally.

What makes UPEI unique is that, despite its smaller size compared to other universities in Canada, it is remarkably competent and competitive. The university consistently stands alongside larger institutions in terms of academic rigour, student opportunities, and overall development. Its size does not limit its ambition or impact; rather, it strengthens its ability to invest deeply in each student’s success.

UPEI offers countless opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, and I have experienced this firsthand through case competitions, academic initiatives, and involvement beyond my program. The university is home to intellectually driven and highly accomplished professors who bring not only academic expertise but also meaningful industry experience into their teaching. They challenge students to think critically, apply theory with purpose, and approach problems with confidence. Their mentorship extends beyond coursework, fostering growth that prepares students for real-world challenges. Conversations with peers across different faculties reaffirm that this culture of excellence is embedded throughout the institution.

What would you tell a student considering UPEI and McDougall Faculty of Business programs?

If I were speaking to a student considering UPEI and the McDougall Faculty of Business, I would say this: be proactive from the very beginning. UPEI has so much to offer, both within your program and beyond it. Explore extracurricular activities, join clubs early, participate in activities, attend networking events, and take advantage of experiential learning opportunities. The earlier you engage, the more you will gain from your university experience.

At the McDougall Faculty of Business, there is far more available than what is simply outlined in the program. Speak with your professors, advisors, staff, and even upper-year peers. They have valuable insight, experience, and wisdom to share, and many opportunities are discovered through conversations rather than course outlines. Be curious and do not hesitate to ask questions. Try courses that spark your interest, even if they are outside your immediate comfort zone. Growth often begins with curiosity.

Most importantly, make yourself uncomfortable. Put yourself out there. Step beyond what feels familiar. University is not only about earning a degree; it is about building confidence, developing your network, and shaping your future. Make the most of your time at UPEI. The opportunities are there. You simply have to seek them and fully embrace them.

How has UPEI prepared you for your future?

UPEI has prepared me for my future by providing experiences that extend far beyond traditional lecture-based learning. Through case competitions, experiential projects, and extracurricular involvement, I have developed both practical skills and strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. The university has equipped me with the confidence to apply classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges. It has also provided valuable resources, mentorship, and meaningful connections that will support my transition into the professional world after graduation. Most importantly, UPEI has shaped me into a proactive and adaptable individual who is ready to navigate future opportunities with purpose and resilience.