Meet our Grads: Kayla Maduk, BCom/18

On June 14, we will celebrate the class of 2018 as our newest graduates cross the Carleton University Convocation stage to receive their degrees. To mark this very special occasion, we have asked some of our grads to reflect on their time in the Sprott School of Business.

If you could choose one word to sum up your time at Sprott, what is it and why?

Growth.

What were your goals when you started at Sprott? Did you achieve them?

I had multiple goals when I started university. My main goals were to get involved, and to leave university feeling confident and fulfilled with my time there. I also wanted to graduate with a career lined up.

I am extremely honoured to be graduating on Dean’s List, with Honours. I found that as my confidence developed academically, I got more involved in activities. In my last year specifically, I was involved in business case competitions, participating on two teams, JDC and Sprott Competes (JMUCC). I was also a winner of the CEOx1 Day program. Through these experiences, I met many great friends, and I learned more than I was even anticipating. My last year was the highlight of my university degree.

What is your favourite Sprott memory?

My favourite Sprott memory was one practice for my case competition team (JMUCC) on a Sunday. My team was exhausted, we were working incredibly hard, and I was nervous, constantly. I remember thinking to myself that this is what university was all about – pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone, to learn, grow and succeed. I was grateful to feel that amount of stress and to be able to get the best education for my future. I really appreciate everyone who made Sprott Competes possible.

What was your favourite course or professor?

I had many classes that I absolutely loved. I really enjoyed Rob Smart’s management classes (managing individuals and managing teams). But the classes that influenced my passion for marketing and business, and helped me gain my confidence and feeling of belonging in the Sprott School of Business, were Irene Lu’s Intro to Marketing class and her year-long Consumer Behaviour class. I actually ended up being a TA for her Intro to Marketing class the following year. The class that tied all of my classes together was the case competition class (BUSI 3800), with Rob Riordan. That class really impressed me and it was extremely valuable.

What was the most important lesson you learned during your time at Sprott?

I learned that university is fantastic, but it is all the extra stuff you participate in that make it so worth-while. I learned the most by getting involved and constantly working with new people. I learned that the “learning” never stops. Ever.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss having so many opportunities at my fingertips. Sprott ran so many programs and held so many events on a regular basis. Most of all, I will miss the long days with my friends studying and laughing through the stress. I will miss the hard days that we smiled at after they were over.

What’s next for you?

I have started my career at Odgers Berndtson, an international executive search and recruitment firm. I am working in Ottawa as a project coordinator. I was offered a position after my encounters with the Ottawa Office during my participation in their CEOx1 Day program. I have been working there for about a month and I am loving it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the Sprott community?

For anyone in the Sprott community, get involved, use the school’s resources and network with as many people as possible. There were times where I was nervous going to events or doing case competitions, but they ended up being my best memories and experiences.

Thank you to everyone at the university for your help.

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