Great Grads 2019: Sophia Krystek, BCom/19

On June 10, we will celebrate the class of 2019 as our newest graduates cross the Carleton University Convocation stage to receive their degrees. To make this special occasion, we’ve asked some of our grads to reflect on their time in the Sprott School of Business.

Sophia Krystek is graduating from the Bachelor of Commerce program with a concentration in Marketing.

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

Enlightening.

Before I came to university, I had no idea the kind of opportunities that were available to students at the post-secondary level. At Sprott, there are more opportunities available for students both inside and outside of the classroom than I could have possibly imagined.

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

When I started at Sprott my only goal was to graduate with more than just a university degree. I did my best to seek out new experiences and opportunities. I was selected to participate in both the China and India Study Tours offered by Carleton, took over as President of the Sprott Marketing Students’ Association (SMSA), and participated in a variety of case competitions. I also had the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant for courses such as Marketing Communications, Business Law, and International Business, and I was an award recipient during my time as a Co-op Student in the government.

These experiences provided me with the opportunity to grow and meet a variety of individuals that I can now call friends. I strongly believe that I have graduated with more than just a piece of paper to hang on my wall.

What is your favourite Sprott memory?

My favourite Sprott memory was probably participating in Relay for Life 2018 with the Sprott Student’s Management Association (SSMA) as it allowed for us to both bond and reflect as team. I also really enjoyed being a part of the Flower Boys and Girls Campaign run by Samuel Chen and his team on February 11, 2019 with the Sprott Marketing Students’ Association (SMSA).

What was your favourite course or professor?

My favourite course at Sprott was Consumer Culture Theory taught by Dr. Leighann Neilson. This class was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a Master’s degree.

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

Less is more, it’s better to take on a smaller amount of commitments that you can do well than a large amount of commitments that spread yourself too thin. Also, a large part of “learning” happens outside of the classroom whether it’s learning how to efficiently manage time or working effectively with members in assigned groups, etc.

What will you miss the most?

What I’m going to miss the most about my undergrad will be getting to see my friends every day. The Sprott community is quite tight-knit, making it a normal occurrence to run into friends on campus and grab a coffee or a bite to eat in between classes.

What’s next for you?

This summer I am working as a Research Assistant in preparation for the Master of Science in Management program I am starting in the fall here at Sprott. Stayed tuned for my thesis coming in 2021!

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

Get involved and don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you (they are probably just as shy as you are). Take advantage of opportunities as they arise and be authentic to yourself.

Thank you to everyone who has made my undergrad such a great experience!

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