Meet BIB student Graeme Inglis

Bachelor of International Business student Graeme Inglis plans to leverage his cross-cultural skills and international knowledge to launch an international career, possibly in Austria where he completed a year exchange.

Sprott International Business student Graeme Inglis sitting on a staircase with his hand under his chin — Graeme Inglis is fourth-year Bachelor of International Business student at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business.

Where is your hometown?

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

What brought you to Carleton University and the Sprott School of Business?

What caught my attention was the Bachelor of International Business (BIB) program available at Sprott. I found out about the program at the Ontario University Fair in downtown Toronto. I spoke with a current BIB student at the time and it really got me hooked. The opportunity to obtain a competitive business degree while learning a new language and the chance to live internationally for a year during my studies spoke to me.

The other reason why Carleton stood out to me was the Paul Menton Centre. The Paul Menton Centre has given me, a student with learning difficulties stemming from a history of post-concussion syndrome, the chance at academic success. It was critical for me to attend a university that has the accommodations I need, so I can succeed academically. As a fourth-year student I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. My doctor believes that without them I would have dropped out of the third hardest program at Carleton by my second year.

What is your favourite memory from your time on exchange?

Oh wow! There are so many amazing memories that I can’t possibly choose a favorite. Instead I’ll give two that stood out to me.

First, would be my experience attending a University Ball at Hofburg Palace in Vienna. This was an amazing opportunity to experience the traditions of Viennese culture which are distinctly unique. It was mind boggling to attend such an event with my girlfriend and international friends. I was awestruck by the sheer grandeur that represented Viennese high society and experiencing a tradition that had been practiced for centuries in the very same location. It was my first and only taste of a lost aristocratic lifestyle. This event made memories that will last a lifetime.

The other was an amazing experience as a Canadian expat living abroad. I attended Vimy Ridge on November 11 for Canadian Remembrance Day. The opportunity to be present at such a sacred location and ceremony for such a day gave me a better perspective on what it means to be Canadian. It was the century anniversary of the end of the first world war. At this moment, I was filled with a sense of Canadian pride that I had never felt before. All Canadians should visit Vimy Ridge if they have the chance, and I was glad I had this opportunity.

What is your favourite thing to do in Ottawa?

In Ottawa, by far my favorite winter past time would be to skate the length frozen Rideau Canal. Having lived away last winter in a city with little snow and mild winters, I really grew to miss being able to skate to class a few times a week. It makes the long Ottawa winters a little more pleasant.

What is something the world should know about Sprott?

Sprott has an amazing community-based atmosphere and is unlike anything else compared to other business schools. Of course, business studies naturally foster a competitive environment, but I don’t believe there’s any other business school offering the same nurturing, community-oriented environment that is present at Sprott.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I see myself working internationally, as it’s what I’ve been taught and trained to do. I want to put all of the various skills and vast knowledge that I’ve gained since the beginning of the BIB program to use. This includes living abroad with a significant chance I return to my exchange nation, Austria, for both professional and personal reasons.

I also plan on re-attending university in a few years to get my MBA. Right now, I need a break from university, so I can focus on kick-starting my international career and rehabbing my brain back to as good as possible. Ideally, I want to complete my MBA broad, in Europe, focusing on either Sports Management or International Marketing.