Great Grads 2020: Allan Ngo, BCom/20

On June 19th, Carleton University approved this year’s list of graduates! While celebrations have moved online this year, it gives us even more reason to celebrate all our amazing graduates of 2020. We’ve asked a few of our Great Grads this year to share their memories of Carleton and the Sprott community.

Allan Ngo is a graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce program with a concentration in Accounting.

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

Eye-opening.

It’s been amazing to see how Sprott students and alumni can achieve anything they set their sights on, whether that be academically, professionally, or personally. The Sprott community is very diverse and successful, so I feel very lucky to be a part of it. I’m excited to see what’s in store for my fellow graduates and I’m certain that they’ll continue to accomplish great things.

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

When I started at Sprott, I wanted to get a degree in Accounting and pursue a CPA designation. Sprott’s given me so much more than that. I’ve had some amazing opportunities that have broadened my horizons such as working at PwC and Global Affairs Canada. While my goals have changed, I’m confident that Sprott has helped me develop the skills and knowledge that are needed to succeed regardless of where life takes me.

What is your favourite Sprott memory?

My favourite Sprott memories come from participating in Carleton Expo, an event that takes place every September. Expo is the best opportunity for clubs to introduce themselves to new Carleton students. I’ve attended the last two Carleton Expos on behalf of a club I co-founded, the Carleton Fintech Club, where I’ve had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of new Sprott students. It’s been extremely rewarding to hear from them as they start the next chapter in their lives and offer some of the insights I’ve learned along the way.

What was your favourite course or professor?

My favorite professor is Dr. Mohamed Al Guindy. He’s been an incredible mentor both in and out of the classroom and he truly cares about his students and their success. Dr. Al Guindy has always challenged me to push myself academically and I’m certain I would not be the person I am today without his guidance. I’d like to give a shout-out to Dr. Yuriy Zabolotnyuk who is also amazing and who has a great sense of humour.

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

That I should always embrace new opportunities. While I firmly believe in setting goals, my greatest personal growth and success have come when I’ve gone outside of my comfort zone.

What will you miss the most?

Student life at Sprott.

I’ll miss being able to hang out with my friends everyday, whether that be getting coffee between classes or studying together. Since Sprott students take a lot of the same classes, we really get to know each other, and this leads to great friendships. I’ll be forever grateful for having met and befriended some very smart and interesting people during my time at Sprott.

What’s next for you?

I will be starting the MSc Program in Finance at the University of British Columbia in September.

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

Sprott alumni are very kind and eager to give back, so never hesitate to reach out. Whenever I contacted Sprott alumni for advice, they were always very welcoming and had great insight. All it takes to tap into that wealth of knowledge is the right attitude and a polite LinkedIn message.