Current city: Vancouver, British Columbia

Year arrived in Canada: 2004

School(s): Mount Royal University (BBA), The University of Calgary (MBA).

Academic program(s): Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance & Economics; Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Finance

Email: Kat.Magak@gmail.com

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katmagak/

1.     What inspired you to pursue your studies in Finance of all the academic programs that were available to you? 

My current mentor played a significant role in helping me decide on the academic program to pursue. When I finished high school, I was unsure of the program to pursue so my mentor recommended a Business/Commerce degree based on its versatility across various industries. Since then, I have enjoyed my studies in business, and this hunger to learn motivated me to pursue post-graduate studies in the same academic field.

2.     Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

My advice to those beginning their post-secondary studies would be to learn about yourself. What motivates you? what are you passionate about? And ultimately, what do you enjoying doing? Once you are able to honestly answer these questions about yourself, it should help you select an academic program to pursue. These questions may not be the sole determining factors in selecting your academic program, but they should be of great help when indecisive.

3.     Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career so far?

Yes, I have had different mentors at different stages of my life. My current mentor was a major influence in my decision to pursue Business/Commerce. This individual studied the same program and was an oil and gas professional for many years before retiring. I was unsure of the career path I wanted to pursue once I graduated high school. My mentor recommended a Business/Commerce degree because of its versatility across a wide variety of industries.

4.     What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada? And from your experience with Canadian life and culture, do you have any tips for new students?

I grew up in Calgary, Alberta in a predominantly low-income neighborhood; majority of the residents being South Sudanese. From my experience, I believe the most significant factor hindering South Sudanese in general, is lack of access to information. In high school, I witnessed school counselors pushing South Sudanese students towards the trades route as opposed to presenting all the options that were available and allowing the students to make their own decisions. I was lucky enough to have a mentor in high school who presented me with the multitude of options that were available to me.

5. From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms). 

In academics, the very basic obvious advice is to take your studies seriously. This means taking time to study in order to really understand the material. But beyond that, it is no secret that majority students come from humble backgrounds. Given this fact, I feel like students often prematurely take on major household responsibilities. This often greatly interferes with their academics as they barely have the time to do their assignments or the financial resources to invest in their studies. Students have a better chance of succeeding at school if there is a conducive learning environment at home. Lastly, network with your classmates as much as you can. One of them may help you land your dream job in the near future.  

6. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?

Family and friends back home can definitely be impatient and put unrealistic expectations on a student. All you can do is communicate your current state to your family and friends. You also need to be patient enough with yourself to know the benefit that your studies will provide to you and your family in the long run.  

7.   Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any tips on managing money or building a strong credit profile?

Having spent some time working in the financial services industry, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of a good credit score. It could make the difference between being a lifelong renter or a homeowner. Tips – avoid taking on unnecessary debt (credit card, and high-interest loans). Build yourself a budget and try and follow it as best as you can. Pay your bills on time, even if it is just the minimum payment. Finally, do not let a delinquent account go to collections. An account that goes to collection will have the greatest negative impact on your credit score.

8.  Is your racial profile helping or hindering your professional growth? That is, if race is a factor at all.

I have experienced disgusting racism growing up in Calgary, Alberta. However, I cannot say the same as it pertains to my academic pursuits. In my professional growth, I have not witnessed racism firsthand but have definitely felt it indirectly. With that being said, I cannot definitively conclude that it has hindered or helped me professionally.

9. What do you know now that you wished you had known in high school?

• The importance of networking – it is a big factor in finding professional employment.

• The importance of financial literacy – it’s not how much money you make, it is how much you can keep/save.

• Understanding of the functions of economics, both macro and micro – it helps in all kinds of decision making.

10.  If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

Though it has been difficult at times, I have enjoyed most of my experiences, and learned from the ones I didn’t quite enjoy. Reflecting back on my journey from South Sudan to Canada, I am grateful for what I have been able to achieve both academically and professionally. I have yet to accomplish all of my aspirations. However, I have achieved my academic pursuits, and at my young age, I have never been more confident than I am today in my ability to achieve anything I wish to pursue in the future. Lastly, aside from the points I mentioned in question 9, I don’t think there is anything else I would alter given the opportunity. I am satisfied and happy to be where I am today. Yes, there were mistakes I would probably avoid if given the opportunity, but I believe my holistic past experiences (good and bad) have helped shape the person I am today.