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Femal Odedra: Pursuing a Higher Aspiration

Femal Odedra MASc (Class of 2019)

 

Femal Odedra Technology Associate at Morgan Stanley, crossed the stage in 2019 to receive her Dalhousie Master of Applied Computer Science degree.  In a recent virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Femal spoke about how Dalhousie’s industry-relevant curriculum provided critical knowledge and experience, positioning her to take on new challenges and give back to her communities.

Femal Odedra.

My journey for the University of Dalhousie started in August 2017 when I took a flight for Canada and arrived to pursue my dreams. I was excited to start my Dalhousie academic journey. Coming from a small place, my first exposure to an international, multicultural world was a unique and overwhelming experience to me.  I benefited from the many opportunities Dalhousie University offered me to become involved in events and innovative projects.

After completing my undergraduate degree, my immediate goal was to work within the corporate world, to increase my skills and gain professional work experience. Ideally, my work would be located close to my family. Even so, I felt the need to pursue a higher aspiration, which was encouraged by my parents, who urged me from a young age to dream big and work hard towards achieving those dreams.  I always had their full support.

Dalhousie University provided the foundation upon which I could structure the long-run path to follow my ambitions. Building upon the expertise gained from my studies in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Computer Sciences, I am making good progress in expanding my corporate skillsets and well as my personal goals.

Dalhousie is very dear to me. The studies are robust.  There was a lot to learn, develop and understand. When I was completing my Master of Applied Computer Science (MASc), I challenged myself to explore different fields of enquiry. I chose tasks that were difficult, that would stretch my knowledge and my limits. I learned from my successes and even more from my failures. It was intense work.  My Dalhousie support network was critical and played a huge role in encouraging and validating my efforts. It was heartening to know that I was a part of a vibrant Dalhousie community.

Dalhousie’s Master of Applied Computer Science builds upon classroom knowledge and offers students work experience, either through a paid industry internship, an entrepreneurship work term, or a research project with one of their stream options. It is possible for every student to focus and build their career based on structuring their courses to correspond with their unique objectives.  Dalhousie attracts many international students who enjoy participating in real-time projects and topics of research. Most of all, they benefit from the guidance and attention of their professors.

“I graduated in 2019 and I hold and respect my MASc degree, which has granted me a professional distinction recognized by my company and firms world-wide.  My degree has given me the ability and independence to pursue my aspirations. Dalhousie opened new beginnings and possibilities which led me to one of Wall Street’s giant firms.”

I began working at Morgan Stanley in the 2018 Technology Fall Intern Program. After completing my degree, I joined the Technology Analyst Program and now work full-time as a Technology Associate. I enjoy my work and have added to my knowledge with every role undertaken.  Each day I learn something new.

As a new grad, I joined Morgan Stanley’s Technology Analyst Program which gave me the opportunity to travel to New York and train with other analysts across various locations. During this time, I got a chance to interact with many experts, learn more about the corporate world, expand my professional network and technical skills, and I was able to put forth my knowledge gained through my studies at the University of Dalhousie. My day-to-day work activities grant an opportunity to improve and learn from talented and grounded people who continue to inspire me on my personal journey.

The best feeling comes when I have the chance to help someone else achieve their goals. Dalhousie’s Master of Applied Computer Science studies and my current Morgan Stanley work experience have been invaluable in my journey to pursue my dreams. I have the confidence and strong desire to take on the next challenge. 

Femal Odedra MASc (Class of 2019)

Friday Reflection – Happy Munro Day

Every year on the first Friday of February, Dalhousie closes its doors to celebrate Munro Day.  And for good reason.  Without George Munro, Dalhousie University would merely be a page in a history book.

George Munro, born in 1825 near the once active shipping port of Pictou, Nova Scotia, did not attend Dalhousie, nor did he follow his first career choice of becoming a Presbyterian minister.  Instead, he made his way to New York City and fulfilled his destiny in the printing and publishing business, amassing great wealth in the process.  Even so, his loyalty and attachment to Nova Scotia prevailed.  When Dalhousie faced extinction, his gifts of $330,000 ($10 or $11 million today) brought life and independence to the fledgling institution. George Munro endowed Dalhousie chairs in physics, history, political economy, English literature, and philosophy.

The man who published romances, light fiction and an inexpensive story paper called “The Fireside Companion” recognized the power of education.

George Munro’s legacy is a reminder that individual contributions to education, even those seemingly small, generate positive outcomes for society.

Katie Haigh: Leading and Leaning on Others

 

Katie Haigh MPA(M) Class of 2020
(Photo Credit: Danny Abriel )

Posted by Kim Humes on October 26, 2020

Republished from School of Public Administration

When Katie Haigh graduated from the Commerce program in 2006, it was a big deal for her entire family.

“I am a first-generation university graduate in my immediate family. I owe my love of learning to my parents. They wanted me to go to university to have opportunities they did not.” Now she’s earned her second degree—a Master of Public Administration (Management).

Katie wasn’t sure she had what it took to get one degree, let alone two. “My marks were not the best when I finished my undergraduate degree,” she explains. “I never considered myself master’s program material, but I wanted to move up in my career. A few terms of upgrading later, I was accepted, and here we are today!”

She was challenged from the first assignment of her very first class, MGMT 5135 (Managerial Economics). She was nervous, having failed her first attempt at economics during her undergraduate studies and “scraped through the second time.” She found herself in tears over a question that was worth one point. Confiding in her professor and leaning on her classmates led her to a final mark of A+. “Knowing that my classmates were also struggling was so reaffirming. It really is the people that make this program and I am so proud to share this moment with them.”

Katie credits the encouragement and guidance of colleagues in the Faculty of Management for her decision to pursue the MPA(M), and their much-needed support throughout her studies. She completed her degree while working full-time as an academic advisor in the Management Undergraduate Advising Office where she helps Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) and Bachelor of Management students choose courses and navigate other academic matters. At peak times, advisors can communicate with hundreds of students in a day, but Katie is up for the challenge. As Margie Muise (BMgmt program administrator) explains, “Katie’s students are always her top priority. Her commitment to them is unwavering and an example for others to follow.”

Not only did Katie complete graduate school as a full-time employee, she did it while raising children. She gave birth to her second daughter two years ago, in the middle of her studies. Around the same time, her father-in-law became ill and moved in with her household so that they could help with his rehabilitation. Sometimes staying focused on graduating was a challenge. As with her first class, she found strength in her connections. “Start by assembling your support team. For me it was my husband, daughter and parents. They are the reason I had the time to complete assignments, and they acted as sounding boards.” Her husband completed his Bachelor of Education in May, so evenings and weekends were often spent in joint homework sessions.

Florence Tarrant (director of undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Management) says, “As a student, Katie demonstrated that grad school is not only a learning opportunity, but a path to personal growth and change.” Katie wanted to be a guidance counsellor or teacher growing up, and finds her current position is pretty close. “I’m just missing the summers off!” she jokes. For her next challenge, she hopes to move into senior administration and become a lecturer. She wants to share her love of learning and knowledge and hopes her enthusiasm for education translates to teaching.

Her advice for parents who wish to pursue higher education: “Just start it. Don’t wait for a ‘perfect’ moment or when you will have more time because that does not exist. The time you spend away from your kids will show them how important education is. It also shows them that hard work pays off.”

Robert Wooden: The Pace of Change in the Workplace

Robert Wooden, Director, Management Career Services

“Many students expect to advance their career rapidly and expect many role changes. Our students’ ability to continue to learn, their health and resiliency will all greatly contribute to their success and the success of the organizations that recruit them.” Robert Wooden, Director of the Faculty of Management’s Management Career Services

“Are we really preparing business students for the future workforce?”

Six team members from Dalhousie University’s co-op offices joined other co-op and career services practitioners from across Canada with employers focused on student and early talent recruitment for two days of learning and engagement in early December for the 2020 edition of the Future Workforce Conference. Sessions included the Gen Z Mindset, EDI in Recruitment, Game Based Assessment Tools, and Virtual Education Programs to Equip Future Talent and much more.

Robert Wooden, Director of the Faculty of Management’s Management Career Services unit was one of Dalhousie’s attendees and returned as a repeat presenter, having presented last year on the topic “Growing Your On Campus Brand”. This year Robert joined reps from McMaster University, BMO Bank of Montreal, and KPMG to discuss the topic “Are We Really Preparing Business Students for the Future Workforce?”

 

The session dialogue was rich, questions many and varied all while the panel members engaged with the audience to answer chat questions in real time over the 60 minutes. The dialogue included examination of the need of hard skills and soft skills as well as the ability for today’s graduates to be prepared and want to continue to learn throughout their entire career.

Employers interested in seriously tapping into this talent must be mindful of such considerations as socioeconomic issues, inclusion & diversity, mental health, as well as adaptability and agility. Closing remarks included a resounding “yes” from all four panelists that business schools are preparing students for the future workforce however the pace in which we need to make these preparations are changing.

Many students expect to advance their career rapidly and expect many role changes. Our students’ ability to continue to learn, their health and resiliency will all greatly contribute to their success and the success of the organizations that recruit them.

Robert and the Employer Development Team at Dalhousie’s Management Career Services is pleased to connect with new employers and Dalhousie FoM alumni alike to discuss how they can recruit talented students from business programs with the Faculty of Management for co-op, internship and post-grad opportunities.

Celebrating Robert Burns Day

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
 
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne”.

Robert Burns, (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796)

 

Burns Monument Alloway, South Ayrshire, Scotland

Robert Burns message “Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?” remains ever relevant in a world where friendships have taken on a global perspective.  His words, traveling across the centuries, are a call to action.  On this Robert Burns Day 2021, let us celebrate and remember the importance of friendship and camaraderie.

Friday Reflection

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

Wendell Berry, The Selected Poems of Wendell Berry

 

Terry Lampropoulos: Becoming A Better Teacher

 “I can say with confidence that the Dal MBA helped me progress in my career while I was a student, but it did something else – it helped me become a better teacher.”

Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019

Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019

 

Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges.  Terry Lampropoulos crossed the stage in October 2019 to receive his degree, signifying the completion of a robust academic journey.  In a virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Terry shared his insights on how his years of study influenced his direction going forward.

Terry Lampropoulos:

The feeling that I had when I graduated from Dalhousie with my MBA (FS) is something that was truly surreal.  I felt happy, nostalgic, grateful, and, honestly, weird because I now had something known as “free time.” I reflected upon what I had learned during my journey to my MBA and I thought back to all the wonderful courses and professors who I had the privilege from which to learn.  With a background in sciences,  learning about topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and international business was a humbling but very worthwhile experience because I, like many of the alumni finishing MBAs, work in the banking industry.  I can say with confidence that the Dal MBA helped me progress in my career while I was a student, but it did something else – it helped me become a better teacher.

In addition to working in the financial industry, I am also the Coordinator and Instructor at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario for their Risk Management program.   I started teaching at Seneca in January 2015, but it has become an absolute passion for me.  Seeing my students complete their studies on a part-time basis (something I can definitely related too!) but also excel in the classroom and in their careers is something that brings me unbridled joy.  My time as a teacher, however, did not start smoothly.  I had just started my MBA studies when I started teaching and my style was, well, rudimentary.  Considering all this, I realized that my time as an MBA student was going to give me insights on how to control a classroom, communicate with students using an online platform, build knowledge through discussion, and ensure that my students were engaged in, not only the theoretical material being taught in the textbooks, but also in the real world.

Seeing my professors navigate course material with case information was a dream.  Observing the teaching styles of Dr. Carolan McLarney, Dr. James Barker, and Dr. Greg Hebb (I do not intend to miss names, so I apologize) showed me that being myself in a classroom was the easiest way to get students to engage.  I would like to say that I know a thing-or-two about risk but listening to my students, the way my professors at Dal did, is something that cannot be forgotten.  I felt that I developed a rapport with my professors while I went through my Dal journey and now I hope to do the same with my students.  Every time I am in the classroom, I aim to inject knowledge, humor, but, most importantly,  create   connections.   It is these connections that resonated with me at Dal and I hope to do the same with my students at Seneca.

 

 

CEGE Connection Archives: November 26, 2019

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