Katie Haigh is an Undergraduate Academic Advising Officer in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie. Katie graduated from the Bachelor of Commerce program in 2006 and most recently from Dalhousie with a Master of Public Administration. Katie has been working at Dalhousie for almost twenty years and has been a part of the Undergraduate Advising Office for fourteen. Her goal with all her advisees is to make them feel welcome, heard and to help them discover their best path forward.

Q: What was the most important lesson you learned from a professor during your time at Dalhousie?

A: I struggled with quantitative classes- calculus for business, Accounting, Finance 1 and 2 and Economics. The most important lesson I learned from a professor was to keep trying, to keep practicing and eventually it will start to click. I went through countless practice problems, tutorials and office hours to get through those classes but it paid off. When I began my Masters, my first course was a Managerial Economics course. I went in thinking I may be a master’s student for only one term as I struggled so much with the material in my undergrad. Throughout my experiences I learned how to keep going, to keep practicing, and I was able to secure an A+ in the course. Practice really does make perfect.

Q: What was your favourite class in the Commerce program and why?

A: I loved COMM 4315- International and Intercultural Management. It helped shape my world view and to understand my own bias and communication preferences in an intercultural context. That knowledge has been instrumental throughout my career and personal life. The knowledge gained has allowed for enriched experiences working with students, staff and personal interactions from all walks of life.

Q: Any advice for students in Commerce that are unclear on what major/career path is best for them?

A: Talk to your Professors, Academic Advisors, MCS, and your peers… Talk to everyone!! I came to Dalhousie with the goal of becoming a Foreign Affairs Professional. After two co-ops with the Federal Government and one with the University, I realized my true passion was in education and assisting people achieve their academic goals. It was clear to the people around me that I had found my path, but it was through my conversations that I was able to make that passion a career. For the record, there is no better feeling than seeing people achieve their goals especially academic goals.

Q: What do you think the Commerce program at Dalhousie will look like in 100 years?

A: Over the next 100 years, I believe that education will remain a lifelong process with starts and stops that are expected in society. You can take a few years of the program and take time to pursue career opportunities, then pivot and try something ne