Peer Perspectives: How to Thrive This School Year
Written by Sarah Di Iorio
As the days grow shorter, the weather gets cooler, and the leaves start to turn, a new part of the year begins: Back to School. For some of us, September can be exciting. We see it as a fresh start, and we are open to the opportunity to learn and grow intellectually. For others, the beginning of September is a reminder of all the early lectures, heavy readings, and intense exam seasons that await us. Maybe it is a mix of both for you: you’re enthusiastic to start a new year while also recognizing how busy life can get once that first day commences. However, whether it is your first year at Schulich, your last, or somewhere in between, and whether you feel stressed, optimistic, or a combination of the two, we want to ensure you start your year on the right foot. Compiled below are various messages and tidbits from past and current Schulich students offering their advice and insights to students whose positions they were just in. We hope reading the encouraging words of your fellow peers will motivate you to take charge and excel in the upcoming school year!
To all the First Years:
“As a first-year, things might get tough but time management is key! Balancing your coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal life is crucial. Use a planner or digital tools to stay organized and meet deadlines. Additionally build strong relationships: connect with professors, peers, and industry professionals to network and gain valuable insights. Join business clubs like Insider Media and attend networking events on campus. Don't neglect your physical and mental well-being. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, get enough rest, and seek support if needed from counseling services or student resources. Good luck to all the first years. There is an exciting and fun journey ahead of you!”
~ Saraf Sobhan, 2026 Graduate
“Throughout my first year, I struggled a lot with time management. Transitioning from high school to university can be difficult, and my biggest advice to first years would be to develop a study plan to gradually learn content, as well as forming study groups to alleviate pressure. Although it can be difficult to stay diligent, it will prepare you in the long-term with understanding content and avoiding course overload. Additionally, I would advise first years to put themselves out there and make the most of their opportunities; whether it's engaging with peers, joining clubs, or networking. Don’t stress too much and remember first year is all about finding your momentum and figuring out what works for you!”
~ Rumaysa Yousuf, 2026 Graduate
To all the Second Years:
“As someone who did not know what they wanted to go into coming into Schulich, second year was an intimidating year as it would be the last year with so many mandatory courses. At the end of the year, I would have to decide what direction and specialization I wanted to pursue next year or if I wanted to specialize at all. I also felt overwhelmed and behind not landing an internship during the summer between my second and third year. To all the second years, know it is okay not to know what you want to specialize in, and it is also okay to not have an internship over the summer. If you can land one, that's awesome, and undoubtedly, you'll learn so much. However, it isn't the end of the world if you don't. Keep an open mind, and find something that adds value to your summer, whether it is an internship, part-time job, online courses, or travelling!”
~ Emily Xu, 2025 Graduate
“Congrats on making it through the first year! As you enter your second year, keep in mind to not limit or box yourself in. Feel free to pursue a variety of interests. Be confident in your path and pace because everyone has a different one. Remember that upper years are always here for help in whatever you do!”
~ Delina Taye, 2025 Graduate
To all the Third Years:
“My biggest struggle in my third year had to do with making key decisions about my future. Third year gives you the chance to finally explore areas of business you are most interested in. However, this new freedom to choose my courses left me feeling as though I needed to know exactly what I wanted to do and how I wanted to lay out my future. To all the third years, I would say to not panic if you don’t know exactly what area of business you’re most interested in or see yourself in in the future. Figuring out what most interests you is not easy, and can often feel overwhelming at times. I would say to just keep an open mind to all areas, continue to develop your skills and business knowledge, and trust that you will find the path that is meant for you!
I would also say to all the third years that it is important to take time for yourself. Third year can be a busy year, but it is important that you do not sacrifice much-needed time to relax and spend time with friends. Try to find that balance in your school and personal life.”
~ Sarah Di Iorio, 2024 Graduate
To all the Fourth Years:
“As a fourth year student at Schulich, my best advice would be to enjoy school as much as you can and don’t stress too much about the future. You’ve worked so hard throughout your first three years of school that you should take a step back and congratulate yourself for what you have done. Spend time with friends, go out to student life events, and be involved with the Schulich community. Before you know it, school will be over and you will never see the same people in one building together ever again, so enjoy it and make some great memories while you can :)
I think the best thing I’ve done at Schulich is getting a mentor. At the end of my second year, I was very interested in pursuing a career at CPG. I was struggling to land any internship, I was quite lost, and lacked a lot of confidence. Fortunately, I landed an internship at a startup in the summer after my second year and I gained a lot of skills, however my confidence was still lacking because I was unsure if big-name employers would recognize startups. At the beginning of my third year, I signed up for YMA’s Ruby mentorship program and was paired with Mark Robinson, an upper-year student who works at Labatt. Working with Mark was a career changing move. He gave me so much confidence and got me equipped for CPG interviews. Because of Mark, I landed P&G and Mars Wrigley, and I look to give back the favour by mentoring younger students who are looking to be part of CPG.”
~ Shayan Mesbahi, 2023 Graduate
“Being involved at Schulich was the biggest highlight for me throughout my 4 years but definitely during my last. The friends you make and the memories you share are the things you are going to keep with you as everyone starts a new chapter in their lives. Something I would have done differently is to spend some more time on campus and enjoy the environment - whether it be while studying, working or hanging out with friends. Nothing beats hanging out with friends in the basement trying to get work done.”
~ Emeka Balakumar, 2023 Graduate
To all Schulich Students:
And there you have it! No matter what year you are entering here at Schulich, we hope the advice from people previously in the position you are currently in left you feeling more prepared and excited to tackle the new school year. To all our fellow Schulich students, best of luck in the 2023-2024 academic year!