“My undergraduate career was filled with opportunities to lead, which played a significant role in shaping who I am today.”
– Chin Tang Marcus Leung, Co-op Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Graduate, University of Toronto Scarborough
Congratulations to Marcus, our Management and Economics Student of the Year 2022!
How would you describe the learning community at U of T Scarborough?
Our campus is a friendly and supportive place where faculty members are approachable and willing to share their research and experiences with students. I have always enjoyed talking about research that professors are exploring, and those conversations often gave me insights into the newest developments in academia. I’ve taken on multiple teaching assistant portfolios while earning my Co-op Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). In addition, being active in student clubs provides industry knowledge and mentorship opportunities for students to network and learn from our peers. The collaborative environment encourages personal and academic growth, which is key.
What are your career aspirations and how will you leverage your degree to achieve them?
Working in the financial services industry has always been my goal, and my undergraduate journey has equipped me with both the academic and practical skills needed to succeed. During my degree studies I completed a co-op work term at Goldman Sachs and prior to that with Fidelity Investments. From public speaking to equity trading, I acquired a range of knowledge that has better prepared me to elevate my career. The supportive U of T Scarborough faculty and staff provide invaluable advice on how to plan for the opportunities ahead, and I feel confident to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Why should a graduating high-school student pursue their BBA from U of T Scarborough?
The Management Co-op program and student clubs, hands down. Job searching helped me understand my strengths and identify areas for improvement. Management clubs provided a supportive environment to learn and explore, allowing me to develop skills and realize my potential.
What are you most proud of when you reflect upon your experience at U of T?
When I started university, I had a general idea of what I wanted to do after graduation, but no clear plan on how to get there. My naturally shy personality made things even more challenging. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown and how different of a person I am today. I’m extremely grateful for three people who have been instrumental in my undergraduate journey: Professor Syed Ahmed, Professor Yoshio Nozawa, and my co-op advisor Tracey Klinkhammer. These individuals provided me with guidance, advice, and support throughout my academic journey. They were not only great teachers academically, but also professionally. They gave me valuable advice when I needed it the most.
The tagline of the Management program is Experience to Lead. What does that mean to you?
My undergraduate career was filled with opportunities to lead, which played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Each leadership position taught me a unique set of skills, from technical to communication. The Management community is like a microcosm of society, and these experiences have prepared me well. Honestly, I’m very proud of how far I’ve come.
