Promising Careers in Financial Management – 3 different paths among many

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Jana Akdeh, Elijah Jean Claude and Biswajit Nath, 2018 graduates of Business Administration: Financial Services and Insurance Technology

When Jana Akdeh, Elijah Jean Claude and Biswajit Nath, registered for a new program at Vanier College, they all knew they were interested in business. Now graduated from the Financial Services and Insurance Technology Program, they are very happy with the result. It has taken them exactly where they want to go. Jana is already working at TD Canada Trust as a teller while pursuing an Accounting Major at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. Elijah is working full time with Desjardins Card Services, which is a Division of Customer Services and the Collections Department, while Biswajit is a TD Insurance broker.

The Financial Services and Insurance Technology Program is one of the offerings in the Business Administration program at Vanier that prepares students to work a variety of positions in financial services management and insurance as administrators and clerks, credit officers, claims examiners, and insurance adjusters, underwriters, agents and brokers.

Exploring before finding the right fit

Biswajit first started out in Computer Science Technology because he like computers, but soon realized he did not want to spend hours at a computer doing programming and coding. "I liked people and I wanted to work with people. So in 2015, I switched to Business Administration. In the first year of the program, everyone takes courses in Marketing, Accounting and Insurance and Financial Services, then you decide on your specialization. For me it was Financial Services and Insurance. And within that program we had several courses on insurance so I understood very soon I was most interested in a career in insurance. I was so well prepared in my program that I wrote my exams for the AMF (Autorité des marches financiers) within a few months of graduating."

Making a transition from French schools to an English CEGEP

As for Elijah who always attended French schools, he came to Vanier to improve his English, which is essential for business. "I started in Marketing but I knew I wanted to work in finance and in banks. There was Accounting but that was not what I wanted. Then we had some insurance and finance courses, and I saw that was the place for me. In my current job at Desjardins, I call clients who have late payments on their credit cards and help them get back on track financially. I hear many different stories, like the single mother with a child or the guy who was very successful then lost everything. Empathy is very important in my work - you have to care about people. We learn in class that we must connect with clients."

Jana also came from a French school to improve her English at Vanier and started in Accounting before discovering Financial Services and Insurance and switching. "I always knew I liked business and although I was good in science in high school, I also knew I wanted to work with people," she says. "As a teller at TD I can advise clients on various services or financial possibilities open to them – like Tax free Savings Accounts or RSPs. During your three-year program at Vanier, you get a depth of education and come out of it with knowledge and maturity. Whether you want to go straight to work or to university, you are well prepared."

"Business touches on so much in society. It feels closer to real life," adds Biswajit. "Yes," says Elijah. "In fact I think there are classes that everyone should attend no matter what their program is. They contain useful information for all people."

The value of a 3-year program

One thing they all agree on is that sometimes people hesitate about a three-year technical versus a two-year pre-university program, but the extra year allows you to learn more and make sure you are in the right program. It is less expensive to figure out what you really want to do while you are in CEGEP where tuition is free than once you get to university where tuition is $3000 a semester or more.

Advice on choosing a CEGEP

Elijah says students should select a CEGEP that will help them grow. "There are different places with different services but it is important to learn in a good environment. Above all, you should go with your passion. Don't choose something because someone told you to. Select a program that will help you grow."

Biswajit says, "Don't be scared if you are changing program, take your time. See what is interesting to you. I liked computers but it was not the program for me. Eventually you will find something you love."

Jana's advice is to do a lot of research and ask questions. "Meet the teachers at Open House but then go with your passion. Do the things that really make you happy. Don't choose something just for the money."

Dreams for the future

Jana, Elijah and Biswajit each want to have their own business in the future. Jana wants to pursue her studies to become a CPA but then would like to start her own business. She recounts a class project where they had to invent an app then analyze the financial aspect of business. They went through the process of setting up a business so they feel confident that when the time comes, they have been very well prepared and will be able to start their own business.

What did Vanier offer?

All three state that Vanier offers a lot of activities to help make school less stressful such Welcome-back day and Universal Break activities. And, they love the Learning Commons and library, which makes studying pleasant. Above all, Vanier is a place where they have made lasting friendships both with fellow students and with teachers. "Vanier and the Insurance and Financial Services program confirmed what I wanted to do and reinforced me in my chosen path," says Elijah. Jana says, "Vanier is part of my identity now and will be a part of me forever!"