Five questions with student leader Rudy Ambrosio

Goodman School of Business student Rudy Ambrosio

BBA student Rudy Ambrosio was the moderator for this year's Goodman Distinguished Leader event honouring Cave Spring Cellars co-founder Len Pennachetti.

Why did you decide to study at the Goodman School of Business?

Looking back at grade 12, I was not too sure at the time as to what university I wanted to attend.  I was torn between Brock University and the University of Guelph. After doing research on both programs, I soon realized that the Goodman School of Business was more aligned with my goals and what I value. The Goodman School of Business fosters innovative, articulate and ethical citizens for the global business environment. I can say with confidence that since then I have been able to grow and reach certain goals while studying at Goodman. I have been presented with many opportunities that have enhanced my undergraduate experience and have allowed me to substantially grow my professional network. I encourage each and every one of you to get involved with a student club or event at Goodman. There is an abundance of resources that the school has to offer in regards to building and enhancing one’s professional skills. I am confident that when I graduate I will have both the professional and technical skills to excel in any organization because of the Goodman School of Business.

You are a finance student, serving as the Vice President of Marketing, for Brock Human Resource Management Association (HRMA).  Why is it important to diversify your business background?

Having a diversified business background has enhanced both my educational and work experience. I am able to apply classroom theories to everyday applications in my role as VP Marketing. Classroom concepts learned in both marketing and human resources have helped me implement strategies to enhance student awareness. Having a financial background has helped me understand the importance of other functions within an organization. Being able to align a financial mindset with both human resources and marketing concepts can enhance the cohesiveness within organizations. Much of my success has come from my diversified background as I am able to relate to many different situations that pertain to a specific discipline. Having a diversified background has truly given me a competitive advantage in both a professional and classroom setting.

[Editor’s note: Rudy was also recently selected as the BSA president for 2015-2016]

As a non-co-op student, what tips would you give to other students who want to make their resume stand out?

I would first direct him or her to the Goodman Career Development Office where you can find an abundance of resources on resume tips and tricks. Even before that, you can log into CareerZone where sample resumes can be found under the Goodman Career tab. This is a great starting point that has everything you should use when searching for a co-op placement or internship. After comparing your resume to a sample resume, you can also book an appointment with Goodman Career Development Office for feedback. In order for a resume to stand out it must be clear, concise and visually appealing. From a technical point of view, you should focus on keywords that relate to the position you are applying to.  Leveraging a unique skill such as time-management, leadership, or communication is a great way to enhance a resume. Being able to align your unique skills with a position’s responsibilities and roles will surely make a resume stand out.

This year, you had the honour of moderating the panel of our Distinguished Leader event.  What did you find most interesting about Len Pennachetti’s journey?

Len Pennachetti is one of the most inspiring businessmen I have ever met. His will to continuously improve and grow Cave Spring Cellars winery is a testament to hard work and dedication. Throughout his journey, Mr. Pennachetti encountered many hurdles: one of them being a business venture that hurt him financially. A point he made that has stuck with me ever since was how he took this situation and turned it into a learning experience.  He did not consider the business venture a loss, but an opportunity to learn as an entrepreneur. We are all going to make mistakes throughout our educational and professional career but one cannot learn without making mistakes. Mr. Pennachetti is a perfect example of how one can go about turning a passion into a successful business venture.

What has been the most memorable moment at Goodman?

JDC Central 2015! It was the Saturday night gala and my team got called to the podium after finishing 3rd overall among 14 other universities in the HR discipline. I still watch the video of our school’s name being called. It was a life-changing moment that redefined my experience at the Goodman School of Business.

For those who are unaware, JDC Central is a case competition that is recognized all across Canada where 14 other universities compete in different academic disciplines with the overall goal of winning school of the year. It was the most memorable moment for me at Goodman and I would highly recommend any business student to apply to this prestigious competition. The preparation that was put in by my team improved my soft skills and PowerPoint capabilities tenfold. It was an experience of a lifetime and I will be applying for JDC Central 2016.

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