Goodman School of Business student Alyssa Waldes was the President of the Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) for the 2014/2015 academic year.
We just heard the great news that you have been selected to be one of 20 international students who will be taking part in the International Business Student Week at the Stockholm Business School. Congratulations! Can you tell us more about what you are going to do in Sweden?
Thank you! I will be heading to Stockholm Business School in May to learn “Business like a Swede.” The intention of the project is to broaden international networks and create an interest for the culture and business environment of Sweden. IKEA is the main corporate partner so we will be visiting their headquarters to learn about their business strategy, observe how the Swedish culture is reflected in the IKEA work environment, and have the opportunity to ask questions. In addition, we will be completing business simulations from other international companies, interacting with guest speakers, networking and, of course, exploring!
You were completing your BBA in Marketing but have changed your concentration since beginning your term as president of Brock’s Human Resource Management Association. What made you change your concentration since being involved with the HRMA?
Since I started university, I thought I wanted to get into marketing; it seemed like the choice for me. I had an interest in human resources, but I didn’t think it suited me for a career. I was involved in BUMA (Brock U Marketing Association) previously, but by a string of events I came into the position as the President of the HRMA. Since my term, I have been immersed in HR and have learned more about the depth of the range of careers and opportunities that are available going into this sector of business – beyond what I learned in the classroom. I truly enjoy it! Now I have decided to have no concentration so I can learn more about both marketing and HR by taking various courses within the program.
Who has been your most influential professor or mentor at Goodman?
I have to choose one? There are so many people who have influenced my life at the Goodman School of Business. If I have to choose a mentor, it would be the students – my peers, my classmates, my friends. I have learned so much from fellow students at Goodman, and it is such an honour to share this experience with them. Whether it is in the classroom, the hallway, at a competition, or in the BSA office, there is such a large support system at this school and they are always encouraging you to succeed. We learn from each other’s experiences and pathways, and have a lot of laughs along the way!
You have a busy life with school, volunteer work, a part-time job and your involvement in student clubs. What do you do to de-stress?
I would like to say a trendy, creative answer, but being honest, I would have to say my biggest stress reliever is sleep! Often as busy students, we forget the importance of a good night’s sleep (or afternoon nap). Sometimes that is all you need to gain a fresh perspective and stay motivated. I also really enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and enjoying everything the Niagara region has to offer. There are beautiful trails around Brock which make for relaxing hikes and walks home from school.
What is your secret to making the most of your time at Goodman?
We all say “get involved,” and that is very true. I owe my greatest experiences in university to getting involved in student clubs and competitions. But the source of that motivation came from making the decision to challenge myself, to do things I never thought I could do. It started in my second year going to China with the Spoken English Promotion Project, stepping completely out of my comfort zone, to competing in multiple competitions (and finally placing!), to running a student organization. When I started university, I was just happy to be accepted! Then I realized that university is much more than just lectures and Netflix. It is the opportunity to push yourself, to fail and get back up and try again (and again), and to learn who you are. There are so many opportunities to try something new at Goodman and challenge yourself. It is not easy; sometimes it can be pretty scary, but I have grown so much thanks to the Goodman School and the opportunities I have worked towards. I have had some of the greatest times of my life at Goodman, and I am so thankful to have this opportunity!
