YouAlberta
It feels like yesterday that I began my first semester at the U of A. I was meticulously enrolling in introductory economics and business classes while ensuring I had enough time to walk all the way across campus between lectures. Good old days, I must say.
Back in 2021, I packed my bags in New Delhi and embarked on a 7-day journey to make it to the U of A. While people around the world were cautiously leaving their homes, I was cruising through international airports, excited to see the university I would soon call my home. Four years later, I am packing my bags, again, to move across the ocean.
Ever wondered what it feels like to start all over? How does it feel to move cities and countries once again? Is it exciting or nerve-wracking? Below, I share my plans to relocate across the globe, yet again. Whatever it is, perhaps I’ve started enjoying this feeling.
What are my plans post-graduation?
After graduating this summer, while on an exchange at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), I will be moving to Oslo, Norway, where I’m excited to begin my early career as a corporate finance analyst at DNV. Famously known as one of the major risk management & certification companies in the Nordic region, DNV has great programs for new graduates and I’m looking forward to beginning my journey at the firm.
What led me to this opportunity?
It’s quite a story! Last fall, I had the amazing opportunity to represent the Alberta School of Business (ASB) at the NHH International Case Competition (NHHICC) in Bergen, Norway along with my friends Lavansh, Marlow and Omer. While competing against some of the best business schools in the world, we were proud to make it to the finals and ended up as runners-up — an achievement we’re all very proud of!
As a result of our performance, I was able to get in touch with the chief financial officer (CFO) of DNV, who was also one of the judges in the grand finale. After returning to Edmonton, I remember walking to campus one day while looking for my ONECard in my wallet. While searching, I found the DNV CFO’s business card from Norway.
My initial thought was “Don’t do it! Even if it works out, there’s no way you’re moving across the globe.”
A few weeks later, I had the biggest opportunity of my life knock right at my door – an offer to move to Europe for work! And the rest is history…
Big thanks to the ASB and my friends
I believe the ASB’s exciting culture of case competitions and emphasis on developing leadership skills played a huge role in me not only competing in Bergen but also leaving with the best possible outcome one could have ever imagined – securing a job post-graduation, all the way across the globe in Europe!
While competing in various business competitions at the U of A, I never thought of it as a step towards securing an internship or a full-time job. I competed because I enjoyed it! I had fun building elegant slide decks with my friends and taking on the stage to present our recommendations to an audience. It was a perfect mix of learning and fun. The ASB does an incredible job of providing students with work-integrated learning opportunities outside of the classroom through career treks, case competitions and much more.
Looking back, when I connect the dots, I recall competing in my first-ever case competition at the ASB in fall of 2020, while taking BUS 201, formerly titled “Introduction to Canadian Business,” with Dr. Richard Field. Interestingly enough, the case study for that competition was based on a Norwegian company. 5 years later, I’m moving to Norway. It still feels surreal and I’m thankful for the great opportunities the ASB has presented to me.
What am I most excited about for this opportunity?
I’m quite thrilled to begin a new chapter of my life in Norway. By now, I have lived in over 15 cities in two different countries – India and Canada – and have taken every opportunity to explore a new culture and make new friends. I’m excited to learn new things, develop new perspectives on life and skills to overcome challenges – and of course, improve my fundamentals in global trade and finance while working in Oslo.
My advice to current and future students…
Explore the amazing opportunities you have at your disposal as a student at the U of A. Get involved in student clubs, compete in hackathons and business competitions, attend networking events and enjoy the journey. Opportunities lie everywhere. No email or gesture is small enough to not make a difference. You’d be surprised how far a kind “thank you” email can take you in life.
In my case, it is taking me 6,457 km away to a new land of opportunities in Oslo.
Still hesitant to send that email? I wouldn’t think twice!