Undergraduate Areas of Focus

This video explains accounting as the “language of business” and emphasizes the key skills needed, such as financial statement analysis, problem-solving, and communication. It covers recommended electives, the learning outcomes for accounting students, and the value of extracurricular activities like the DeGroote Accounting Association and case competitions. Additionally, it outlines the steps to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) through DeGroote’s PREP courses for the CPA Professional Education Program.

This video explores various career paths in accounting, including opportunities in public accounting, private sectors, consulting, and emerging roles like forensic and cyber security accountants. It covers the key skills employers seek, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and proficiency with accounting software. Additionally, the video highlights post-graduate opportunities, professional designations like CPA, and industry partnerships at DeGroote for networking and career development.

This video provides an in-depth overview of the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, emphasizing its role as a leading business certification in Canada. It outlines the pathway to becoming a CPA, including the necessary courses and skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership, that are highly valued by employers. Additionally, the video discusses the importance of extracurricular activities, industry connections, and professional development opportunities, such as the CPA Ontario ambassador program, in enhancing career prospects and gaining real-world experience in accounting.

This video highlights an accounting intern’s experience, detailing key responsibilities such as budgeting, financial statement preparation, and assisting with internal audits. The intern shares how the role aligned with their academic focus, applying skills in financial reporting, attention to detail, and time management, while also emphasizing the importance of developing Excel skills and staying informed on industry advancements. Advice is given to students pursuing accounting, stressing the value of networking, maintaining a strong academic record, and persevering through challenges to secure future opportunities.

In this video, a student leader discusses how their club supports the growth and development of members in their area of focus. The video covers the club’s role in providing opportunities like workshops, networking events, and hands-on experiences to help students build both technical and soft skills. It also highlights how being involved in such a club can open doors to career opportunities, internships, and valuable industry connections.

This overview of finance explores the key aspects of corporate finance and investment management, emphasizing decision-making, risk assessment, and stakeholder impact. It highlights recommended electives for students based on their interests, the importance of quantitative and critical thinking skills, and the role of extracurriculars like the DFIC in providing practical experience. The video also discusses the CFA certification, which is a gold standard in the industry, and how DeGroote’s finance curriculum prepares students for this prestigious designation.

This video explores career opportunities in finance, emphasizing roles in banking, capital markets, corporate finance, and emerging fields like FinTech and cybersecurity. It highlights key skills sought by employers, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. The video also covers post-graduate opportunities, industry partnerships, and resources at DeGroote to help students connect with employers and develop their careers.

This video introduces the Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) designation, a certification offered by FP Canada that equips professionals to offer holistic financial planning advice. It highlights how the QAFP enhances career credibility, builds technical and professional competence, and emphasizes key skills like problem-solving and navigating difficult financial conversations with clients. The video also explains how the QAFP serves as a valuable steppingstone toward the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, helping to establish credibility and confidence early in a financial planning career.

In this video, a fifth-year Finance student and former President of the DeGroote Finance & Investment Council (DFIC) shares insights on how the club provides unique opportunities for students interested in finance careers. From managing a $100,000 investment fund to hosting industry events and networking opportunities, DFIC offers hands-on learning and professional connections. Watch to learn how joining DFIC can help develop your skills, build your network, and launch your finance career.

A recent graduate of the Commerce program at McMaster, shares his internship experience as a Fund Accountant Intern at Harvest ETFs. He discusses how the role allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in finance and portfolio management while developing essential skills like problem-solving and financial modeling. Christian also offers advice to future students looking to pursue internships in the field, emphasizing the importance of passion, continuous learning, and networking.

This video highlights key HR skills such as recruitment, training, leadership, and compensation, while emphasizing the importance of data analytics and evidence-based practices. The video also explores recommended electives, extracurricular opportunities, and the path to earning the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

This video explores various career paths in Human Resources (HR), highlighting roles such as HR advisor, recruiter, benefits manager, and HR analyst. It also discusses the top skills employers seek, including communication, analytical thinking, and technical proficiency, as well as post-graduate opportunities in HR. Additionally, the video covers professional HR designations, emerging career fields, and DeGroote’s strong industry connections that provide students with networking and experiential learning opportunities.

In this video, a CHRP representative discusses the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, its requirements, and how it complements a student’s academic major and career growth. Learn about the necessary coursework, exams, and the Job Ready Program required to obtain the CHRP, as well as the valuable skills and competencies gained through the certification. Discover how the CHRP designation aligns with current trends in HR and the opportunities for networking, professional development, and career advancement it offers.

In this video, a fifth-year Honours Commerce student shares their experience completing a 13-month HR internship at Celestica. They discuss how the internship allowed them to apply classroom knowledge in recruitment, talent development, and employee engagement, while gaining exposure to emerging HR technologies such as Power BI and people analytics. Their advice for students pursuing a career in HR includes leveraging resources like LinkedIn Learning, networking with professors, exploring various HR courses, and familiarizing themselves with industry technologies to build a strong portfolio.

The Information Systems (IS) area is introduced as a blend of technology, business, and management, focusing on the successful integration and implementation of advanced technologies in organizations. Students in the IS focus will develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and technical expertise through hands-on activities, case studies, and guest speakers from industry. The focus area also offers extracurricular opportunities like case competitions, internships, and the Business Technology Management (BTM) certificate, which combines business and technical knowledge to enhance job prospects in the field of information systems.

This video outlines career opportunities in information systems, focusing on roles like data analytics, technology consulting, and project management. Employers seek technical skills such as proficiency in tools like Power BI and Excel, as well as problem-solving and coding abilities. DeGroote offers industry partnerships and networking events to help students connect with employers and explore emerging fields like AI, cyber security, and cloud computing.

A fourth-year student specializing in accounting and information systems discusses their role as Co-chair of the DeGroote Analytical Insights Committee (DAIC). They highlight how information systems are integral to data analysis across industries and stress the importance of experiential learning opportunities to enhance skills like data analysis, communication, and teamwork. The video also covers industry events, including workshops and a case competition, as well as success stories of members who have gone on to take on leadership roles within the DeGroote community.

Marketing is more than just selling products; it’s about creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers through understanding their needs and building long-lasting relationships. At DeGroote, students gain hands-on experience by working on real industry projects, participating in case challenges, and collaborating with companies like Canadian Tire and PepsiCo. With opportunities for creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, the marketing focus equips students with the skills needed for roles in brand management, digital marketing, advertising, and more.

A career in marketing focuses on creating and delivering value to customers through various functions like market research, advertising, digital marketing, and brand management. Graduates can pursue roles in market analytics, social media, brand marketing, or emerging fields like AI marketing and influencer marketing. DeGroote’s strong industry connections provide students with opportunities for networking and professional development, helping them prepare for post-graduation roles in top marketing positions.

The internship experience involved a 16-month role as a marketing coordinator at a tech company, where responsibilities included managing marketing material localization, leading a UI/UX redesign, and developing content marketing strategies. The role closely aligned with studies in marketing, especially business-to-business marketing, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and understanding others. The exposure to emerging technologies, particularly AI, helped develop skills in digital marketing and UI/UX design, which continued to shape the career trajectory.

A third-year student in the Honors Bachelor of Commerce Program, focusing on marketing and information systems, is also a member of the DeGroote Marketing Association (DMA). The DMA provides hands-on experiential learning through events like workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities, helping students apply marketing concepts in real-world settings. The club plays a vital role in preparing students for their careers by offering valuable industry connections and opportunities, such as the annual Canadian Tire Corporate Call, where students network with professionals and potential employers.

Operations management focuses on delivering value to customers by optimizing business processes, ensuring products or services are provided on time, at the right price, and with high quality. Students in this field gain skills in data analysis, supply chain management, and process optimization, with opportunities to specialize through electives like business analytics and logistics. With certifications such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), graduates can pursue diverse careers across industries, driving efficiency and innovation.

A career in operations management involves optimizing an organization’s processes to improve efficiency, whether in manufacturing, retail, or other industries. Students can pursue roles like operations analyst, project coordinator, or supply chain manager, with emerging careers in areas like AI-driven process automation and supply chain optimization. Post-graduation, opportunities for professional designations such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) enhance career prospects and industry credibility.

During an internship at a steel manufacturing company, the role involved producing production schedules for multiple lines by collaborating with teams across manufacturing, transportation, and supply chain management. The experience allowed the application of technical and teamwork skills developed through courses in operations management and data analytics. Exposure to emerging technologies, such as AI-driven schedule automation software and enterprise resource planning systems, further enhanced the internship experience and provided valuable insights into the field’s evolving landscape.

This video discusses the significance of strategic management courses, covering topics such as international business, sports management, commercial law, and entrepreneurship. It encourages students to take elective courses that align with their interests and help develop practical business skills. Graduates can pursue careers in consulting, business analysis, or even launch their own ventures, with extracurricular activities like case competitions and networking events providing valuable experiences. The video also highlights various professional designations and career paths in business management, finance, and more, offering opportunities for career advancement.

This video highlights careers in strategic management, where professionals help organizations plan for growth and profitability in a dynamic business environment. Key skills sought by employers include communication, critical thinking, data analysis, and project management. Post-graduation opportunities include roles like business analyst, financial analyst, and project analyst, with emerging fields like consumer insight and product strategy. The video also covers professional designations such as project management and management consultant certifications, as well as industry partnerships offering networking and experiential learning.

In this video, the President of the Degree Consulting Association (DCA) at McMaster University, shares his experiences and insights. He discusses his role as a corporate strategy intern at Celestica, where he worked on M&A deals and growth opportunities. The video highlights how strategic management aligns with DCA’s mission to equip students with essential tools for success in the 21st century, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning opportunities. He talks about DCA events like the DC conference, where students connect with top employers, and shares success stories of DCA members who’ve gone on to work at prestigious firms like Accenture, IBM, and KPMG.

In this video, a corporate strategy intern shares their experience at a tech company, where they supported inorganic and organic growth initiatives, including M&A deals and licensing partnerships. They discuss how their coursework in corporate strategy, business strategy, and commercial law helped them succeed in the role and gain valuable industry insights. The intern emphasizes the importance of communication skills for effective leadership and reflects on exposure to emerging technologies like phone and computer chips, as well as healthcare innovations. Their advice to students is to focus on learning as much as possible and make the most of internship opportunities.