BMO Financial Mentorship // Public Relations Program // Innovative Learning Opportunities

ANAHITA SABZMEYDANI BVC Graduate, Accounting &

Financial Management Certificate

Certified to Thrive“A successful life doesn’t mean there is no failure. Being successful means to try, and try, and try again. Success is not giving up,” says Anahita Sabzmeydani, a recent graduate of Bow Valley College's Accounting and Financial Management Certificate. Through sheer determination, hard work and an unshakably positive attitude, Anahita has overcome incredible odds to get to where she is today, proving her own words to be true.

In this issue

… Certified to Thrive continued on page 2

BOW VALLEY COLLEGE

me believe in myself, that I could do more,” she says. “I learnt a lot from my teachers. It was a really good experience.”

Teaching and Learning Consultant, Lauren Kirychuk, notes that Anahita was an enthusiastic classroom participant whose “positive energy was infectious.” Alan Frank, Lead Instructor of Financial Services, describes Anahita as a “true ambassador” of Bow Valley College. “She epitomizes the vision and mission of BVC: a full access community educational institution assisting anyone with a dream to learn, a drive to achieve and a passion to contribute to our community.”

Now a college graduate and working professional who is fluent in three languages, Anahita is indeed contributing to the community. Hired immediately upon graduation by her practicum host, she now works as a Certified General Accountant (CGA) in

Certified to Thrive… (continued from page 1)

– ANAHITA SABZMEYDANI

"The courses in the program touch your life. It made me believe in myself, that I could do more."

Forced to flee her country at the age of seven, Anahita lived in hiding with her family in Turkey for eight years, unable to attend school. At 15, Anahita immigrated to Calgary, Canada and was placed in Grade Nine, speaking no English and lacking eight years of formal education. Suffering culture shock and struggling to learn a new language, Anahita nevertheless threw herself into each new challenge, taking summer schools and repeating subjects until she caught up. “I didn't have any base for the subjects I was taking...it was a long journey,” she says.

After graduating high school, Anahita decided to complete the Accounting and Financial Management Certificate at Bow Valley College. “Math was my worst subject; I took this certificate to improve myself, work on my weaknesses first.” Enrolled in subjects such as Business Law, Financial Accounting Principles, Marketing, and Business Mathematics, Anahita describes the two year program as intense and fast-paced. “It's a very fast track course, so I had to study every day. It's a very serious program...it needs a lot of commitment.” She attributes her success to the college atmosphere and support of instructors. “I felt like I fit in, and we had a fun class. The courses taught in the program touch your life. It made

Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable for Global Raymac Surveys Inc. She also runs a day home business with her mother; they have been in partnership since 2008. In recognition of support received by the Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC), Anahita has volunteered her time to help refugee women in downtown Calgary. Anahita also competed in 'Miss World Canada: Beauty With a Purpose,' where she placed nationally in the top 10 for talent. Her confidence and enthusiasm for life is truly inspirational.

With her eye on the future, Anahita has big plans. “If you commit to your goals, no matter what, you can make the impossible possible.” She now plans to pursue a lifelong passion of hers: to become a professional chef. From hard beginnings, Anahita has overcome insurmountable odds to get where she is today. Bow Valley College is proud to have played a part in her growth. On her time at the college, Anahita says, “I’m glad I went to Bow Valley College. It was a good experience because in the future, when I want to start my own business, this is going to help me a lot.” Anahita is not afraid to dream big, and this will take her far in life. “If you have a dream, just follow it,” she says. “Just listen to your heart. Be passionate.” n

It was such a big hit the first time, everyone wanted more. “We’re very excited to be entering our second year of the BMO Financial Mentorship Program at Bow Valley College,” says Sue Nicholas, Regional Vice-President, Calgary Central Market.

The program – matching Chiu School of Business Administration Diploma students with a committed team of BMO employees – provides mentorship to students not only in their careers, but also in the fostering and development of skills related to personal growth.

“It’s an investment in the students as individuals,” says Wayne Martin, one of the eight students participating in the program. “What a great message to be sending to students. The CSB and industry are uniting to show us that they have our backs. Not only that, but they’re helping us build networks, giving us the tools we need, and bolstering our future careers by giving us confidence as we proceed.”

Students receive personalized training in a range of areas, such as networking events, community involvement and leadership abilities. What they practice with their mentors complements and reinforces what they’re learning in the classroom, putting the concepts they’ve been learning into precise practical use.

“I can’t say enough about what a difference it’s making in helping me expand upon what I already know,” Wayne says. “The best part about it is how collaborative it all is. We’re all learning from each other. BMO gets

BMO Financial Mentorship Program Back By Popular Demand

to see firsthand what the students are bringing to the table. We, in turn, get to see what’s expected of us when we do end up making the transition from the classroom into the workplace. It’s a win-win all around.”

Sue agrees. “Being able to invest in the economic well-being and personal growth of the students and of the communities where we live and work is central to our values as a company and participating in this program is a valuable experience that benefits both BMO employees and the students they assist at the college.” n

BMO Financial Mentorship Program participants

of valuable classwork, endless opportunity to meet with public relations professionals, and real-world assignments, my portfolio was larger than it had ever been. Even before I graduated, it was as if doors were opening all around me and I found myself confident and ready to take on a career. Now a successful communications professional for a large non-profit in Calgary, I am able to hone my skills and feel capable in my career because of my experiences in the Public Relations program at Bow Valley College.”

Today, 81% of a company’s market value is based on its reputation, according to Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of Argyle Communications. Based on this fact, it’s crucial for an organization to strategically incorporate Public Relations to protect its reputation and brand. With this is mind, the Chiu School of Business at Bow Valley College is pleased to present career opportunities for students in the fast-growing field of Public Relations, and proud to produce qualified, work-ready graduates to meet growing demand. n

Public Relations Brings Value to BusinessPublic Relations (PR) isn’t about party planning, schmoozing, or propaganda; it is the art of building lasting relationships for mutual benefit through connecting, conversing, and collaborating. Through various communication skills and mediums, PR influences reputation management, aligns corporate responsibility and builds market value for an organization. Based on this value PR brings to business, having a business diploma with a major in PR could be the tipping point for an employer. Many job applicants may have a degree in communications or public relations, but may lack business acumen. A graduate from the Chiu School of Business with a Major in Public Relations will have work-ready skills in public relations as well as a solid foundation of business skills and knowledge employers crave.

The first year of study at the Chiu School of Business gives students a strong base in general business skills and knowledge. The second year includes subjects such as Writing for PR, Stakeholder Relations (including Media), Communications Research and Planning, Crisis Communications and Reputation, International

Business Management, Global Marketing, and Professional Selling & Ethics.

PR graduate Rachel Beames, now a Project Coordinator at Better (a digital marketing company), notes that the program offers plenty of exposure to opportunities that lie beyond Bow Valley. “[The program] encompasses everything from preparation for interviews, networking opportunities, guest speakers and tours to group projects and case studies,” she says.

The PR Major is topped off with a Business Integration course, which is a capstone of a business plan in a public relations context. Students pitch their product or service in a presentation including research findings, communication plans, social media and website marketing, community collaborative activities, financial and business initiatives. “This is usually the students' favourite course, says Tracy Watson, Program Lead and Instructor for the PR Major. “They get the opportunity to bring the knowledge from all of their courses together and apply it to a real-business scenario.”

Some of Bow Valley College's recent PR program graduates are now Corporate Communications Managers, Promotion Managers, Project Coordinators, Analysts and Communication Coordinators. Companies such as Shell, Hitachi Solutions Canada, The Better Group, Woodroof Sweitzer, Concord Entertainment Group, Mount Royal University, SAIT, and YWCA have eagerly hired PR graduates from the Chiu School of Business, underscoring the demand for skilled PR professionals.

Dakota Kidby, a recent PR graduate who now works as a Communications Coordinator at the YWCA, can attest to the opportunities the program has afforded her. “After one short year

Chiu School of Business – Public Relations students visit the set of Breakfast Television

Public Relations isn't about party planning, schmoozing or propaganda; it is the art of building lasting relationships for mutual benefit through connecting, conversing, and collaborating.

BUSINESS IDEACOMPETITION

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The Chiu School of Business is pleased to be hosting the 2015 Alberta Deans of Business Case Competition in March 2015. This prestigious event brings together top business students from all over Alberta to test their skills, knowledge, and ability to think on their feet and outside the box.

The Chiu School of Business is proud to be hosting this event during the 50th Anniversary year of the founding of Bow Valley College. We are also eager to showcase the newest named school of business in Alberta in our beautiful new state-of-the-art facilities. And our location can’t be beat – downtown Calgary is a vibrant and exciting place with outstanding entertainment and dining options.

We are also very pleased to announce that our school has signed a partnership with Talisman Energy to develop the Talisman Energy Hub in Social Enterprise. This new initiative will allow us to support students with developing their business ideas and enhancing social innovation in the school of business.

Moving forward, we are developing new programming to support two new majors in the Business Administration Diploma (Insurance, and Supply Chain Management), as well as new programs in Health Administration and Office Administration.

David E. Allwright, PhDDean, Chiu School of BusinessBow Valley College

InBusiness is published twice a year by the Bow Valley College Chiu School of Business. For further information, please visit us at bowvalleycollege.ca

Designed in-house by BVC Marketing & Communications | December 2014 | 1,500 Contributions by David Allwright & Roxanne Alcorn.

Message from the Dean

Businessman Marc Benioff shares his modern-day recipe for success: “You must always be able to predict what's next and then have the flexibility to evolve.” In today's ever-changing learning environment, educational institutions must rise to the challenge of adapting at a faster pace than their students. As learners come to Bow Valley College with ever-increasing responsibilities of work, families, and demanding lives, the Chiu School of Business has responded by providing flexible, innovative new ways to learn.

As part of a comprehensive community college with regional stewardship responsibilities, the Chiu School of Business offers credit and non-credit instruction year round, on a full-time, part-time, and distributed learning basis. Through any time, any place, any path, any pace learning, the Chiu School of Business provides customized and responsive learning solutions for communities – provincially, nationally, and internationally.

The Chiu School of Business now offers exciting new delivery methods such as blended programming (live online and face-to-face instruction) in Airdrie, High River and Strathmore, for the Hospital Unit Clerk and Medical Office Assistant Certificate Programs. Dual Credit pathways for high schools are also being offered, opening doors for learners in regional areas. In the near future, the school plans to expand its programming even further, offering greater accessibility for rural learners, across all programs. “The Chiu School of Business is engaged in changing the face of education by offering a wide variety of programs in Calgary and its regions through real time technology,” says Natascha Doiron, Coordinator of Professional and Continuing Studies.

The Chiu School of Business understands the value of providing learning that fits busy lives, suits diverse lifestyles, and grants access to learning content and resources where and when needed. “Learning is the most important economic and social activity in the world,” says Natascha. “Education helps human beings to exit the cycle of poverty and contributes to building creative and active citizens – the leaders of tomorrow – which in turn creates a sustainable economy.” n

Innovative New Ways to Learn

– MARC BENIOFF

“You must always be able to predict what's next and then have the flexibility to evolve.”