A BCom Blog by Monique Wong

Going into business school was a daunting aspect for me. Yes, I’ve always been good at what I do, no matter academics, sports, and community involvement, but I was never extremely competitive. Going into business at Sauder was a daunting aspect for the Sauder School of Business had a reputation for being an extremely competitive environment where you hear about the best, but the worst fall between the cracks.

From the first term of university, I was positive that Sauder was not a fit for me. I loved my arts courses – Political Science and Sociology – but I found less interest in my Commerce classes. I enjoyed that these holistic arts courses opened my eyes up to the world and provided me with a better understanding of current events. It seemed as if commerce classes were unrealistic and not useful. I could not express my passions through my commerce classes and I could not use my creativity. By the end of December, I felt like I did not belong.

COMM 299 changed my perceptions of Sauder. Strengthsquest was a powerful force behind that change. Strengthsquest identified 5 characteristics that I’ve always been proud of, but never able to pinpoint: Command, Connectedness, Strategic, Learner, and Activator. Now that I know my strengths and can clearly label them , I feel that I can take these strengths and apply them in the business realm, to find my love and my place in Sauder. I now know how to market myself to other people – that I”m not just a business student, but one who is different from others.

I have found my identity through COMM 299 and I know how to build my brand. I know myself better.