Early on Friday the 24th of January, 22 MM’s dressed in suits gathered at the Starbucks in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel for Trek Vancouver.

What is Trek Vancouver?

Trek Vancouver is an awesome event planned and organised by Nate, our class’s VP of Career Affairs. The bible of job hunting states that you should have as many informational interviews with people in industries you are interested in as possible. Trek Vancouver is a super, day-long informational interview with 12 people from three companies and half of the MM class.

Fuelled by caffeine, the MMs headed to the BMO’s palatial offices next door where we were greeted with some more coffee by senior banking executives who were ready to meet starry-eyed students, share stories, and lavishly impart wisdom.

After an enlightening session, we grabbed some lunch and headed to Vision Critical’s trendy and picturesque office on Granville Street. There, we were greeted by 3 MM alumni and given a tour of their offices, which featured a kitchen with a foosball table much like the one in our MM lounge.

Having visited a suave bank and a creative marketing technology firm, I was longing for a Mad Men style boardroom with plush leather chairs. I was in luck as our final destination for the day was RBC Wealth Management. We squeezed into a large boardroom and listened to two executives share stories and insights from their careers.

Having spoken to professionals from three different firms in their own offices, we were able to really appreciate the differences in culture between seemingly similar firms. I was truly able to understand the sort of environment in which I would like to work.

Till next time,

Talal