Hailey Hastie had enrolled in a science program at Laurentian University thinking that she wanted to be veterinarian but quickly realized that program wasn’t for her. The only child of a single mother who was an entrepreneur, Hailey always had an interest in business. Hailey says, “I used to accompany my mother when she recorded radio and television commercials, and I was always fascinated by the marketing aspect of my mom’s fitness business. Growing up in the digital age with Facebook and Instagram, the marketing aspect of business is what captured my attention.”
The next year, Hailey transferred to the School of Business Administration, specializing in marketing. She took what she was learning in school and began creating content and managing social media accounts for local businesses as a side hustle. Then, while still in school she launched a business, The Social Soulpreneur which has grown into a full-service marketing agency that does website, logo design, brand development, and digital advertising. She credits her education and professors for her success.
“It was a wonderful experience because I was taking everything I was learning and applying it to my own business. With real-world studies and their support, I was able to turn an uncertain period into something extraordinary.” Hailey incorporated her business during the pandemic and took advantage of the opportunities when brick-and-mortar retailers were forced to re-invent their business model. Today she has more than 50 clients and employs 5 people. Hailey Hastie also received the Business Excellence Award in 2021 for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
What sets Laurentian apart
Laurentian’s School of Business Administration offers three cluster programs. Students can graduate with a BBA in English, or a Baccalauréat en Administration des Affaires (BAA) in French. They can specialize in accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources, while the French program also offers specializations in entrepreneurship and international management courses.
The BBA program at Laurentian is flexible and available on both a full-time and part-time basis. There is also an MBA program at the graduate level, designed with working professionals in mind.
With the exponential growth of Indigenous entrepreneurship, Laurentian is also collaborating with local companies to offer placements at Indigenous-led businesses. Director of the School of Business Administration, Dr. Matthias Takouda says, “We want to provide our students with exposure to Indigenous-led businesses and to specialize in learning how to manage Indigenous businesses. It’s a significant area of growth and a unique and interesting area of focus at Laurentian.”
The BBA program immerses students in real-world experiences. Dr. Takouda says, “Our students are prepared for any management role. Our alumni are working in almost all economic sectors. Our graduates step confidently into diverse sectors like mining, finance, tech, and healthcare, not just in Sudbury, but across the globe.”
“Working to Grow” Learning
From tackling case studies with financial modelling software, data analytics, and real-world simulations to competing on the international stage, students gain hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. There is virtual learning and internships, but the real game-changer is the Co-op program which re-launches next year. Program Coordinator, Dr. Patricia Orozco says, “The Co-op program, which is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL), a nationally accredited program, is the only one of its kind in Northern Ontario. Students will spend a full year working in a company, earning experience that is credited for 20% of their degree.”
Co-ops and internships are opportunities for students to learn what they need to become more successful. Dr. Orozco adds, “Rather than simply putting in hours, students receive intensive assessment and mentorship from faculty and workplace supervisors. This level of academic oversight is a key component of CEWIL accreditation and has been instrumental in ensuring student success. Historically, 90% of Laurentian’s Business Administration students receive job offers as early as their second work term, which speaks to the program’s impact and strong industry connections.”
From the classroom to closing deals
Tristan Ritchie’s rise to real estate success in Sudbury began while he still a student in the BBA program. In his 4th year, he purchased his first property and rented it out to other students.
He says, “When I bought my first home in my 3rd year at Laurentian, I knew real estate was the career for me. I was the kid who ran the neighbourhood lemonade stand. I was driven and I always knew I wanted to go into business somewhere.”
A real estate agent at Lake City Realty, Tristan has consistently been in the top 10 in annual sales in Greater Sudbury for the past decade. He credits his education and guidance from professors for his success. He says, “I loved my time at Laurentian. The education I received in marketing helped propel my investing and real estate career. The skills I developed helped me analyze the market and predict trends that help my clients.”
Tristan learned how to sell and promote a product and service, and he attributes the program’s small classes and the accessibility to professors to the close ties he has with them to this day.
Benefits of the BBA program
By the time BBA students graduate, they will be equipped to lead, control, and operate contemporary organizations. The program offers its students a global reach.
Dr. Takouda says, “There’s a big world out there with many opportunities. In fact, I had a nice surprise a few years ago when I went back to see my family in Africa and discovered one of my former students was working in my hometown.” More than 80% of Laurentian’s business professors have experience outside Canada.
Dr. Takouda adds “A key goal is to develop graduates who can work in a global context. Mining for example, is a global business. Everyone connected to mining in Sudbury is already doing international business.”
Making an impact
Laurentian University’s School of Business Administration shapes leaders who are making an impact. Whether they aspire to climb the corporate ladder or carve their own entrepreneurial path, graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed.
With a focus on experiential learning, industry connections, and professional guidance Laurentian sets its BBA students on a trajectory for success, no matter where their ambitions take them.
Discover the educational opportunities and career possibilities at Laurentian University’s School of Business Administration.