My entry into a rewarding profession came via McGill’s School of Continuing Studies. It was transformative, which is a word that I expect many of my fellow graduates use to describe their experiences. Every day, the School activates on its mission to help people transform their careers and lives.
After completing my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Western Ontario, I started thinking about career options. I landed on becoming an accountant, but there was one problem: I needed the equivalent of a Bachelor of Commerce to get into a chartered professional accounting (CPA) program.
One option was business school, but I soon found out that McGill University offered a strong alternative through the School of Continuing Studies. As a Montrealer returning to Montreal, with Montreal parents who graduated from McGill, I was confident in my decision to walk through the Roddick Gates.
My program was designed to be part-time, but I dove into it intensively, taking all the courses I needed in just one year. I have vivid memories of working tremendously hard, juggling five courses per semester that were all completely different from what I had previously studied. I was impressed by my instructors throughout my time there: they worked in their fields while also teaching at McGill, and this really resonated with me.
Finally, I found myself in the CPA program, which required me to complete a further seven courses. Again, this was challenging, but it set the tone for my career. After two years of rigorous study while working full time, I finally wrote my CPA exams: four days of four hour-long exams in an “all or nothing” situation.
I am fortunate that the faculty at the School of Continuing Studies were familiar with the entire CPA process and prepared me extremely well. Thus, I was successful in my first writing of the exam at a time when the pass rate was only about 50 percent.
After completing my education and earning my CPA, I worked for national accounting firms and eventually moved into financial administration for major law firms, starting with Stikeman Elliot. I eventually became the Chief Operating Officer of Norton Rose Canada, a large international firm, and later Director of Legal Operations at Air Canada.
I found out that many leaders in my industry have extraordinarily strong relationships with McGill. This includes my former Stikeman colleague Dick Pound, a former McGill Chancellor. It was Dick who referred me to the School of Continuing Studies’ Faculty Advancement Board, which was looking for new members. That was several years ago, and I have served on it ever since.
One of the many things I appreciate about serving on the Board is seeing the School evolve. Over time, the School has become increasingly focused on its mission to truly help people, especially newcomers to Montreal and Canada. There is a particular emphasis on finding and introducing new specialized programs to respond to the community’s needs.
My parents were always passionately active in the Montreal community, including with the Royal Victoria Hospital and McGill. They were strong supporters of the University’s role in the Montreal society throughout their lives, and it’s a legacy that I try to carry on in my role with the Board.