Rhaelyn Gillespie

Current Occupation: Co-Founder of Mintier & Taurah

Graduated : 2017 

Program: BBA (HR & Marketing)

Tell us about your time at Algoma University School of Business and Economics.

I went from playing on the Women’s Varsity Basketball team to managing The Speakeasy during my years at Algoma University. Algoma gave me the luxury of getting to know my classmates and professors, and even working for a professor in my last semester of my BBA. Being a first generation student, my experience coming into university came with no expectations and I lacked guidance. I’m incredibly grateful for utilizing student services, being able to approach professors with questions, and for the incredible network I was able to build during my degree.

What is your chosen career path, and your current occupation?

I’m an early-stage entrepreneur after spending time working for a high-growth tech startup in Toronto led by Michele Romanow of Dragon’s Den. We funded direct-to-consumer ecommerce entrepreneurs to fuel their next stages of growth. This opened me up to the possibilities of entrepreneurship, which has always been a passion of mine and runs through my family. I took the leap and launched Taurah in November 2020, and am currently in Arlene Dickinson’s (another amazing role model from Dragon’s Den) District Ventures Accelerator program for my second company Mintier, which is set to launch this Fall 2021.

How did your experience at Algoma U prepare you for your current role and the future?

All of the building blocks in the first few years of my degree led me to my final course called Strategies and I cannot tell you how impactful it was to build frameworks for strategic thinking in business. This has helped me in every single job and role that I’ve had since taking the course, and now is a major player in the way I make decisions for Taurah and Mintier.

Did you continue your studies following the completion of your degree at SchoolBE?

I decided not to pursue my MBA after AU, and have been told that the District Ventures Accelerator is said to be like an “accelerated MBA”, but tailored to our business needs.

Please share any thoughts on your experience that may help raise the profile of our business program to future students and potential employers.

Cultivate creativity while encouraging students to believe that they are capable of achieving any possibility or opportunity with the right work ethic. I never thought I would go from working as a waitress at Fratelli’s Pizzeria in my hometown to launching the UK market for Clearbanc in a matter of 2 months. With the right work ethic, anything is possible. Also, my eyes really opened up during the Case Competition presenting to David Segal from David’s Tea and learning from Nicole Verkindt and Michael Hyatt from Dragon’s Den’s “Next Gen Den”. After every encounter, I reach out and network as I’m constantly looking to learn and grow. I’ve actually recently chatted with Michael Hyatt about Taurah via LinkedIn. Suddenly, seeing these powerful people in Sault Ste. Marie, being able to interact and learn from them, I saw that things are possible and knew that I am capable. I hope every student feels that way coming out of it!

Is there any advice you would like to give current students?

A major asset to take away from your education is your network. I’m a firm believer that we have a lot to learn from one another and you have a unique opportunity at Algoma University to get to know your classmates, professors, staff, and other students. Definitely open yourself up to collaborating cross-functionally and getting involved whenever possible.

Mitchell Marinovich

Current Occupation: Senior Accountant, Audit, KPMG LLP Canada 

Graduated : 2017 

Program: BBA (Accounting)

Tell us about your time at Algoma University School of Business and Economics.

Excellent! The Algoma University environment led to many fond memories and successes. The students of the School of Business and Economics was a tight-knit group and inclusive for all. I made many friends there who I still keep in contact with today.e.

What is your chosen career path, and your current occupation?

Senior Accountant, Audit, KPMG LLP Canada

How did your experience at Algoma U prepare you for your current role and the future?

The professors at the University were instrumental in preparations for my current role. Many of my professors were individuals working in the community who could apply local examples to the technical context we were studying. The professors were knowledgeable in the requirements and competencies required for the CPA profession and put emphasis on the areas for the students to focus on. During my studies post graduation, I found myself looking back into what was said in my lectures for guidance.

Did you continue your studies following the completion of your degree at SchoolBE?

Yes, after Graduation I  completed my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. 

Please share any thoughts on your experience that may help raise the profile of our business program to future students and potential employers.

The Algoma University business program provides a great education to students, whether they want to work locally or elsewhere. Numerous alumni have been hired at KPMG and have taken leadership roles internally and throughout the province. 

Is there any advice you would like to give current students?

Current students should enjoy their time at Algoma University because it will go by quickly. They should take pride in being part of this community and set high expectations for themselves. 

Christina Coutu

Current Occupation: Manager of Corporates Services at Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma

Graduated : 2018 

Program: BBA (Accounting)

Tell us about your time at Algoma University School of Business and Economics.

My time at Algoma U was fantastic. Being from the Sault, born and raised, I was worried about missing out on the experience of meeting new people and creating new friendships. I quickly realized I had no reason to worry. I met so many amazing people from all over, some of whom are my closest friends. It was also an amazing experience to get to know my professors so closely. With small class sizes, my teachers knew me personally and took the time to make sure I felt confident in my learning.

What is your chosen career path, and your current occupation?

The career path I chose was Accounting. I contemplated my CPA designation throughout my schooling; however, upon graduation I decided that I would work towards my MBA instead. Towards the end of my fourth year, I secured an internship with Canadian Mental Health Association Algoma. Luckily I was kept on after my internship and I am now the Manager of Corporates Services. 

How did your experience at Algoma U prepare you for your current role and the future?

The Business Administration program at Algoma U allowed me to develop my professionalism and presentation. One thing that students forget in the hustle and bustle of studying is that employers also focus on the intangibles. Your presentation, how you dress, how you communicate with those around you – those are important as well. The upper year courses definitely prepare you for this. 

Did you continue your studies following the completion of your degree at SchoolBE?

Yes! I am currently enrolled at Sault College. I am working towards my Human Resources Practices certificate. After I am finished with that, I am looking to complete a Marketing Specialist certificate as well. I hope to eventually complete my Masters of Business Administration. 

Please share any thoughts on your experience that may help raise the profile of our business program to future students and potential employers.

My best experience with AU and the BBA program was the Northern Ontario Business Case Competition. This competition allows students to showcase all of the skills they’ve developed over the course of four years, and to foster working relationships with their peers. The guidance and mentorship from the celebrity judges and local business community is outstanding. It was an amazing experience as both a volunteer and a contestant. I think the NOBCC highlights the strengths of the program and its students, and should receive more recognition from the community and the University.

Is there any advice you would like to give current students?

I think the best advice I could give is to enjoy yourself. Four years will go by so quickly. Enjoy the friendships you make along the way, enjoy the relationships you foster with your professors. University is a time of growth so just enjoy who you are now, and who you will be upon graduation. 

Courtney Dukes

Current Occupation: Coordinator of Project Management and Advisory Services at N1 Solutions Inc.

Graduated : 2019 

Program: BBA (HR & Marketing)

Tell us about your time at Algoma University School of Business and Economics.

My experience with the SchoolBE was both challenging and motivating. The environment was different from a larger university because we had one-on-one experiences and fostered strong relationships with our classmates and professors. I don’t think I would be where I am today without the knowledge I gained through my time at AU and I have to thank both professors and fellow students for that. It was clear that faculty wanted to see me succeed, and working with others on a regular basis helped me to overcome obstacles and stay motivated..

How did your experience at Algoma University School of Business and Economics prepare you for your current role and the future?

I developed critical thinking and communication skills through my experience at the AU SchoolBE that have helped me in my career thus far. I am currently the Coordinator of Project Management and Advisory Services at N1 Solutions Inc. in Sault Ste. Marie and a key to success in my role is being able to think strategically and work as a team.

Please share any thoughts on your experience that may help raise the profile of our Business program for future students and potential employers.

Students that come out of this program are equipped with strategic thinking, interpersonal and organizational skills. Time management is a key to succeeding in the SchoolBE, and that really helps prepare students for their careers. In the SchoolBE, you are more than a student number. Your professors know you, you collaborate with classmates and you truly have the freedom to reach your goals with a great support system.

Is there any advice you would like to give current students?

The two pieces of advice I would give to current students would be 1) plan out your assignments at the BEGINNING of the semester and set your due dates (even if they are 3 months away, it will fly by). 2) Get involved where you can! I was a part of the Algoma University Business Society as the VP of Events and Conferences and I made some amazing connections through networking and got volunteer experience at the same time.

James White

Current Occupation: Accountant at Maximus Rose Living Benefits Inc

Graduated : 2021 

Program: BBA (Accounting)

Tell us about your time at Algoma University School of Business and Economics.

The Algoma University School of Business and Economics has had a significant impact on shaping the individual I am today. I have undergone a very unique pathway to the finish line as opposed to other students. I began my studies in the fall of 2015 at the Algoma University School of Business and Economics, but at the time my passion and drive was channeled towards achieving my dream of playing university level football. Through these efforts towards becoming a better athlete and football player I finally decided to take the plunge and transfer to the University of Windsor. I earned a roster spot on the Windsor Lancer football team and attended the Odette School of Business for two years. Through these two years I came to realize I was living my dream, but for some reason I was not happy. Through endless sleepless nights and some critical thinking, I made the decision to leave this dream of mine behind and instead transfer back to Algoma University in the fall of 2018. This was a crushing decision, but ultimately the best decision I could have ever made. As a result of studying as a business student we are taught to understand what a competitive advantage is as well as a ROI, perhaps two of the most vital terms I would say we familiarize ourselves with. I realized that studying at Algoma University would significantly reduce the cost of my investment in my education as I am a Sault native and live with my parents here. By reducing this investment cost, it enables me to attain a return of my investment in a more timely fashion; this is where the competitive advantage comes into play. Some may argue that as a result of attaining a return on investment in a more timely fashion by attending Algoma U that I am sacrificing the quality of education that the larger southern Ontario schools offer. I believe quite the opposite, in my opinion Algoma University actually provides me with a competitive advantage above students who decide to study in southern Ontario or elsewhere throughout Canada. The reason I believe this is due to the fact our small class size provides us with the ability to build a closer relationship with our professors who more conveniently are the people who employ business students or have relationships with people who employ business students. It is for these key reasons that I could not be more at ease with my decision to transfer back to Algoma University and live my life as a proud Alumni, prepared to prove anyone wrong who has something to say otherwise. 

How did your experience at Algoma University School of Business and Economics prepare you for your current role and the future?

One year ago I began a Co-op placement with an organization known as Maximus Rose Living Benefits Inc. which is a sister company to a nation wide disability management organization known as Acclaim Ability Management. Initially I was intrigued by the name and decided to apply, this decision has now provided me with full-time employment immediately upon my graduation from the business program. I am unbelievably fortunate to have found this opportunity as it opened my eyes to the unlimited career paths there are to pursue in business, aside from just my specialization which was accounting. I ultimately decided to finish my degree with the accounting specialization, but I always questioned whether a career as a CPA was what I really wanted to do with my life. I have found a role working for Maximus Rose which perfectly integrates my ability to provide a financial service while at the same time utilizing my natural interpersonal skills. Through my studies in the Algoma U business program as well as my employment through Maximus Rose, I have come to genuinely build a passion for the field of business and I aim to attain great achievements throughout my career. 

Please share any thoughts on your experience that may help raise the profile of our Business program for future students and potential employers.

As I mentioned above, Algoma University provides students with the unique opportunity of building a close knit relationship with their professor which in turn provides us graduates with a competitive advantage over those who attend larger universities. For those students who are Saultites and are able to live at home and reduce the cost of their investment for their undergraduate education, I would highly recommend that they do so. 

Is there any advice you would like to give current students?

I have a very simple thought to provide for young students attending the Algoma University School of Business and Economics. Do not be afraid to achieve your dreams, as sometimes putting in all of the time and effort into doing so may help you come to the realization that the dream you’ve been seeking all along was not what you actually needed in your life.