Meet Sam Emerson! Sam is a recent Algoma U graduate of the BBA Program, with a specialization in Accounting. Sam is working at OLG as a CPA student! Here’s what Sam has to say about her experience at Algoma U! 

“At Algoma University, I participated in many extracurriculars. I was a Frosh Leader in second-and-third-year, I played on the Powder Puff football team throughout my 4 years, and I was also a member of the Algoma University Business Society (AUBS). As an AUBS member, I held different positions where I applied the knowledge that I learned from the business program. In second year I was the Chairperson, in third-and-fourth-years I was the Treasurer/VP of Finance. I considered being active on campus to be an important part of my university experience. In addition to my AUBS experience, I also worked as a bartender at the Speakeasy in second-and-third-year, and as a result, went to all the events held there. Through this position, I met a lot of students and always knew what was going on throughout the school. Going into my third year, I ran for VP of Student Life. Although I did not win the election, I learned a lot about student politics and myself. Because of this excellent experience, in my fourth year, I was the Chief Returning Officer and had the opportunity to learn even more by reading and following policies, organizing a group of people, and seeing the other side of the election (which was crazy, AUSU works hard!).

I’m from Milton, Ontario, which is a suburb that’s very different from Sault Ste. Marie. My first time coming to SSM was move-in day and I was scared. I had no idea that I would end up where I am today, five years later. I am now working in the head office at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, as the first of two CPA Students. The professors and staff at Algoma U were nothing but exceptional with helping me prepare my resumé, prep me for interviews and give me all of the necessary skills to thrive in the work environment. I honestly don’t think I would have had as much success at any other school. Staff and faculty at Algoma U make time for students when they need them and give them the tools to succeed.

I did not think that I would stay in SSM when I started at Algoma University, but I did fall in love with the city. When I had first chosen Accounting as a degree, I had decided that I would work on Bay St. in Toronto ー commute to work every day on the Go train and maybe one day move to Toronto. But instead, I’m happy to say that I am now an SSM local and my two-hour commute turned into a 15-minute walk. There are so many opportunities to get involved in the community here and to meet new people. In my fourth year, I had to opportunity to meet many locals because I worked downtown at Shabby Motley (a great place to study and knit) and Outspoken Brewery (not as great a place to study, fantastic beer though). It was nice to be able to build local relationships ー get to know names and faces.

I could go on forever about how much I love this city and Algoma University in ways I never thought I would, but in brief, my experience in the accounting program gave me everything that I needed to prepare for my career. Learning from local professionals and experienced professors was a huge part of my success. The additional activities that I did outside-of-the-classroom, gave me the university experience I was expecting and showed me all of the many reasons to love Sault Ste. Marie.”

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