By Sara Scafuro – Contributor 

On Saturday, Nov. 25, the Montreal Racket Club played host to an informational event, “Beyond the Bubble,” organized by the Bishop’s University Commerce Society (BUCS). This unique gathering provided an opportunity for the Williams School of Business (WSB) students to acquire insights from accomplished WSB alumni. The event featured three guest speakers—Mark McCrea, Sean McLelland and Stephen Lloyd – who shared their experiences at BU, their post-Bishop’s journey and reflections on where they are today. 

The Montreal Racket Club was a fitting location for the event, setting the scene for students to share ideas and experiences. It acted as a connection point between academic learning and real-world applications, giving students a look into how their education translates to the professional world.

The guest speakers, each successful in their respective fields, shared their wisdom with the eager audience. Mark McCrea stressed the importance of experience, emphasizing the need to stand out in a competitive job market. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of finding a mentor to guide and support professional growth. Sean McLelland shared his journey, emphasizing the power of connections and the value of hard work in setting yourself apart. Stephen Lloyd, drawing on his experiences, emphasized the quality of being unique. “Be Unique, BU,” he urged.

For attendees who couldn’t make it to the event, here were some key takeaways:  

Uniqueness matters: In a world full of talented individuals, it’s crucial to discover and embrace what makes you unique. Stephen Lloyd’s focus on this resonated with many, serving as a reminder to embrace your strengths in your professional journey. 

Connections and hard work: Sean McLelland emphasized the value of connections and hard work, highlighting that success often comes from both your connections and the effort you put in. Building a network and showing dedication can make you stand out in your career. 

Experiences are key: Mark McCrea’s insights on experiences emphasized the value of both positive and challenging encounters in your professional journey. He  highlighted their role in personal and professional growth. 

The event ended with a social and networking session, giving students the chance to connect with other alumni.

Reflecting on the event, George Krallis, a WSB student studying finance, shared that “Beyond the Bubble was a very valuable experience. Hearing from multiple alumni really opened my eyes to the numerous opportunities that are open specifically for Bishop’s students.”

Marketing student Chelsea Lafontaine, offered her perspective, stating, “Beyond the Bubble is one of the best BUCS events of the year! It’s so great to get the opportunity to network with alumni and fellow BU students, as well as to learn such valuable information like we did from Sean, Mark and Stephen.” 

Many attendees left the event feeling inspired and with new insights  and connections to guide their professional journeys. 

Beyond the Bubble appeared a success, linking future successful BU students with the professional world. The advice from alumni is a guide for current WSB students, showing them a path for their careers. The event highlighted that the journey beyond the bubble has opportunities for those who are proactive, unique and resilient. Alumni reminded students to always remember to keep learning from one another. Looking ahead, students can anticipate the next BUCS event – an end-of-semester party – on Dec. 6 at the Golden Lion Pub in Lennoxville.