Olivia Norby- Senior Copyeditor

When Brenan Priest graduated from Bishop’s University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, he left Lennoxville with more than a degree. He left with a toolkit of lessons in perseverance, communication, and balance; skills sharpened in classrooms, on the rugby pitch, and through countless late nights juggling school, work, and extracurricular commitments.

Rugby, in particular, shaped much of Brenan’s approach to life after Bishop’s. Competing for three years taught him to be competitive and collaborative, to push through challenges, and to work toward shared goals. Managing rugby practices, a part-time job, and committee work alongside his coursework demanded time management and organization, skills that now serve him daily in the professional world.

The small class sizes and tight-knit community at Bishop’s also played a big role in his development. Close relationships with professors and involvement with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) created an environment where he could learn to lead and communicate effectively. Those interpersonal skills, he says, have been the most valuable in his transition to the corporate world. They gave him the confidence to build meaningful connections and approach new challenges head-on.

Moving from the Bishop’s bubble to the working world brought new realizations. Brenan quickly discovered that learning doesn’t stop after graduation. Finding a field he was passionate about made that ongoing learning exciting rather than exhausting. “When you find an industry that you want to work in, the homework doesn’t stop,” he reflects. “You’re constantly improving your craft.” That mindset has shaped how he approaches professional growth; seeing every new task or obstacle as a chance to learn.

Among the biggest surprises was how much there still was to learn, even after years of business courses. Rather than discouraging him, this realization encouraged his curiosity. It also reinforced something Bishop’s had already taught him well: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Embracing discomfort, asking questions, and staying open-minded became guiding principles for him as he navigated the early stages of his career.

It was in Terry Eyeland’s real estate class that Brenan found his spark. The course ignited an entrepreneurial drive that eventually led him into investments and real estate. He even bought his first rental property before graduating and co-founded the Bishop’s Real Estate Club (BREC) to connect other students with the same interest. His first job didn’t come through the usual online applications or job fairs but through persistence and creativity. He started cold-calling leaders in industries he admired. “It made me comfortable with rejection,” he says, “and it helped me stand out.” Those conversations with seasoned professionals provided insight that no textbook could match and helped him make informed decisions about his next steps.

Today, Brenan’s career goals reflect both ambition and purpose. He hopes to continue identifying undervalued assets and building ventures that create both financial and social value. Alongside that, he’s working on establishing an alumni network for BREC to help students find internships and mentorship opportunities.

His advice to current business students is simple but powerful: stay curious. “Learn to love learning,” he says. “Ask why, embrace new tools like AI to boost productivity, but always protect your critical thinking.” He also emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics: Excel, data analysis, networking and learning to focus deeply on what truly excites you.

What stands out most to Brenan, even after graduation, is how unique the Bishop’s community remains. The sense of connection and generosity he experienced as a student continues long after leaving campus. It’s something he plans to pay forward by mentoring and supporting future Gaiters. “The Bishop’s community is special,” he says. “It gave me so much, and now I want to help others find their own path.”