"What's Ivey like and how do I settle in?" With Sophie & Adi

Vanessa meets with Sophie and Adi (both HBA '26) to hear what Ivey was like in their first few weeks, how they got settled in to a new school environment, and how they made the most of HBA1. This advice is relevant to any incoming student!

What is Ivey Career Management?

The Ivey Career Management Podcast shares practical career advice, alumni insights, and expert perspectives to help Ivey students and graduates navigate their careers with confidence.

[Auto-generated transcript. Edits may have been applied for clarity.]
Welcome to the Ivey Career Management Podcast.

Today we're stepping out of the studio to bring you stories and strategies from students, special guests, and the Career Management team.

While we find a quiet space, make yourself comfortable and let's get started.

Hi everyone, and welcome to today's episode.

I'm your guest host, Vanessa, and I'm so excited you're joining us for this special conversation all about settling into Ivey.

Whether you're gearing up for Ivey, feeling a little nervous,

or just curious about what life at Ivey actually looks like beyond the classroom, this episode is for you.

Joining me today are two incredible Ivey students who've been through it all and are here to share what they've learned along the way.

Let's have you both, uh, introduce yourselves. For sure.

Thanks, Nessa. Um. I'm Sophie. I just completed my first year at Ivey, and my previous two years at Western

I was studying business, uh, in the business program, and I'm from Toronto.

So that's just a little bit about me. Awesome.

Welcome, Sophie. Thanks, Vanessa. I'm super excited to be here today.

My name Adi. I just finished my first year as well. Uh, I've been going into Harvard, too.

Um, my. My first two years I did psychology and anthropology, so a little bit different.

Um, but yeah, I'm super excited to be here. Um, currently working at Scotia on their real estate lending team, and I'm super excited for HBA2.

Amazing. Thanks, Adi. All right, let's dive a little bit deep into our first question here.

And what I really want to know is what were you most nervous or excited about before starting at Ivey?

And maybe Adi we'll start with you. For sure. I think, honestly, um, it's just walking into the classroom with like 70 people you don't really know.

I think that, you know, that first day was like super nerve wracking.

I know, like, the gala kind of helped. Uh, you know, it was cool to, like, meet so many different people.

But at the end of the day, like, you really don't know anyone. And walking into that classroom is definitely, like, nerve wracking.

And honestly, just seeing your first contribution is very, like, hard to do.

So I would definitely say that I was like, you know, one of the hardest parts of just like entering, you know, Ivey.

But I think over, like over the months or like, you know, like I think the first week, honestly,

there's so many like activities that you do and like, you know, moments like with your peers where you bond.

Right? So I think that first week really take advantage of it all week was so super special.

So that's like something that's super important to like think about; just talk to everyone.

Everyone's like more than willing to talk to each other.

Um, because, you know, we're all trying to make friends at the end of the day, but definitely like a nerve wracking moment in the beginning.

But it was awesome. Yeah, I was just going to agree with the statement.

of just everyone's nervous. If you don't think someone's nervous, they're probably just pretending better than you are.

Um, but I think it's just. It was hard to separate nerves from excitement.

I think they kind of just blended together a lot within that first week,

and kind of what Adi was saying, I think everyone was nervous for the contribution.

That was definitely my, you know, the thing I was most nervous for, just it being such a significant part of your grade,

and that's such a good present thing within Ivey, as you know, continuous learning and and contribution based learning.

So I think just knowing the significance of that in the program and just wanting to do well at that was was a big point of nerves.

Yeah, I can imagine I can imagine what you both mentioned is, you know, you're meeting 70 new students that are potentially within your section.

You know, there's this gala that's happening. There's the contribution piece.

And so you mentioned it's a nice balance, they both... those emotions of excitement and nerves kind of blend in together which is part of the experience.

And I think something that you highlighted as well Sophie, is everyone is in the same boat.

You know, everyone is feeling the exact same thing. And so channeling into that energy is probably just another way to, you know,

start those conversations with those people that you're meeting, and we'll get into some of those pieces

on your strategies to building your community a little later on, but thanks for sharing that.

And so... something that, you know, there's a lot that's happening at Ivey, especially within those first two weeks.

But then you're also balancing academics, your social extracurricular activities.

And then on top of that recruitment and so much more. Right.

And so one of the common themes that we hear is how do I how can I balance everything?

What do I prioritize? And and so I'd like to hear a little bit of your experience of having been through your first year at Ivey.

What's one strategy or mindset that really helped you avoid burnout?

I think just to preface, like there's no such thing as, like being like, perfect.

and like finding the right balance. I think it's really different for everyone.

And I think, you know, finding that like perfect, you know,

routine is something that you're definitely going to have to like experiment a little bit on, like in the beginning.

But if I really had to like, emphasize like how to really find that balance, I would say I think the easiest way to really do it is kind of like,

ask yourself, like what really matters to me, you know, what do I want to, like, gain out of, like my first year at Ivey?

Do I really want to prioritize, like my my social life, you know, want prioritize academics?

Do I want to prioritize recruiting? I think that's honestly like a good start.

And I think honestly, just I know it's going to be hard, but like try to schedule it, you know,

try to be like, hey, I'm going to I'm like, it's pretty like obvious in terms of like your classes.

It's probably going to be like from 8 to 1.

So what am I going to like before class or what am I going to do, like after class to really set myself up for success?

I think one thing that you should really like kind of focus on is definitely, you know, like your... like your school's super important stuff like that.

But I definitely think like a social aspect in recruiting is really important.

Right? So like, you know, meet as many people as you can and like these are your connections for life.

So like don't neglect that for sure. I would really try to emphasize like the social part.

And then of course, you know, like recruiting is really important. That is your future.

That's what you can do like like out of Ivey. So like don't neglect that.

But honestly, like Google Calendar is a great tool to try to like, you know, log stuff in that.

And I think it'll really help with like finding that balance for sure. Yeah, that's a great point.

I definitely second the Google Calendar part.

I think that was that was very useful as well as I think personally, I think I just treated it sort of like a 9 to 5 job.

I think take advantage of the fact that, you know, you have to be at class at 8 a.m. and,

you know, you end at 1 p.m., whereas some of my friends would have night classes.

We didn't have that. So I think just reminding yourself, you know, when your 1:00 class is done.

That's kind of the time. Depending if you're a night owl, I'm not.

So that would be my time to, you know, prep the next day's cases and study and do anything recruitment based.

So I think just really utilizing your afternoons and if you have to before class as well,

um, just to not get flustered, you know, all at once on the weekend or something like that.

I found with that strategy my weekends were pretty much free from work, so that was okay.

Yeah. And so I'm hearing this, you know, leveraging the tools that you have, like a Google calendar, for example, as a way to keep yourself organized.

And then I also hearing a lot of prioritization, treat it like a 9 to 5 and really kind of take advantage of the full 24 hours within a day.

And so I'm curious to hear you expand a little bit more in terms of how did you plan your days?

Like what did that actually look like, should a student want to mirror or take some tips from you both?

Yeah. I think that's really important. Is planning for your days.

I personally would like pack my meals on the weekend, make them on the weekend because if I'm hungry, I'll just go home and probably lie in bed.

So yeah, that was that was a really key point.

Just in order to stay at the Ivey building, I had a meal right after class.

Right. Um, whereas like some friends from the section, we would just stick around after class, have lunch, and then do work together.

So I think that was a good way to, you know, prioritize and make sure that you're giving yourself the tools to know what you have to do.

Um, as well as making it fun doing it with friends as well.

Yeah, thanks. Anything else to add, Adi? Yeah, that's a great point.

Um, I think Sophie's, like, better on, like, the food thing, because I like meal prep a lot on Sundays.

Um, Ivey caf is really good, but, you know, be aware you are going to spend a lot.

Yeah. But, um. Yeah, honestly, I think the best thing in terms of, like, preparing yourself is like, look at.

I know it's really annoying, but like, just look at the syllabus. I think it really helps.

And I think it's a super underrated tip is just like, put the key dates down in your calendar and be like, hey,

like, you know, my, my midterm is going to be like this date or like my project is going to be this date.

I want to, you know, like get on my work done or like talk. Because like a lot of, like Ivey projects are with like your peers.

So get them done in advance. You know, like be like the like the catalyst and just be like, hey, let's let's like,

you know, meet for this date and let's talk about it and just take initiative.

Honestly, I think that's really like underrated, right?

Because everyone's like so kind and so nice and like, you know, we're just like very like relaxed sometimes,

but like, you know, it's good to take the initiative and be like, hey, is this like work for everyone?

And just like, put them in your calendar, you know, look at the syllabus. Um, reach out to people.

And I think, of course, like after class, you know, like try and get your cases done because,

like, you know, I also like work, you know, better during the day compared to like the night.

So I think honestly, it stays more fresh in my brain too because I understand like what I'm learning.

Right. Um, so I try to get the cases done if you can, like after class.

I think that's a great strategy. Like Sophie mentioned as well, like if you have like a good group, you know, um,

cases are like much more fun with like people like you because you can ask them questions.

Um, but honestly, I think those are like two great strategies.

Yeah.

It sounds like it's like, you know, so doing your homework or the cases right after class with your friends just makes it more engaging, interactive,

and your learning can be so much more meaningful because you're throwing out some questions and ideas,

allowing you to better understand, you know, the case itself, right?

And then you're getting it done earlier versus later on in the day.

Uh, so if I was to summarize it, you know, very be be mindful of your planning plan ahead,

whether that's, you know, take a look at your syllabus and look at those key dates.

Utilize Google Calendar as to keep yourself organized.

Prioritize. And you know it's going to be different for everybody.

But it sounds these are some strategies that really work for you both.

Um, okay. And so the next theme is around building community and fitting in with Ivey.

So through my conversations with some students, alumni,

they often reflect on Ivey being so memorable because of the moments that they've shared with others.

And so there is a sense of importance around making your own community, you know, making your friends.

And so I'd like to hear a little bit about how did you go about building your community at Ivey?

What was your, you know, what was your your recipe or your your strategy there?

Yeah, I think looking back at the year, of course, there's so many exciting things that happen.

But the core, the core thing that I think of when I think of why it was such a great year was 100% the people in a community.

It's just honestly irreplaceable from the first two years.

Like, you just can't beat being in a classroom with 70 to 80 people every single day.

Whereas, you know, the lecture halls, you're typically used to have 100.

So yeah, you just get that community aspect that you've never experienced since high school or middle school or whatever that was.

But. Um, I think it's definitely intimidating at first, just because, of course, everyone wants to represent themselves well,

and you hear everyone say, Ivey's so amazing, you make all these great friends.

So then, while it is great to hear on one part, another part of you is kind of expecting that.

So when you don't get that right away, you can kind of, you know, get in a bad spot, uh, thinking about it.

But I think just realizing that connections and friendships take time.

It's not, um, you know, an instant thing. Um, but I think just a tip to build community is go to the events, all the events you can,

especially early on because you just don't want to miss the event early on and then feel like you're trying to catch up in terms of meeting people.

So I think just really utilize everything a week throws at you in terms of the connection aspect.

And I had a follow up on that. Sophie. So you mentioned go to the events.

Now, are these events specific to Ivey or they're a combination of external events as well?

If you can clarify. Yeah, I think there definitely is a combination.

I think the first little bit it's all, you know, organized by your hours. Yeah.

Um, and your section president, but then you'll find that, you know, there's more informal events, whether that's, you know,

different people in a section or just very unscheduled events, and just putting yourself out there and asking people to hang out.

Awesome. Adi, what about you? Yeah, honestly, I pretty much like echoing Sophie, I think.

Just really get involved. You know, I think, um, you know, building your community early on is like, um, really important, honestly, like,

every day just come with, like, a smile on your face, like, excited, you know, because, like, this is really special.

Like, you're not going to be able to, you know, have another HBA1 experience.

You're not going to be in the same classroom with these amazing, like people again in HBA2.

So I think it's really just like take advantage of every single day, you know, talk to someone you like, learn about, like their story.

Like, you know, I think that was something that I was really like, um, appreciative of was like,

I actually like, got to talk to every single person in my section and I kind of like,

understand, you know, um, you know, a little bit more about them, like, on a personal level and not just like, hi, hello.

Which was like really nice and honestly, like, talk to other people outside of your section too.

Like, this is one big, like community, one big family.

So honestly, like, you know, just say hi in the hallways. I think honestly like a great time to just like put yourself out there because, you know,

everyone's so new and you can, like, make a lot of friends like during that whole week.

So if you can, I would really, really recommend just go to every event during a week.

And then of course, like during your, um, during your time at Ivey, like especially in the I would say like first four months,

there's going to be a lot of events like scheduled by like your, uh, VP, VP of your like section.

So like go to all those events, you know, it's a good time.

You really bond with your section and then like, there's obviously like a few planned trips during the year, of course, go to those.

I think it really like makes the year.

But yeah, just like get involved, you know, have a like positive mindset and I think you'll, you know, be just fine.

Yeah. Now I'm curious to hear, so... you even mentioned.

Yeah get involved. Right. There's going to be a lot of external internal internal events that happen at Ivey and, and outside of Ivey.

You know, really get to know your section mates, but also outside, right?

It's one big community and, you know, possibilities of you to really meets and know and get to know various people of diverse backgrounds

and experiences that I think could definitely make your Ivey experience more fruitful or whatever.

Um, but I'm curious to see now part of these events that you attend, were they also, you know,

club related, did you find that that was something that was also a great way to build that community?

Yeah. That's a that's a great question.

I think, uh, I think the clubs at Ivey are honestly, like really special too, because, you know, a lot of the same people that,

you know, are in different sections that are not in your sections that you might not be able to talk to sometimes.

Are you going to be a part of those clubs? So I would definitely recommend like doing clubs Week.

Um, there's going to be obviously a week, um, where, you know,

there's going to be booths that you can like, uh, visit in the Grand Hall or like the main hall.

And, um, I definitely like, say like, you know, go go to that.

Um, try to like, find, you know, maybe 2 or 3 clubs that you're like, you know, excited about and think, think you can actually join.

Uh, and I would say, honestly, just do it. Um, but I was a part of, like, Ivey's Social impact club this year,

and it was really special because, you know, I like, planned their whole conference and like,

I met like, two of, like, you know, probably one of my best friends now, actually, um, like some, like someone in, like, Sophie's section.

So like, I was, it was it was really fun. It's really fun.

Yeah. I did it with Laura and, like, shoutout Laura, like we did. That's the best.

Yeah, yeah. But like, we had a great conference and, um.

Yeah, it was honestly a great time, I think. I think the clubs aspect is actually really underrated at Ivey

It's a really good time and you know, just get involved in that too.

I know it does get hard you know with like balance and stuff. But I think 1 to 2 clubs is definitely like manageable like if you like playing it.

Right. Um, but yeah. Uh, great point Vanessa for sure.

Yeah. Okay. Thanks. And I guess on the contrary.

So these are all great tips in terms of, you know, building your community, getting involved and meeting people.

And on the on the opposite side, you know,

we talk to a lot of students and there's this feeling of imposter syndrome that often time comes up in different moments during your Ivey journey.

I would say more in the beginning because everything is new and you're not quite sure.

And so those feelings might come up.

And so I'm wondering, I'd like to hear if you ever had that, you know, felt imposter syndrome and how did you navigate that?

Yeah, I think that is a very significant thing that a lot of people experience,

whether you call it imposter syndrome or you just don't know how to label it.

Yeah. Um, I think I felt it a lot in the first week, for sure.

But then I found it sort of came in waves. Whether that was exam season, you know, you're not used to how other people study.

And then a big wave, you know, in recruiting season, just because I personally, um,

have been working at a summer camp the past three years, so I'd never been recruiting.

I didn't even know the first thing to it.

So I think that was a big pinpoint in terms of, you know, comparison and not feeling as equal to those around you.

And I think the best way to kind of overcome that, it's just all about, you know,

how you speak to yourself and just reminding yourself you're here for a reason.

Um, you know, no one got in by fluke.

Everyone deserves their spot. Um, and everyone just approaches things differently.

What one person may find is successful for them might not be for you.

So I think just don't hold anyone's, um, habits or ways of learning to a standard of how you need to be.

Yeah, that's a great point. Um, that's a great point, Sophie.

Honestly, like echoing a lot of what you said, but like, like you mentioned before, everyone's nervous.

Like, everyone has imposter syndrome, so it's like, everyone around you is, like, feeling the same thing.

So, like, you shouldn't, like, you know, make that, like, um, like, bear you down.

So, like, don't don't worry about that. And honestly, um, it was like a big wave in the beginning just because, like, it was so new, you know?

Of course it did hit me with recruiting as well, because, like, it's my first time really like recruiting for, you know, you know, a finance job.

Um, but honestly, the best way to really overcome it, like you mentioned,

is just like, you know, positive self-talk, like, everyone's here for a reason.

You know, you got there's a lot of people that would want to be in your position.

So like, be grateful for where you are, of course. And, you know, just keep going.

Honestly. Like, you know, you can do it. And like, I think I think, um, the story that you're going to tell is going to be even, you know,

more beautiful, like, you know, it's it's going to be good, everything's going to work out.

So like, don't worry. And of course, I think the best thing to do is of course like reach out to HBA2s. I think has been something

that's really like important for me because like they've been through like what you've done.

So if there's anyone in like, um, you know, uh, maybe, maybe it was your OWL,

or maybe it was maybe someone you found on LinkedIn or maybe someone you saw in the hallway,

you know, just strike up a conversation and ask them, like, how did they, like, navigate recruiting, how they navigate academics?

I think that's honestly like a great way to just, like, overcome that imposter syndrome, just because, you know, everyone felt it.

So like, don't worry about it.

And I think it's a great, like way to just like learn more about someone's journey and can definitely help you as well for sure.

Absolutely. Yeah, I would say, you know, staying true to yourself.

Absolutely. Right there. It's inevitable where we sometimes compare ourselves, right?

Especially if we're feeling this sort of way and these emotions.

But, you know, everyone's journey is so different. And I think that's why it's so unique to hear from different perspectives.

And to your point, Adi, is reach out to upper your students.

So those HBA2 students. Career Peers, your OWLs, who likely come with experiences similar to what they might be feeling,

you know HBA1s. And so you know, it's it's it's having them reflect on the realities.

But also how were they able to navigate that to almost validate what you're going through.

Thanks for bringing that forward. 100% yeah. All right.

And so kind of transitioning a little bit there.

There's a lot of conversation among students and amongst Career Management around self-care.

How do we take care of ourselves when times get a little bit busy?

And so I'd like to hear a little bit about what does self-care look like during busy seasons and busy periods like recruitment exams,

and how do you take care of yourself? Yeah, I think that's definitely a really important aspect, you know?

Um, it definitely comes in waves, how busy you are. So I think it's important, you know, having those outlets when times do get busy.

Um, for me personally, I play on the Western squash team, so I'm lucky enough to, you know,

have set practices every week to just know I get to go let it all out on the court, as well as just chat with my teammates as well.

So I think for me that was a huge, huge outlet.

And as well as, you know, working out at the gym after before class, um, um, as well as I think a big point is intramurals as well.

You know, that's a way if you like sports to get outside.

Yeah. Um, play a sport. You don't have to think about school or recruiting or anything like that.

Um, so that was a great, great ways for me as well as.

During exam season my friends and I, you know, we would study together and then have a dinner plan that we could go to as a study breaks.

It was kind of the thing motivating us to study and then also provides a nice break.

So I think just having those outlets and leaning on people as well as knowing what worked best for them.

That's a great point. Yeah. I think, um. I think self-care is really important.

Um, I think, you know, of course, is like, different for every single person.

Um, you know, whether you want to read, whether you want to, like,

work out stuff like that for me, like working out really helped because I think it's just,

like, important, you know, um, to, like, get outside, get some fresh air, whether you want to go on a run or whether you want to go to the rec.

Um, but yeah, I think just like after what I tried to do, it was like really,

literally whether it was like right after class or after I finished all, like, my work, I would just like go hit a workout.

And I think that really helped out.

Um, I think honestly, finding, you know, like a good group of people to lean on, um, is really important too, because of course, like,

everyone's stressed, but like when, when you're kind of like in a big group, everyone can kind of like, support each other as well.

And I think, uh, just planning events like, uh, with your section as well.

I think it really like, you know, motivates you to work harder and of course, like, you know, play hard, work hard.

So I think just like implementing that is like a great way for sure.

Yeah. It was it was kind of funny.

After class most days, you found that the rec was kind of just like an Ivey hangout because everyone would just go after class.

So that's half working out, half chatting. Yeah, but that's great because like you said, it's an outlet to just, you know, you know, release

or de-stress or just catch up with some friends. And that in itself is a distraction to, you know, take a break.

Right.

So this has been a great conversation and very insightful to kind of hear a little bit about your different strategies and your journey and

needless to say, it sounds like they've been quite different,

but there's some similarities in some of the ways that you approach some of the challenges that you encountered,

but also some of your recipes for success. And so, um, you know, as a kind of final takeaway,

if you could give a piece of advice to the incoming HBA1s that will be starting in September, what would that advice be?

Yeah. That's a that's a good point. I wish there was a podcast I could listen to before here.

Yeah. Um, I think kind of the biggest thing for me was just try your best not to compare yourself to others,

um, because, you know, there's always room for improvement.

So I think just giving yourself the grace and the gratitude that you deserve.

Of course, it's nice to, you know, want to achieve big things. But I think changing your perspective and looking at it as a motivating perspective,

rather than getting down on yourself, um, as well as just recognizing everyone's nervous, everyone's in the same boat.

Um, everyone feels how you feel, and just living in the moment, I think, is the biggest thing and really enjoying it.

Because when I look back, it honestly flew by so fast.

It feels like it was a month. So just really enjoying every moment and just meeting great people along the way.

Okay. Yeah, like I definitely agree with Sophie. HBA1 went by so so fast.

Um, that's one thing I would definitely recommend to everyone coming in and literally enjoy every single day.

Because I promise, I promise, I promise you're going to regret it. Like, you know, uh, after.

Because like, I know HBA1 is probably one of the most special years, and I definitely was like my favorite year of, like, my undergraduate career.

Me too. But yeah, like, I think honestly, just coming in,

I still think like the social aspect of like Ivey is definitely like the most important one, at least for me.

Um, I think, you know, literally just talking to everyone, meeting with everyone.

Get involved in your section like there are, you know, um, elected positions.

So, you know, if you are, you know, trying to, you know, get more involved, you know, I'd definitely recommend it.

Um, but yeah, honestly, just talk to every single person in your section,

reach out to, you know, to reach out to HBA1s and, you know, um, join clubs at Ivey.

I think that would be that that would be like another great point.

But just like, you know, be happy. Be grateful for where you are.

Don't compare yourself for sure. Everyone's on their different journey, but just honestly try your best every single day and that's all that matters.

Awesome. Well, Adi, Sophie, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us today.

Very much appreciate it. And that's it for today.

Thank you for watching. If you'd like to see more podcast content, check out your Career Management community online.

If you'd like to connect with Career Management, you can book a one on one appointment via 12Twenty or visit us in room 2235.

Take good care.