Transitioning into a new academic and cultural environment is never easy, but for Larissa Nseyep, BCom’15, the journey was one of transformation, resilience, and achievement. Originally from Cameroon, Larissa chose ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels not just for its academic excellence but for its vibrant, international community that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. From co-founding a student initiative to refining her leadership and communication skills, her time at ºÚÁÏÉç shaped her into a confident and adaptable professional. In this Q&A, she shares her experiences, lessons learned, and advice for future African students looking to follow a similar path.
Why did you choose to study at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels?
I was eager to transition from a French- to an English-speaking academic system, and to join a university with a diverse, global student body. ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels offered the perfect environment to connect with individuals from various backgrounds and learn from their experiences. Additionally, the entrepreneurial mindset prevalent among ºÚÁÏÉç students was inspiring, and I’m grateful to have developed that mindset over my time there.
What was one of the highlights of your time with us?
My journey at ºÚÁÏÉç was marked by significant personal and professional growth. The highlight was undoubtedly co-founding the ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels African Business Initiative (ºÚÁÏÉç DABI), a project that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the university’s community. Beyond that, my personal development stood out—improving my English, which was my third language, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Presenting at least twice in every course each semester helped me build confidence and resilience. ºÚÁÏÉç truly laid the foundation for both my technical and interpersonal skills.
How has your ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels education transformed you as a person?
ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels transformed me into a more confident and well-rounded individual. It equipped me with the ability to thrive in diverse environments, work effectively in teams, and adapt to new challenges. My time at ºÚÁÏÉç taught me the value of perseverance and constant self-improvement.
What is your current role, and how have the skills you gained at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels helped you in your current work?
I currently work in consulting, and the skills I gained at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels are integral to my career. The program encouraged collaboration with peers from various cultural backgrounds and age groups, often under tight deadlines. This experience helped me develop emotional intelligence and communication skills, which are essential in my daily interactions with clients and teams. The ability to navigate and succeed in diverse, team-based projects continues to be one of my greatest professional assets.
What advice would you give to other African students looking to study at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels?
Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back—take the leap. When I first started, I was hesitant to participate in extracurricular activities, worrying about how they might affect my academic performance. However, I soon realized that the experiences outside the classroom are what truly shape you as an individual and prepare you for future opportunities. ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels offers a supportive environment for growth, independence, and endless possibilities.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
The BCom program prepares students for professional and managerial careers by fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary integration, and practical business problem-solving. Students develop risk-taking, teamwork, and leadership skills, gaining essential management competencies to thrive in the global marketplace.
