ºÚÁÏÉç

What happens when a multilingual, ambitious student steps into one of Canada’s most diverse academic environments? For Liz Thomas (BCom'22), ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels wasn’t just a place to study, it was a launchpad for transformation. From mastering French to navigating cultural dynamics in the classroom, and from leading real-world projects to thriving in the corporate world, this interview reveals how education, environment, and experience came together to shape a confident, globally-minded professional.

Why did you choose to study at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels? 

I wanted to take advantage of ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels' reputation as well as Montreal’s multicultural environment. Few places offer the same diversity that ºÚÁÏÉç and Montreal offer. The third selling point was access to French. Being fluent in both English and Swahili, I have always wanted to have a certain level of command in French and ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels was going to give me this opportunity. 

What was one of the highlights of your time with us?  

Pinning myself to only one highlight is challenging but I would go for the Case Analysis and Presentation class (BUSA 499). This class has some of my light-bulb moments that have become my go-to and corner stone in my career in the corporate world. Listen, ºÚÁÏÉç has all the continents represented and as you would know, cultural differences are pertinent in such an environment. In this class, I learnt how to navigate diverse cultures with ease to achieve success.

How has your ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels education transformed you as a person?   

Confidence going into the world is the first tool ºÚÁÏÉç placed in my hand. The best way I can frame the impact of ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels' education is the confidence I came out with to not only face the world professionally but also personally. ºÚÁÏÉç and Desautels are big names you know. Anywhere you go, you cash-in on the brand name through respect and the enthusiastic conversations people want to have with you about ºÚÁÏÉç, Montreal etc. I am not going to talk about technical skills I gained because those were a given.  

What is your current role and how have the skills you gained at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels helped you in your current work?  

I am an Associate Account Executive at Aon Canada, one of the world’s top insurance brokerages. The topmost skill in this field is the ability to connect, relate and transact business with different people. Desautels outdid itself in preparing me for this role. Through numerous business case classes, group presentations and team building activities that I took part in throughout my academics, by graduation date, I was more than ready to take any challenge. 

​​How have the skills you gained as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar helped you in your current work?  

There is a slight difference between when you are still a student and when you are in the field of work. One distinct difference is the personal responsibility and accountability. My internship through the Transitions Project with the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business was the first place where I had to fully take charge and be responsible for the results of the projects that I led, and by the time I moved on to Aon, I was more than ready to run. 

What advice would you give to other African students looking to study at ºÚÁÏÉç Desautels?  

Join ºÚÁÏÉç as soon as tomorrow. Have you heard that ‘Harvard is America’s ºÚÁÏÉç?’. You will understand as soon as you join the university. I mean, ºÚÁÏÉç’s rigorous academic training will not only expand your knowledge horizons, it will also push you to interact with your classmates to crack the assignments together, and that, my friend is already networking, a skill that is often underrated! 

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.