Interview with Lakyn Copeland
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Management Economics & Finance at the University of Guelph?
When I first started applying, someone told me "You should choose your university based on the program but also the environment." I loved the Guelph campus and enjoyed that it was close to home. The program enticed me because it focused on not only economics but also finance which I felt was a good range, and rare from other programs I saw. The fact that co-op was available was also a win because it got me practising what I learned and gave me a chance to get real work experience before graduating.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
I enjoyed the variety of electives I had access to in my 3-5 years. I was able to expand my interest in areas such as environmental economics and mergers and acquisitions. In the later year courses it became apparent the passion the professors had, and the smaller class sizes made the class more engaging and less about reading slides. I ended up picking a minor in Data Analytics and I found there was a lot of crossover within the courses and overlap in knowledge. This made it easier to complete and helped me understand the content better.
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.
Yes. I did do co-op…best decision! I did my first placement in the Experiential Learning Hub on campus, and it was a great intro to the work world and helped me gain fundamental data-handling skills. I did my other two terms at Fidelity Investments, one in Finance and the other in Institutional Distribution. I learned a lot at these placements (soft & technical skills) which helped me land my first full-time job after graduating.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
Currently, I am working at Fidelity Investment Canada as a Financial Analyst. I work within the Financial Planning & Analysis team. A lot of my work is focused on forecasting and budgeting for the company.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
My co-ops for sure helped me land this job. The exposure in my program, through electives such as investments and economics courses, helped me gain fundamental knowledge of the industry. My Intro Data Analytics course which focused on Excel skills significantly helped with my technical capabilities and data literacy.
What advice would you give someone considering the Management Economics & Finance program or applying to the University of Guelph?
Try to get into the co-op program. It not only helped me gain work experience but also helped me in my classes as I was exposed to areas at the workplace before learning it in my courses. It can be a tricky program but staying up on the readings and “homework” helped me stay on top of the topics and ask questions before it was time for exams. A general pointer would be to also get involved on campus. It helped me meet a lot of people and exposed me to some passions I wouldn’t have otherwise realized.
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
The Bullring was always a go-to, I loved the antojitos!
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
MacDonald Hall was a great place for studying, specifically the third floor for quiet spots. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to experience all the renovations of Lang Plaza before I left.
