By Sydney Hucal. Pictured: Members of CSS 2021. Photo credit: Sasha Milam
Curious about student-led clubs?
UVic has an abundance of student clubs to choose from, including seven business-affiliated student-led clubs on campus for students. From finance to entrepreneurship, there is an opportunity for everyone – even if you aren’t a BCom student.
These extra-curricular clubs are a great way to polish up your skills, round out your resume and meet some passionate people along the way. Keep reading to find an opportunity that strikes some excitement and remember to get involved!
The UVic Crypto Currency Club
What’s the club about?
“We are a welcoming and friendly club for people of all knowledge levels who are interested in crypto-currency and blockchain,” says Tyler Tootle, the club’s president and founder. “The goal is to develop a group of supportive and likeminded individuals who are keen to learn!”
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“We host a range of activities like hands-on workshops, fireside chats, panel discussions with industry professionals, and member projects like the crypto-currency trading simulator or the NFT (non-fungible token) marketplace collaboration.”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“Join! Do it! You can even start simple and just follow along with our LinkedIn to get a taste for what crypto-currency is all about. We’d love to have you and I’m always happy to chat more about the club – the goal is to get everyone interested and inspired!”
Where can you learn more?
“Check us out on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our events and projects, or come hang out on our discord to chat and get to know the other members!”
The UVic Entrepreneurship Club
What’s the club about?
“The UVic Entrepreneurship Club is a student-led group that is focused on connecting students with the entrepreneurial community in Victoria,” says co-president and co-founder Andrew Strean. “We are committed to supporting student entrepreneurship at the university and want to create a reliable network for future collaborations.”
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“There are a variety of ways that students can get involved with the club,” says Madison Nelson, the co-president and co-founder. “Members can take part in our Micro Internship program, a four-week experience that gives you hands-on experience with local businesses, or participate in the club’s e-commerce start-up set to launch this year. We also host a range of guest speaker and networking events.”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“Come on in! Think about what you want to get out of the experience and we’ll make it happen. This is a great space to pursue a new opportunity and build an experience that makes you excited,” says Madi.
Where can you learn more?
“You can find us on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about our upcoming events and local partnerships!”
Young Women in Business (YWIB)
What’s the club about?
“Our primary goal is to support women who are curious about the world of business. YWIB is a great networking experience for women from any faculty to learn more about how they want to apply their degree and chat with female industry professionals in the business world,” says Khushi Wadhwa, the YWIB co-president.
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“Over the course of the year we host a variety of networking events and workshops with guest speakers,” shares Khushi. “We also have a mentorship program called the Big Sister Program, where upper-year students are paired with younger students to offer guidance and advice.”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“We are excited to help you grow and join a group of accepting women who are eager to see you succeed. This club has given me the opportunity to learn some new skills and I believe that it can do that for you too.”
Where can you learn more?
“You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and on our website to learn more about available positions and upcoming events.”
University of Victoria Consulting Group (UVCG)
What’s the club about?
“The UVCG is an incredible place to meet new friends and it’s a really welcoming environment for students across all faculties to learn more about the world of consulting,” shares Kelly Halvorsen, the club president. “The club has three objectives: to provide local businesses with pro bono (and sometimes paid) consulting services, to develop the skills and competencies of our members and to support student learning.”
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“We host many different types of events, including alumni panels, fireside consultant chats, networking socials and skill-building workshops. We also work on various client projects within the local community that allow members to get hands-on consulting experience!”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“Do it! You’ll look back on your decision to join the club and be amazed at how much you learned and were able to grow, not to mention the many friendships and professional relationships that you will be able to cultivate – it’s an incredible opportunity!”
Where can you learn more?
“Check us out on LinkedIn, Facebook or on Instagram.”
Commerce Students Society (CSS)
What’s the club about?
“The primary goal of the CSS is to give BCom students opportunities outside of the classroom through a wide range of events and initiatives so students can gain the skills that they’re looking for,” says Noor Sibat, the CSS president. “We want to equip students with the necessary experiences to tackle their desired career path.”
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“The club manages multiple portfolios, specifically Academics, Events, Corporate Relations, Community Outreach, Finance, Marketing and Engagement – there really is an opportunity for everyone! One of my favourite events is the GSBC conference for third years when we host a weekend event in Nanaimo that combines business-related team challenges and networking with BCom peers and industry professionals.
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“We are a super friendly bunch, and although we may seem intimidating at first, we want to set all students up for success. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded and motivated BCom students, in addition to learning many valuable skills that you can apply to your next work term. We’re always excited to onboard new members to our team, so please don’t hesitate to apply or reach out to any of our team members if you are interested!”
Where can you learn more?
“You can find us on Facebook and Instagram!”
The UVic Investment Group
What’s the club about?
“We aim to build financial literacy across the UVic campus within all faculties,” says Conor Byrne, the UVic Investment Group president. “So many students leave high school with very minimal knowledge about financial decision-making and we want to change that!”
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“We bring in a number of guest speakers and offer one-on-one conversations with industry professionals. There’s also the chance to network with UVic alumni from the community,” adds Evan Guildford, the club’s VP. “We’re also planning a stock-market simulator so we can get a dose of healthy competition and some friendly banter going within the club.”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“Definitely check out the club and come hang out on our discord – we’d love to chat with you! We’re excited to grow and really want to incorporate students from a variety of backgrounds who are passionate about learning more about finance.”
Where can you learn more?
“Check out our website, or our Facebook to learn more about becoming a member.”
JDC West
What’s the club about?
“JDC West prepares students for a nation-wide case competition with over 600 delegates to test their skills in academics, debate, social and athletics. The goal is to provide opportunities for the members to build meaningful skills and relationships, along with preparing for the competition through a variety of interesting initiatives,” says Curren Ward, one of the team co-captains who is leading alongside Sophie Wong-Chor.
What kind of events or projects does the club host?
“In advance of the competition, delegates prepare with their coach through bi-weekly meetings to practice case simulations. We also host monthly team practices to collaborate as a group, in addition to outreach and charity events that allow us to connect with the community.”
What would you say to someone who is considering joining the club?
“Just do it! University extra-curricular clubs can offer so much extra value than what you would normally learn in class. Get involved and get in early. Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re good enough or ready because you can’t make it if you don’t try!”
Where can you learn more?
