CS2AC Episode 7: An Accountant and Future CPA Talks About His Journey from Trinidad to the University of New Brunswick on a Swimming Scholarship

CS2AC Episode 7: An Accountant and Future CPA Talks About His Journey from Trinidad to the University of New Brunswick on a Swimming Scholarship

On this session of  the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Stefan Mader, a graduate from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton.

Stefan is from Trinidad and Tobago. He left Trinidad to attend UNB on a swim scholarship. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and is now a Tax Specialist on track to becoming a CPA (Chartered Public Accountant).

 Stefan talks about how he secured his athletic scholarship, he goes into great detail about his responsibilities as a Tax Specialist and he breaks down the CPA exam .

In this Episode, Stefan talks about:

  • How he landed at the University of New Brunswick
  • The early days of his swim career (3:18)
  • How he ended up swimming for UNB (4:00)
  • How he personally secured his swim scholarship (5:00)
  • How swimming opened so many doors for him (8:00)
  • What it was like being on the UNB swim team (10:30)
  • His practice schedule as a student athlete (11:43)
  • Why he highly recommends accounting students take advantage of co-op opportunities especially if you are an international student (15:15)
  • His career and general duties as a Tax Specialist (17:00)
  • What it was like learning about the Canadian Tax System as a Trinidadian (20:09)
  • His journey to becoming a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) (22:29)
  • How graduating with honors puts one at an advantage when starting the CPA program (24:15)
  • What the CPA program is comprised of [Core 1, Core 2 and 2 electives] (25:30)
  • The advantages of working in a Public Accounting Firm when pursuing your CPA (29:00)
  • The advantages of obtaining your CPA designation as an Accountant (30:19)

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All Bahamas Merit Scholarship

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Transcript 

CS2AC Episode 3: Second-Year Software Engineering Student Describes Her Journey from the Corridors of Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica to the Halls of the University of New Brunswick

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CS2AC Episode 3: Second-Year Software Engineering Student Describes Her Journey from the Corridors of Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica to the Halls of the University of New Brunswick

On this session of  the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Raven-Lee Mills, a second-year Software Engineering student at the University of New BrunswickThis is a great interview because Raven does a great job of breaking down the details of her paperwork, engineering program and co-op. 

In this session you will learn:

  • How Raven learned about UNB and why she chose engineering as a career
  • What she needed to get accepted into UNB from high school in Jamaica
  • The documents she needed to submit in order to receive her study permit
  • The things she needed to do in order to work while she studied
  • What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and why an international student needs one
  • How she set up her bank account
  • How to obtain Proof of Address if you are an international student interested in renting
  • What on-campus jobs Raven had
  • How UNB helps students get set up to work outside of the classroom
  • Her first co-op work position and the value it provides her as an international students(A co-op work experience combines what was learned in the classroom with job experience prior to completing one’s degree. )
  • Her tips for combating the snow

JUMPSTART !

Things you can do now for classroom and career

Learn coding with Codeacademy

Store your projects on  Github

About the City

About Fredericton:  As a Caribbean student in Fredericton, you will not be disappointed while taking a break from the books!  Located along the Saint John river, there are lots of walking/ bike trails and museums. The small town atmosphere makes all feel welcomed. It is not uncommon for students to switch up the scene and hold meetings or study sessions in one of the many coffee shops around town. 

Resources

UNB Software Engineering Program

UNB Engineering Co-op Education Program

Applying for a Social Insurance Number

Find A Service Canada Near You

 See Winter Gear here and here

Stores around Fredericton that may be useful: Walmart, Best Buy, Sobeys, Superstore

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Help us reach more Caribbean students.

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CS2AC Session 2: From the Shores of Trinidad to a degree in Finance, an MBA, and a Soccer Scholarship at University of New Brunswick

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CS2AC Session 2 : From the Shores of Trinidad to a degree in Finance, an MBA and a Soccer Scholarship at University of New Brunswick

On this session of the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast we talk with Keagan Marcus, a Trinidadian making strides as a businessman and entrepreneur in New Brunswick. Keagan obtained both his Bachelors in Finance and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Brunswick .  Listen as he walks us through his time as a student athlete (on a soccer scholarship), how he earned spending money as a student and how he went about finding pre-owned appliances for his dorm room.

In this session you will learn: 

  • The existing partnership between University of New Brunswick and UWI- Roytec 
  • What was needed to set up Keagan’s first dorm room at Aitken House
  • How he utilized the classifieds website Kijiji to purchase appliances
  • How Keagan balanced being a finance student and a soccer athlete
  • What he did to earn spending money during his undergad
  • Why he chose the path of entrepreneurship and what its like being an entrepreneur in Atlantic Canada
  • What advice he has for caribbean students combating the snow for the first time

We have a great article on what Kijiji is and how students can use the platform to navigate the various stages of university.

ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is entrepreneurship ?

Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business.

 “Entrepreneurship is much broader than the creation of a new business venture…At its core, it is a mindset – a way of thinking and acting. It is about imagining new ways to solve problems and create value.”~ Bruce Bachenheimer

UNB & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

How UNB supports entrepreneurship

For Entrepreneurs and Innovators

  On its campus, UNB has the Pond-Deshpande Center . Founded by two  tech entrepreneurs that are also graduates of the school ,  this center’s main goal is to facilitate innovation/ entrepreneurship in New Brunswick.

 If you see yourself as someone with great ideas, you have this great resource right on campus !

About the City

About Fredericton:  As a Caribbean student in Fredericton, you will not be disappointed while taking a break from the books!  Located along the Saint John river, there are lots of walking/ bike trails and museums. The small town atmosphere makes all feel welcomed. It is not uncommon for students to switch up the scene and hold meetings or study sessions in one of the many coffee shops around town. 

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ALSO FOR YOU

See Scholarships Offered By These Schools

Also Recommended For You :

All Bahamas Merit Scholarship

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Print Email Amount: Up To $35,000 / Annum Awarded by Bahamian Ministry of Education- Scholarship & Educational Loan Division Deadline: APRIL 30 (11:59

Read More »

How UNB Is Helping International Students Cope With Winter

The one consistent thing that Caribbean newbies want to know  is…”How do I deal with winter!?”.

Well, the University of New Brunswick’s International Students Advisor’s Office (ISAO) is providing a great resource for winter items that international students may have missed while shopping.

This is really helpful and very encouraging to any one facing an east coast winter for the very first time.

Their video shows how they are helping to keep fingers and toes warm 🙂

3 Cool Things About Engineering Programs in Atlantic Canada

Do you have an interest in math and science? Have you ever thought about engineering as a career ?

Simply put, engineers are problem solvers. They design and produce products and systems that meets a specific need in their community.

This week on the Caribbean Students to Atlantic Canada Podcast (CS2AC), we spoke to Andy. Andy, who is from the Bahamas, is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick’s computer engineering program.

Listen to what Andy has to say about his experience as a UNB Engineering student.

As we continue to feature this great field of study, we thought it fitting to  list a few things that we like about the engineering programs throughout Canada’s East Coast.

1. Great Variety

That’s right! You may have heard about civil and chemical engineering, but have you heard about sustainable design engineering or geodesy & geomatics engineering? How about ocean & naval architectural engineering offered by Memorial University of Newfoundland?  Check out our post on Interesting Engineering Disciplines offered  by universities in Atlantic Canada.

2. You Get A Ring

But not just any ring! All Canadian trained engineers wear this symbol on the pinky finger of their working hand. It’s purpose is to act as constant reminder of   what it means to be an engineer and the ethical obligations that accompany the title. Read more on : ‘The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer

3. Co-op Programs

A co-operative education program allows a student the opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom  to a professional setting.The benefits are numerous allowing pre-graduates to expand their knowledge, explore career options and establish contacts in their chosen industry.

Interested in an engineering program? Check to see if they offer a co-op option.

Universities providing engineering programs include:  University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University and Memorial University of Newfoundland

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