Katherine Huang

MY JOURNEY

I am a fourth‑year student concentrating in Management Information Systems and Operations Management. When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t entirely sure which career paths would allow me to create value while aligning with my interests. I chose to pursue a degree in Business Administration because of its versatility—I wanted the opportunity to explore multiple industries, roles and ways of thinking before committing to a specific path. 

Choosing this route has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Through my time at SFU Beedie, I’ve had opportunities to ideate, problem‑solve and engage directly with organizational decision‑makers. These experiences have given me a multi‑faceted perspective on how ideas turn into viable solutions and how organizations build from the ground up. 

I’ve always been interested in technology and how it can complement people’s business processes, which led me to Management Information Systems. Operations Management appealed to me for similar reasons—I enjoy working with data, pinpointing inefficiencies and improving processes. Both concentrations allow me to think critically about how systems interact with people, and how thoughtful design can optimize the way organizations operate. 

MY SFU BEEDIE EXPERIENCE

I’ve been actively involved in several student organizations across SFU and am grateful for the experiences and skills I’ve gained along the way. Progressing from coordinator roles to presidential‑level leadership has been a long but rewarding journey, shaping my growth as a student, leader and professional. 

My involvement includes serving as a Human Resources Coordinator and Director of Operations for the BASS Celebration Gala, an Events Project Manager and member of the Tax Program with the SFU Accounting Student Association, and a Team Host for CaseIT. My longest and most impactful experience, however, has been with SFU JDC West. 

As a competitor, I represented SFU as an Academics delegate in both the Marketing and Business Strategy disciplines. This experience taught me grit, resilience and how to maintain a forward‑looking mindset while delivering results despite setbacks and failure. Now, as a Captain for SFU JDC West, my goal is to create an environment where peers can grow safely and confidently in the same way mentorship supported my development. 

These opportunities strengthened my communication, leadership and adaptability while also introducing me to an incredible network of friends and industry professionals who continue to shape my career path. 

HIGHLIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS

A defining moment in my SFU Beedie journey was competing internationally at the Sydney International Business Competition. While I had previously competed nationally with SFU JDC West, travelling to Australia introduced a completely new level of complexity, scope and intensity. 

The training demands and strategic depth required forced me to shift my mindset from focusing on individual business components to thinking holistically about organizations as systems. The experience was more immersive and impactful than any classroom setting—meeting students from around the world, exchanging ideas and learning through competition made everything feel tangible and real. 

I was especially fortunate to be mentored by Professor Peter Tingling, whose guidance transformed how I approach business strategy. His mentorship has influenced my studies, leadership approach, internship experiences and continued into my second international case competition at RSM Star in the Netherlands. 

LEARNING IN ACTION

Two courses that had a particularly strong impact on my development were BUS 360W (Business Communication) and BUS 362 (Business Process Analysis). 

BUS 362 was hands‑on and client‑focused, requiring us to design and build a system for a real organization. I learn best through application, and this course allowed me to produce tangible outcomes while developing technical skills I continue to use in my professional experiences. 

BUS 360W sharpened my attention to detail through its rigorous grading structure and communication requirements. I’ve become much stronger at structuring ideas, identifying errors and delivering clear written and verbal communication. These skills have translated directly into my internships and leadership roles—and motivated me to give back as a BUS 360W Teaching Assistant, supporting other students in developing the same capabilities. 

NEXT STEPS

While I’m still exploring the exact trajectory I want to pursue, I have a strong interest in consulting—particularly within technology and management streams. After graduation, I hope to begin my career as a Business Analyst at a consulting firm, continuing to refine my expertise and focus through hands‑on experience.