Louis Lee- BCom. Finance and Economics
Louis Lee is a U3 BCom. student studying Finance and Economics. It is rare to encounter an international student who deftly adapts to a new environment and thrive immensely. Louis is such an exception. His interview exemplifies his openmindedness and readiness to embrace change.
Tell us about what you (have) studied at McGill.
I am a U3 Management student majoring in Finance and Economics.
I also had the chance to study abroad during my exchange at the University of Melbourne and summer school at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
What are you planning to do after your graduation?
I plan on attending Medical School in Australia after my graduation.
I know, this is a very different field (and country) from my current studies, but I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor since I was a kid, along with my interests in Economics and Finance.
What are some pros and cons about your program?
Pros:
The core courses of the Bachelor of Commerce present a broad range of foundation for any type of business/profession you may want to pursue in the future.
You learn basic skills required for nowadays in most professions, even for a medical profession such as doctor. For instance, understanding the needs of customers/patients, running operations efficiently, and managing revenues and expenses properly are some of the knowledge you could acquire from becoming a student in the Bachelor of Commerce.
Overall, my program has provided me with knowledge that can be easily applied in the real world, for example understanding how individuals, organizations, and the society in general, and making financially feasible decisions.
Cons: On the other hand, if you are a person that prefers memorization over application and problems solving, this program might not be the most suitable one for you.
What were some valuable involvements at school that taught about yourself and oriented your goals?
I have been quite involved at McGill, and joined several student clubs.
I am currently the co-president of MCSS and Canadian Liver Foundation — McGill Chapter, as well as Director of Finance for the McGill Students’ Cancer Society, VP Communications for Think Pink McGill and Coordinator of Coordinators for the SSMU Volunteer Service.
I believe all these involvements have been extremely valuable to me.
Joining student clubs really gave me hands on experience regarding team work, events planning, and time management.
While it might seem that these efforts don’t pay off much, you will only realize in the future to appreciate how useful all these experiences are.
I learnt how to work collectively as part of a team, divide tasks efficiently, plan large scale events carefully, and manage my time properly in order to meet the deadlines. But most importantly, as an exec, I truly enjoyed creating events and providing services for other students.
My involvements further confirmed my interests in the medical field, where I have the opportunity to bring a better life to others.
Most regretful thing you’ve ever done at McGill.
Missed frosh in my first year.
Proudest thing you’ve ever done at McGill.
Coming to pursue my undergraduate studies in Canada by myself as an international student, without any family or friend in the country of maple syrup, is one of my major accomplishments.
I knew since several years ago that I would want to leave Italy and come to Canada for university, and I am proud I eventually achieved this goal after several years of preparation. The lesson is to set goals, plan ahead and nothing will be impossible.
What advice would you give to younglings at McGill?
Give your 100% in everything that you do
(both academic and extra-curricular ones); plan your schedule ahead, set deadlines for yourself, and try your best to follow them.
And don’t be shy to try new things,
take courses in the fields you are interested in, and join student clubs you like, or think you might like. Last but not least,
it’s never too late to change major/program if you finally find something you want to study.
Is there anything else you want to add on?
Two of my favorite quotes:
“Sapere Aude” (English translation: Dare to Know) — Horace and Kant
“ Errare Humanum Est, perseverare autem diabolicum” (English translation: To commit errors is human, but to persist in them is diabolical) — Seneca The Younger
