Schulich MBA Candidate Awarded Capital Markets Scholarship
MBA candidate Sakshi Kanda was recently awarded the Women in Capital Markets Heather L. Main Memorial Scholarship.
Established since 1998, this scholarship has given qualified women, participating a full-time 2-year MBA or joint MBA/LL.B program, the opportunity to pursue careers in the Canadian capital markets.
The scholarship includes:
- a paid summer internship in the Capital Markets at a major financial institution
- mentoring during internship and final year of studies
- one year complimentary membership with WCM
- a women’s leadership training program prior to the internship
This year two Schulich School of Business students were awarded this prestigious honour. Sakshi Kanda and Dajena Collaku were selected based on their interest in Capital Markets in addition to their academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership capabilities.
Below, Sakshi speaks about her student experience, upcoming internship and thoughts about powerful women in business.
1. Tell me a bit about how you developed an interest in capital markets.
To be honest, I didn’t know much about capital markets until I read about the Heather L. Main Scholarship and attended a few events hosted by Women in Capital Markets. From what I could tell, it seemed like a great place for someone who is analytical, social, hard-working, and driven. Initially, I was a bit hesitant because I hadn’t even taken my first finance course yet; however, I’m always up for a challenge and the opportunity had presented itself. I knew I had to take advantage of it. The more I researched and learned about capital markets, the more it made sense to apply and learn as much as I could.
2. The Heather L. Main Scholarship honours trailblazing business women. What does it meant to you to have been awarded this recognition?
I feel honoured to have received the Heather L. Main Scholarship and I am grateful to the business women who came before me and paved the road for myself and others. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for them to penetrate such a competitive industry and to think that I am following in their footsteps is humbling. I am truly thankful and I intend to make the most of this opportunity.
3. Where will you intern in 2016? What are you looking forward to about your internship?
I will be interning at TD bank in 2016. I am currently choosing between investment banking and sales/trading. I look forward to meeting some very intelligent people and learning as much as I possibly can from them during my four-month stay.
4. What brought you to Schulich and how would you characterize your student experience here so far?
In one word, my experience at Schulich has been amazing. Schulich truly delivers on its promise to give students a global perspective of the business world. The school does an excellent job of bringing together a diverse group of students who are motivated to achieve their full potential. This pushes me to work harder. I am grateful for the friends I have made here as well. They look at the world from a completely different perspective and I really value that. The professors are equally as brilliant and although the course material can be quite challenging, it is equally rewarding. Accepting Schulich’s offer was one of the best decisions I ever made.
5. If you could give a piece of advice to other women thinking of pursuing a business education and/or career in capital markets, what might that be?
Don’t be afraid. You are as capable and intelligent as anyone else. Work hard and pursue anything that speaks to you and take advantage of each and every opportunity that comes your way. It’s definitely not an easy route to take but I promise you, it is highly rewarding if you put the effort in.