20 Jun Royer Thompson prize for management and leadership StFX – 2022 interview

2022 winner- Kate D’Albertanson

Why did you choose Management and Leadership for your studies at StFX?

I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go in and enjoyed everything, so I consulted with a Management and Leadership professor, he saw my strengths within this field so I went for it and I fell in love with the classes and faculty it felt natural like I belonged. I would highly recommend talking to professors if someone is struggling to decide which major, they want to choose.

In the success that you had in completing your Management and Leadership program what was the biggest challenge you had to overcome?

My biggest challenge was maintaining all the commitments I took on a lot in the third and fourth years and had to manage myself. I was doing an honours thesis, was the president of Schwartz Business Society, worked part-time, volunteered, and had a full course load, but I ended up having success and I couldn’t think of anything I would be willing to give up. Often, I had to sit back and lower my standards for myself and find a balance it was definitely a learning challenge, but I am proud to say I did it.

As a new graduate what comes next for you in your further studies and/or career?

I am studying for my LSAT right now and writing it in September which means hopefully I will be attending Law school in the fall of 2023. During my third year of university, I was able to get a part-time Bilingual job as a Program Generalist through the Career Department at StFX with the Canadian Government Employment and Social Development Division and am lucky to still be working for them while I study and wait to get into Law School.

From your perspective, what are the most important attributes or skills for leaders to demonstrate? Who is your role model and why?

I would say passion is the most important skill for a leader to possess. My motivation goes up when care is there from the leaders whether it be a professor or Manager. If someone is passionate about the work they do, they work harder. I have two role models my mom being the first as a woman who has held Executive position’s she inspired me to want the same. She also went to StFX and took the same education and in 1996 she co-founded the business society on campus, so it was very full circle for me to attend the program she did and become the President of the society she co-founded. The second role model I look up to is my cousin who has down syndrome he lives in Antigonish, and I dedicated my thesis to him he’s always happy and bright no matter the circumstance. He reminds me our differences make us special.

The workplace is evolving. Given you are a new grad. What trends are you paying attention to?

I currently work remotely and have for the last 2 years while in university with the transition away from Covid19 we were given the option to build our own schedules (hybrid, full-time at home, full-time at the office). I see this continuing for organizations as it results in higher productivity for many, leases are also pricey, and this new hybrid model gives companies the opportunity to save money to reinvest into employees. I am hopeful organizations will continue this model. It’s not for everyone but people appreciate the flexibility, and, in many cases, circumstances of an individual may decide for them. If I had to make it into the office every day, it would present a challenge for me at the moment as I’ve been in a boot for over a year this kind of work is more accommodating for everybody and promotes inclusivity.