Q&A With SSU Junior Accounting Clerk (Co-op): Diya
Curious about life in the Sheridan Accounting Student Association or the Business Administration – Accounting program? We caught up with Diya to hear about her experiences in the BBA – Accounting program at Sheridan, her journey as a co-op student with the SSU, and her future career plans. Whether you’re considering the BBA program, pursuing a career in accounting, or just interested in #SheridanLife, don’t miss our Q&A with Diya:
“Working at the SSU taught me invaluable skills that will support my future career.”
- Diya Shah
Q: What's a project or assignment you're really proud of working on? What made it so rewarding?
A: “One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was in my business simulation class, where we managed a virtual café through BizCafe for six weeks. My team and I handled various aspects of running the café, including pricing strategies, staffing, marketing, and inventory management. The experience required us to make data-driven decisions and adapt to changing scenarios quickly. By the end of the simulation, my café achieved the highest sales in the class, which was incredibly fulfilling. It was rewarding because it combined teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity, giving me a practical taste of running a business successfully.”
Q: What’s something you wish you knew before going into this program?
A: “I wish I had understood the significance of networking early in my academic journey. While academic performance is important, building relationships with peers, professors and industry professionals can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable mentorship. Learning to connect with others, attend industry events, and actively seek advice has since become a priority for me. I now see networking not just as a tool for career growth but also as a way to gain diverse perspectives and insights that enrich my learning experience.”
Q: What skill(s) did you gain from your program that helped you succeed in your position at the SSU?
A: “One of the most valuable skills I gained from my program is time management. Balancing coursework, extracurricular commitments like being Vice President of SASA, and part-time work taught me how to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines under pressure. Additionally, my program strengthened my analytical thinking and attention to detail, which have been crucial in maintaining accuracy while handling financial transactions and reports at SSU. Collaboration is another skill I honed through group projects and team activities, enabling me to work seamlessly with colleagues and contribute to a supportive, efficient work environment.”
Q: What made you apply for this position at the SSU? What stood out as the most exciting part of the job?
A: “I applied to SSU because of its dynamic and collaborative environment that supports student growth. As an accounting clerk, I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to real-world financial processes while honing my technical skills. What stood out most was SSU's commitment to creating meaningful experiences for students—working behind the scenes to make that possible felt incredibly rewarding.”
Diya at the Sheridan Accounting Alumni Panel
Q: Favourite Course(s) & Why?
A: “My favourite courses are Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. I find them interesting because they help me understand the broader economic forces that impact businesses and financial decision-making. These courses also offer practical insights into the world economy, and shape how I approach financial analysis and planning.”
Q: What's something you learned about yourself in this program?
A: “I discovered that I thrive when tackling complex problems, especially in high-pressure situations. This program has pushed me out of my comfort zone, showing me how to approach challenges with a strategic mindset. I also realized that adaptability is one of my greatest strengths—being open to learning and adjusting my approach has helped me overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions. This realization has been incredibly empowering and has shaped my confidence as a problem-solver in both academic and professional settings.”
Diya at a TD event that offered valuable insights into accounting opportunities for students and new graduates.
Are you a part of any SSU clubs/associations or volunteer work?
A: “Yes, I am currently serving as the Vice President of the Sheridan Accounting Student Association (SASA). Through this role, I help organize events, professional development workshops, and networking sessions to support students on their accounting journeys. I also volunteer as a CPA Ontario Board of Ambassadors (BoA) representative, advocating for CPA initiatives on campus and helping bridge the gap between students and the profession.”
Diya with the SSU accounting team at our SSU 101 orientation event!
Q: What's your ideal life like after graduation? Share some of your goals and aspirations!
A: “After graduation, my ideal life includes working as an accountant at a dynamic firm while pursuing my CPA designation. I aspire to be in a role where I can analyze financial data to drive impactful decisions and contribute to organizational success. Long-term, I aim to specialize in corporate finance or taxation.”
“Working at the SSU taught me invaluable skills that will support my future career. Time management stands out—balancing multiple responsibilities like processing payments, reconciling accounts, and producing detailed reports has prepared me for high-pressure environments. I also improved my communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with diverse people, which will be essential in any professional setting.”
Q: What skill(s) did you gain from your program that helped you succeed in your position at the SSU?
A: “One of the most valuable skills I gained from my program is time management. Balancing coursework, extracurricular commitments like being Vice President of SASA, and part-time work taught me how to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines under pressure. Additionally, my program strengthened my analytical thinking and attention to detail, which have been crucial in maintaining accuracy while handling financial transactions and reports at SSU. Collaboration is another skill I honed through group projects and team activities, enabling me to work seamlessly with colleagues and contribute to a supportive, efficient work environment.”
Looking to make the most out of your SheridanLife?
If you're looking to see whether joining clubs like the Sheridan Accounting Student Association is the right fit for you, explore these other blogs to discover more SSU clubs you can get involved in and how to make the most of your SheridanLife experience!
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