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Celebrating the Class of 2026: Gustavson graduates reflect on their BCom journey

Marea Forgeron, Imran Karsan and Louisa Krusekopf

From studying abroad and gaining hands-on work experience to building connections and discovering new interests, three Gustavson graduates share the experiences that made their BCom years meaningful and helped prepare them for life beyond university. 

Louisa Krusekopf

BCom grad Louisa Krusekopf

From hotel operations in Germany to supply chain management and international entrepreneurship, Service Management graduate Louisa Krusekopf made the most of Gustavson’s global learning opportunities, completing all three work terms in Europe and an exchange semester in Copenhagen.

What moment or memory stands out from your time at UVic?

It’s difficult to choose just one memory because there were so many unique opportunities. As director of the Commerce Student Society’s (CSS) International Buddy Program, I helped welcome students from around the world and connect them with local students. We grew the program to more than 100 participants, creating lasting friendships.

I also completed all three work terms in Europe and an exchange semester in Copenhagen. These opportunities are built into the Gustavson program, making it easier for students to gain international experience while completing their degree. I worked at a hotel in southern Germany, in the Mercedes-Benz supply chain department in northern Germany, and the Institute of International Management and Entrepreneurship at a university in Austria. These experiences allowed me to explore different industries, work with international teams and experience life in different countries.

Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?

Operations Management was one of my favourite core-year courses, introducing me to supply chain management, which I pursued further during my second co-op at Mercedes-Benz. I liked the balance of analytical problem-solving and working with people, which felt like a much better fit for me than accounting or finance. The course also helped me choose Service Management as my specialization. I really enjoyed learning about operations and human resources to improve business efficiency and performance, and how to apply those skills in my future career.

Marea Forgeron

Marea Forgeron

Service Management graduate Marea Forgeron made the most of campus life through student clubs, business conferences and case competitions, building connections that opened doors to new experiences and career opportunities.

What activity or experience outside of the classroom meant the most to you?

There were so many! It was important to me to get involved in different activities at Gustavson, and I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity. My work with the CSS was so much fun and extremely impactful. I attended business conferences whenever I got the chance, including the Canadian Association of Business Students Conference (CABS) in Kelowna and Vancouver, where I learned from other students and saw how different business schools approach things. The JDC West Case Competition in Calgary pushed me out of my comfort zone. One of those conferences even led to a work term with Tourism Richmond. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and made a connection.

Outside of business activities, I played intramural softball and went to club events, including the BCom vs. Engineering hockey game. Those events were some of my favourite ways to have fun and meet people at UVic.

What makes the BCom program so special?

I’d say the experiences and the opportunities! The exchange program is foundational; it changes people, and the growth that comes from travelling and experiencing other cultures is huge. Work terms are just as valuable because they give students real career experience before they graduate. Together, they show students what’s possible.

Imran Karsan

BCom grad Imran Karsan
Imran Karsan (centre) outside the David Strong Building

For International Business graduate Imran Karsan, the exchange experience was transformative, broadening his perspective and reinforcing the value of stepping outside his comfort zone.

What would you tell someone who is considering UVic for their degree?

When I first came to UVic, I didn’t realize how many international students there were, and getting to know people from different countries made the experience really special. But the exchange program was what really changed my perspective. It completely changed my life, and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without that experience.

I also really appreciated that the exchange pushed us outside our comfort zones by encouraging us to study in countries where English wasn’t the first language. I think it encouraged so many students to get out of their comfort zones and see the world in a different way.

What lesson from your time at UVic will you carry with you into your career and beyond?

I’ve learned that every problem has a solution. When something goes wrong, rather than getting stressed about it, I try to stay calm, focus on what I can control and put my energy into finding my way forward.