Making the most of campus life: Nainika Banger’s BCom journey
Nainika Banger is graduating in November 2026 with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria
When Nainika Banger, Bachelor of Commerce graduate (BCom) 2026, first arrived at Gustavson, she had no idea where the next four years would take her. Looking back now, she can see just how much it’s shaped her, both personally and professionally. Through student leadership, new experiences and meaningful connections, she discovered new strengths and grew in ways she never expected, leaving Gustavson with a broader perspective and a strong foundation for her next chapter.
What moment or memory stands out from your time at UVic?
My time working with the Commerce Student Society (CSS) was amazing. I learned so much, met so many interesting people and helped organize so many fun events. I joined in my first year and worked my way up to president in my third year. When I first came to UVic, I was looking for a place to belong, so being able to create that sense of community for others was incredibly rewarding. It showed me what leadership is truly about: making people feel welcome and creating opportunities for them to find their own place.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
Fourth year was a turning point for me, particularly the Service Management specialty and the courses I took in organizational behaviour. I learned so much about leadership, teamwork and how people work together, and I could see how I would apply those skills throughout my career. I’m also drawn to accounting for its technical side and the problem-solving involved in figuring out why something isn’t working. But I’ve come to appreciate that while technical skills are important, people skills are what help you grow in your career. I see my Service Management background as a valuable complement to my accounting education, giving me a foundation in both the technical and human sides of business. I’m curious about the field and excited by the opportunities ahead.
What are your plans after graduation? And is it the path you envisioned growing up?
When I arrived at UVic, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation. The courses and opportunities really helped shape my interests. I discovered an interest in accounting and completed a specialization in Service Management. By fourth year, I had decided to pursue my CPA designation, so I focused on completing the prerequisites rather than going on exchange. My work terms helped confirm that accounting was the right path for me.
What’s one lesson or mindset from your time at UVic that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
One mindset I’ll carry with me is to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel intimidating. I tried to make the most of every opportunity at UVic, and some of the experiences that scared me the most, like competing in JDC West in second year, ended up having the biggest impact. I went in with little experience but came out more confident. It taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to growth I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
What would you tell someone considering UVic for their degree?
I chose UVic and Gustavson specifically because of the work term program. I knew I wanted the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring different career paths. My first work term was in marketing, and although I enjoyed the experience, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. That helped me discover other interests.
How did the BCom program shape your view of business?
The Gustavson BCom program taught me to look at business from a broader perspective. I’ve noticed this in my work in accounting, where I’m interested not just in the numbers but also in the business and the people. Rather than looking at one part of a file in isolation, I naturally ask questions about the bigger picture. My education helped me understand that business decisions are influenced by many factors, and that understanding the context behind the numbers is just as important as the numbers themselves.
What surprised you most?
I was surprised by how many friendships I made right in the classroom. Before university, I imagined huge lecture halls where it would be difficult to get to know people, but by the end of third year, I knew everyone in my class by name. I didn’t expect to find such a strong sense of community through my classes.