As New Brunswick’s largest business school, the Wesley Armour School of Business is proving that educational opportunities exist far beyond the classroom with its inaugural Speaker Series.
In November, more than 1100 NBCC business students and faculty came together in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John for an unforgettable day of experiential learning. The tri-campus event featured renowned leadership and work strategist Tyler Waye, along with panel discussions that brought together 30+ New Brunswick business leaders to explore topics related to The Future of Work.
“With over 130,000 job openings projected in New Brunswick over the next decade, and four in every 10 of those requiring a college or apprenticeship education, business professionals will play a critical role in driving every industry forward,” shared Catherine Black, Dean of the Wesley Armour School of Business. “This Speaker Series was an important opportunity for our learners to gain valuable insights and build connections that will continue to serve them well throughout their careers”.
For second year marketing student Ava Power, the Speaker Series was more than just a learning experience—it was a reminder of how far she’s come and the opportunities ahead.
Ava’s journey to NBCC was not a straightforward one. She attended university to pursue environmental science before transferring to the College’s Environmental Technician program. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for marketing while running her small business, Scary Sundays, which creates mental health-inspired apparel. This entrepreneurial venture led her to fall in love with business, ultimately leading her to enroll in NBCC’s Marketing program.
“This event reminded me why I love what I’m doing,” Ava shared. “It was motivating to think this could be my life soon—networking, business conferences, and engaging with inspiring people.”
For international student Melanie Suzon, her journey to NBCC began on the other side of the world. Originally from the Philippines, Melanie spent several years building a career in public relations before deciding to pursue further education in Canada. Her decision to move to New Brunswick was inspired by a desire for change, new opportunities, and a quieter lifestyle. After researching her options, she chose NBCC for its strong reputation and experiential learning opportunities.
“Moving to New Brunswick was a big decision, but the peaceful atmosphere and sense of community here felt right for me and my husband,” Melanie shared. “NBCC has been very generous when it comes to knowledge sharing and providing opportunities for hands-on learning. That’s something I value because it gives us real-world experience while we’re still students”.
Throughout the Speaker Series, attendees had the unique opportunity to network with senior executives and other community leaders. For Melanie, one of her biggest takeaways from the event was the importance of building connections now to prepare for future success.
“The alumni panel emphasized that the people you meet now—classmates, instructors, industry leaders—can be key to your future success,” she recalled. “Networking is everything.”
“The Speaker Series not only reignited my excitement for my future career but also underscored the value of hands-on learning and connection,” Ava added.
The Wesley Armour School of Business Speaker Series marks a significant milestone for both the School and NBCC. This inaugural event sets the stage for future opportunities that will shape New Brunswick’s next generation of business leaders. Experience the day for yourself by watching the highlights below.
