Business Career in the Canadian North

The Canadian North is an often misunderstood place. The average person would picture a cold, barren tundra void of human existence. Before taking this course, I used to have the same mindset of the average person, thinking that my cottage was as bearable as the North got. This course has opened my eyes to a better idea of what the North is and what it has to offer. As a business student, I learn to spot opportunity and exploit it for financial gain, ultimately creating value for the surrounding community and stakeholders involved. When I look at the North I no more see barren tundra, but I see a foundation of what could be. The Canadian North has potential, and as a business-minded student, I can see myself maybe one day furthering development in the north.

When I leave University, my dream job is to one day work for an Investment Bank in the Toronto Financial Centre. Due to the fierce competition of the industry, I have come to qualms that it is unlikely that this will be my job when my career is in full swing. An alternative profession, I would consider would be either in sales and trading, working for a brokerage, or a corporate executive who is in charge of a company’s financial decisions. This industry is known for the large salaries and long hours, which I am more than happy with - as long as the commute is tolerable. After working in the downtown core last summer, I realized that Bay and Wellington has a vibrant energy about it, and working full time in the financial district is my ideal employment situation.

When looking for jobs in the Canadian north, I noticed that investment banking jobs are sparse. Many of the both large and boutique Investment Banks are not situated anywhere close to the tree line; there is no need. Most business can be conducted via telephone, Internet or email; there are, of course, exceptions. One may need to travel deep into the cold North to get a first-hand look at a possible company to invest in or acquire; trading multiples...