Kaenan D'Cruz

MY JOURNEY

SFU was always my dream school, but when I wasn’t accepted directly out of high school, I started my post‑secondary journey at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. While there, I discovered a passion for business and quickly became hooked after participating in my first case competition.

I was drawn to business because it’s such a universal field and offers endless opportunities to learn and grow. As I became more interested in solving business problems, I knew I wanted to continue developing my skills in a more competitive and challenging environment. That ultimately led me to transfer to SFU Beedie.

Today, I’m concentrating in Finance and Management Information Systems because I believe both play a critical role in the future of business. I’m fascinated by how financial decision‑making and technology work together to drive growth, innovation and long‑term success.

MY SFU BEEDIE EXPERIENCE

Since joining SFU Beedie, I’ve made it a priority to get involved and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. 

I’m currently a member of AIESEC, where I serve as a Team Lead on the Talent Management team. Through this role, I’ve gained valuable leadership experience and insight into how organizations operate in a professional setting. I’ve also challenged myself through the Case Competition Training Program (CCTP), which helped me develop skills and perspectives that I likely would not have gained otherwise. 

Case competitions have been the defining part of my Beedie experience. In less than a year at SFU, I’ve participated in six competitions, including ELITE, with PEAK still ahead. Along the way, I’ve won two competitions and been a finalist in the others. 

More importantly, these experiences have introduced me to incredibly motivated students who constantly inspire me to improve. Every competition presents an opportunity to learn, whether through working with teammates, receiving feedback from judges or tackling a new business challenge. The lessons I’ve gained have carried over into the classroom, presentations, research projects and everyday problem‑solving. 

HIGHLIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS

One of my biggest highlights was winning the case competition in BUS 202. It gave me the opportunity to showcase how much I had learned and grow alongside an amazing team. At the same time, it taught me that success doesn’t mean the learning stops—there is always room to improve. 

Another impactful experience was participating in CCTP. Presenting to judges, networking with students and asking questions helped me gain insights that accelerated my development and confidence as a competitor. 

BUS 361 was also a standout experience. Through the course, I worked with a real client to develop marketing materials for their business. Being able to apply classroom concepts in a practical setting and contribute to a real organization was incredibly rewarding. 

LEARNING IN ACTION

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned at Beedie is how to apply business frameworks to real situations. Initially, I wasn’t sure how concepts learned in class would translate beyond coursework. However, through case competitions and leadership experiences, I discovered how frameworks can help structure problems, identify root causes and develop actionable solutions. 

Whether using tools like the 5 Whys in case competitions or applying project management concepts from BUS 361, the lessons from class have helped me become a more effective leader, teammate and problem solver. 

NEXT STEPS

Over the next few years, I hope to continue competing in case competitions and potentially represent SFU through JDC West. I’d also like to gain co‑op experience, pursue study abroad opportunities and continue challenging myself in new environments. 

Long term, I’m interested in business consulting—whether that’s with a Big Four firm, a strategy consulting firm or another organization where I can help businesses solve complex problems and drive meaningful results. 

ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS

Coming to a new university can be intimidating. I know I had challenges adjusting, but I made a conscious effort to jump into new experiences and make the most of every opportunity. 

My advice is simple: take advantage of everything SFU Beedie has to offer. You never know what you’ll learn, who you’ll meet or how a single experience might shape your future. Every opportunity has the potential to teach you something valuable and help you discover a new path.