Jaspal Singh
Professional accountant Jaspal Singh completed his master of science in finance at SFU in 2013, and was thrilled to return to his alma mater a few years later as an instructor in our Business Management Certificate program.
Who would you recommend take the Business Management Certificate and courses?
I believe that the program offers something for everyone. We have amazing courses ranging from Interpersonal Business Communication to Accounting and Financial Management Fundamentals for Non-Financial Managers. Because of the diversity of our courses, we get students from many different backgrounds and industries who are looking to strengthen knowledge in a certain area or even pursue a new direction in their careers.
What type of career path can the learning lead to or further advance?
The Business Management Certificate can help successful individuals take the next step in their careers. Bright minds with expertise in their fields can take a giant leap forward by learning how to analyze financial numbers or upgrade their understanding of economics and law in the global workplace.
With the cutting-edge knowledge that industry experts bring to the classroom, you have the opportunity to be a part of the SFU learning experience. If you’re an entrepreneurial type, this is a great chance to network with instructors, as well as other industry professionals also looking to upgrade themselves. It really is a one-of-a-kind learning environment.
What’s the most valuable thing students will learn in your courses?
It is difficult to pinpoint one thing, since each individual might value a different element of a particular accounting or finance course. However, I have no doubt that students will meet some great people on their journey through the Business Management Certificate. We have smaller class sizes compared to the SFU undergraduate classroom you might envision. We try to create an intimate learning experience where students are encouraged to participate via discussions and activities.
Yes, we need our students to develop technical skills that will help them succeed in their careers, but creating an engaging experience is just as important. My goal is to leave students with memorable learning experiences that tie into accounting and finance concepts, as well as lasting relationships that extend beyond their time at SFU.
What’s one piece of advice you would give mature students returning to school?
Don’t underestimate your own contribution to the learning environment that you are an integral part of. As instructors, we want nothing more than to have you, the learners, engaged at a high level so that your valuable knowledge is shared with everyone else. You have life experience that younger students don’t have, and that life experience is a huge asset you are bringing into the classroom.
What do you enjoy most about teaching in this program?
I love interacting with our students—we are so fortunate to attract an interesting and engaged group of students at SFU. On each drive to the SFU campus, I am full of excitement, anticipation and nervousness. There is no telling what will happen each class when I hand over the reins to my students, so they can engage in a new activity. I’ve found that our students appreciate a chance to engage in experiential learning. It is all part of an exciting learning journey we are collectively creating.