With the first week of classes fast approaching, the Business Foundations team is eager to make a difference in the lives of pre-Ivey students at Western by introducing them to business concepts through the case-study method – and you can too!
Embarking on the Ivey journey is a transformative experience, and who better to guide the next generation of students than those who have already walked the path? Business Foundations is looking for dedicated individuals to fill the crucial role of Lecturer – a two-year contract position starting in May 2025. By stepping into this role, you will play a pivotal part in preparing students for the challenges and successes that define the Ivey experience. Business Foundations is a group of courses available to all full-time and part-time students from all faculties at Western University, but is designed for students who intend to apply to Ivey’s HBA program after their first two years of university.
The department also has 50 Lecturer's Assistant positions to be filled for the 2024/2025 school year – a great opportunity for students and grads looking for part-time work.
Below, three Ivey alumni – Esther Thorne, HBA ’20; Danielle Brennan, HBA ’23; and Lucas Cicchelli, MSc ’22 – discuss why they were interested in joining the Business Foundations team, highlights of the experience, and how it has helped them to grow. They also share advice for anyone interested in getting involved in the program.
Esther Thorne, HBA ’20, Business Foundations Lecturer
A friend suggested Esther Thorne consider teaching in the Business Foundations program because he thought her love for people and personable nature would translate well to a teaching role. He was right! Describing the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Thorne said it helped her to communicate concepts clearly in front of an audience, which will transfer to most – if not all – of her future roles. And she had fun along the way.
“A highlight of the experience has been the people – both my students and colleagues. Investing in students from all walks of life has been an amazing opportunity and I have loved seeing how they progress through university,” she said. “You get to work in an exciting, encouraging, and flexible environment that could either confirm, alter, or help you to figure out your long-term career goals.”
Her advice: If others would describe you as personable, then you’re a good fit for Business Foundations, and you’ll have plenty of help along the way.
“The Business Foundations team is supportive and fun, in the office and beyond, and we are committed to helping each other be the best instructors we can be,” she said. “Reach out to our team to hear more about our experiences and make yourself known. Such initiative goes a long way and gives you a better understanding of the role!”
Lucas Cicchelli, MSc ’22, Business Foundations Lecturer
Lucas Cicchelli says he naturally felt inclined to work in education, having seen how his parents – both educators – had an impact on their students, as well as how their students had an impact on them. It opened his eyes to how fulfilling a role in education can be. Becoming a Business Foundations lecturer allowed him to apply his degree and work experience with those who were invested in learning, while improving his confidence and public speaking skills. And while facilitating classroom conversation can feel daunting at first, the Business Foundations program’s exceptional support helped him to become more confident speaking and engaging with others than he ever has before. Calling it “a role like no other,” he says the experience prepared him for both work and life and a highlight was watching the students become increasingly comfortable in the classroom.
“Some students are hesitant to contribute at first, but, once they become more comfortable in the classroom – with the content and those around them, when they finally raise their hand to contribute – it’s a moment you don’t often forget,” he said. “The pride they feel in overcoming a fear and the pride you feel in their confidence shows the mutual impact between lecturers and students.”
Cicchelli says the opportunity to take on your own classroom coming out of university is rare and prepares you for the future in ways other roles may not, offering autonomy and helping you to become well-rounded through managing multiple tasks from the start.
His advice: Don’t be afraid to be yourself because your unique personality, experiences, and skillset add value. And embrace this opportunity to grow.
“When you bring your strengths, you lift up those around you, and when those around you bring their strengths, they lift you up,” he said. “If you are looking for an experience that will prepare you for work and life in general, this is the role for you.”
Danielle Brennan, HBA ’23, Business Foundations Lecturer
Taking BUS1220 during her first year of university made Danielle Brennan fall in love with case-based learning, and motivated her to teach in the Business Foundations program. Doing so has helped her to improve her public speaking and presentation skills as well as her wording choices, ability to actively listen, answer tough questions on the spot, and problem-solve.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been finding ways to get students interested in and excited about business, even if they assumed the course (or Ivey) wouldn’t be for them,” she said. “I taught three sections of engineering students last year, many of whom knew nothing about Ivey when they arrived at Western. In April, I had several students tell me that, because of my course, they had decided to pursue a dual-degree at Ivey!”
Her advice: Don’t pass up this chance to extend the Ivey experience as a Business Foundations lecturer and work with the “bright, energetic, and kind people” in the Business Foundations department. Keep in mind how your Ivey professors and lecturers inspired you.
“This role is one of the most unique and special opportunities that exists for current students and recent Ivey grads. It’s a fun, challenging, and exciting way to help future Ivey students have the same incredible experience that you did in these courses,” she said. “Think about your favourite lecturers and professors and ask yourself, What made them so effective? We all have our own teaching style, but can learn from observing and implementing tools used by others. Approaching teaching like a toolkit has helped me grow in this role.”
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