Working with SISA, an energy software solutions company, provided me with an unforgettable experience in Vancouver, Canada where we presented our year-long research findings. My role was to help with competitor and client research. During the day of our presentation we had lunch with the founder and met the team. Afterwards, SISA treated us to a walk around the city where it was full of life. It was a fun-filled trip where we experienced vibrant cultures, savory cuisines, and beautiful sightseeing. My team and I dove into the diverse cuisines, enjoying Chinese, Lebanese, and Ukrainian dishes. We also ventured into the city on the weekend on a stop-and-go tour bus that was an adventure in itself. The highlight of our sightseeing was Stanley Park, where we saw beautiful cherry blossoms. Working with SISA was a very hands-on experience. This project helped develop my professionalism and hone my communication and analytical skills for the workplace. I want to not only thank SISA for this amazing opportunity but also SIBC, for their support in helping me become a better student and professional.
-Alex Angulo
This transformative experience not only expanded my understanding of the startup environment but also provided valuable insights on building a business from the ground up. Through the project, I delved into the intricacies of lead prospecting and discovered effective strategies for onboarding potential clients. This hands-on learning experience has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the world of entrepreneurship with confidence. Additionally, I had a great time exploring the city of Vancouver. It is truly one of the most diverse cities I've been to with a foreign-born population over 40%, exquisite cuisine from all over the world, and a vibrant cultural scene that captivated my senses. From walking through the historic neighborhoods of Gastown and Chinatown to immersing myself in the breathtaking beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver's charm was irresistible.
-Sebastian Perez
Going to Vancouver was a great experience. The team and I had a great time and were able to experience the extremely diverse food culture, check out the nightlife, and do some sightseeing. I had no idea how diverse Vancouver was going to be either. Vancouver seemed to be much more of a melting pot than I was expecting it to be. The biggest highlight of the trip was presenting to the SISA team. It was very exciting to be able to present the information we had gathered over the year to the Founder of the company. The SISA team was very interactive throughout the presentation as well and asked lots of questions throughout. This made it much more engaging and also took away a lot of the nerves and stress we had been feeling leading up to the presentation. The coolest thing I learned was that the indigenous people of the Arctic and Subarctic regions (The "Inuit" people) used to stack rocks in a certain formation to resemble the figure of a human. These rock stacks mainly served as directional beacons for those traveling through the wilderness but had many other uses as well. Some of the other uses are to warn travelers of danger, to help hunters with locating animals, and to mark places of worship and admiration. They are called Inukshuks. Overall, the experience was amazing from start to finish and I am very thankful I was able to be part of this experience.
-Jake Wilson
As the project lead, I have gained extensive experience and a deep understanding of working internationally with companies. Throughout the year, my team demonstrated dedication and commitment to the project, which culminated in a successful presentation to the company. The opportunity to travel to Vancouver was truly amazing because it allowed me not only to present our year-long work but also to immerse myself in the city's culture. During our visit, we had the chance to meet the founder of the company, which provided an excellent opportunity for us to establish a personal connection. The presentation itself was an incredible experience, as the founder had numerous insightful questions for us, indicating a genuine interest in our work. After the presentation, we had the opportunity to explore Vancouver. The city's culture was diverse and captivating. We made it a point to have dinner at different restaurants each day, where we indulged in authentic cuisine from various cultures, including Chinese, Lebanese, and Ukrainian food. This gastronomic adventure added to the richness of our experience. Additionally, we took advantage of our time in Vancouver to explore its attractions. We visited the breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge, admired stunning waterfalls, and spent time in Stanley Park, a true gem of the city. I would like to express my gratitude to the SIBC (International Business Council) and SISA (Study Abroad Program) for providing us with this unforgettable experience. It has undoubtedly contributed to my career growth and helped me achieve my professional goals.
-Arleth Quintero
