For Debbi Arnold, ensuring student success goes far beyond the classroom, textbooks, and exam scores; it’s also about providing students with practical experience so they’re ready to thrive in the workforce. Debbi brings a plethora of knowledge from her career that spans multiple industries, blending corporate savviness, educational insight, and deep passion for student success to work every day. “Debbi is more than just a placement supervisor - she is a mentor and a friend. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support has made a lasting impact on my graduate school experience," says a student from the Master of Management & Professional Accounting program (MMPA).
Debbi, who is celebrating the achievement of earning her Master of Education (M.Ed), is a Placement & Employer Relations Manager for the MMPA program at IMI. In this role, she manages student placements to ensure their success, providing students with workshops, networking opportunities and other skills needed to excel in their co-ops and into their careers. She also develops and manages relationships with employers and alumni, who are instrumental to the program’s success.
Before completing her M.Ed, Debbi graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) then went on to work in the marketing industry for over a decade in a variety of roles from managerial positions to consulting, working for the likes of Rogers and with the City of Toronto. After transitioning to higher education as a business instructor for both Humber and George Brown Colleges, she realized her passion for working with students. Volunteering as a panelist for case competitions being held by IMI introduced her to UTM, where she joined as full time staff in 2016. This spring, Debbi graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with her M.Ed, where she specialized in higher education.
As Debbi crosses the stage with her new degree, we spoke to her about what she loves about her work, and what she’ll do with her newfound knowledge.
What do you enjoy most about your work at IMI and in MMPA?
It is difficult to narrow it down, as there is so much I enjoy and love about working at IMI and for the MMPA program. The first aspect is the people. I work with the best colleagues imaginable and feel grateful every day to work with such smart, compassionate, kind, and funny individuals. I also love working with our students, whom I learn from every day, and I feel privileged to be part of their success and experience it first-hand. Working in an environment where you are witnessing the unbelievable talent of the next generation is a humbling experience. Also, the way IMI is structured allows us to be specialists in our specific program and we are therefore able to provide students with both the depth of knowledge required for succeeding both in the program and the accounting (and finance) profession as a whole. The role is extremely fulfilling as there is variety in the work I do.
In addition, working with employers from a variety of accounting firms, including the big four international firms, mid-sized and smaller firms, commerce and industry and financial institutions, gives me exposure to different organizations, working styles, accounting and HR trends. I love the fact that working in this role has specific cycles and that not every semester is the same.
The MMPA program provides students with a versatile set of skills, preparing them for the field of accounting and business. What types of positions might students get to work during their co-op terms? How do you recommend students make the most of their co-op experience?
Given our program is focused on accounting, most students work in accounting roles in their co-op placement, with a small percentage working in finance and or industry-type roles. They typically work as a Co-op Accountant or Financial Analyst. In order for students to make the most of their co-op, they need to work hard, act professional, be punctual and have a positive attitude. Networking is also an important part of co-op - and planting seeds for the future. Leaving a positive impression. Be respectful of full time staff and try and avoid getting sucked into office politics! Focus on learning and applying theory from the classroom to real life situations.
You recently completed your M.Ed, congratulations! What were your biggest takeaways from this milestone and how will you apply them moving forward? What are some concepts you learned in your graduate degree that you see in action at IMI and at MMPA?
It has given me more tools in my toolbox. I understand first-hand what it’s like to be a master’s student; and it has given me additional resources to tap into when needed. I also experienced the sacrifices and learning involved in graduate studies, so I can relate more easily to what our students are going through. Most of my assignments and thesis focused on experiential education, and this research made me realize how lucky I am to work at IMI and for the MMPA program. I feel proud that we run such a great co-op program and provide so much support to students. Co-op placement is the best way to equip graduate students with the tools to find full-time employment post-graduation. I’m proud to be part of an institute that has the resources to equip students to be career-ready. The research that I was exposed to during my degree clearly shows that universities should offer more programs and dedicate resources to incorporating a co-op component to their program offering, and I’m delighted to be able to contribute to these initiatives.
How has your marketing background impacted the work you do here at IMI?
My marketing background has been extremely beneficial to this role. Having studied marketing and graduated with a BComm degree, specializing in Industrial (organizational) Psychology and Business Management, I understand both the business, marketing, and HR side of my role. I understand budgets and how businesses are run, the value of branding, and whether the brand is a person or a product, you still need to stand up to the expectation of your brand and deliver on the brand promise. My experience in communications, project management, multi-tasking, budgeting, and dealing with all levels of seniority has helped me be successful in my role as has allowed me to understand both the business and education side.
Can you tell us your favorite restaurant you’ve been to recently and your favorite artist(s)?
Despite my colleagues thinking that I only eat salads – my favourite food is pizza. Terroni was the first place I tasted artisanal pizza when I first came to Canada and is still one of my Top 10 restaurants to go to. Other than Terroni, I love trying local restaurants of which Toronto has many! In terms of music, I love different types of music, even though I can never identify or remember the singer or group! Overall, folk and indie-type music with a bit of rock and Celtic mixed in are probably my favourites. I also love classical music and always had it in the background when I was studying as it helps me focus.
Article composed by Michael Rengifo