AV俱乐部

Analyst in Retirement Operations, Manulife

I loved the Bachelor of Management program so much, I passed my enthusiasm onto my sister, who just started the program.

Pratik Harjani grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, embracing two cultures. His parents, who emigrated from India to Jamaica in the 1990s, took Pratik and his younger sister back to India to see relatives as often as they could afford. But when in Jamaica, the family celebrated the culture and history of their new home. Pratik says he鈥檚 鈥済rateful for being raised in two vibrant cultures.鈥� 聽

Pratik knew for a long time that he wanted a Canadian education. Watching his parents build their furniture business, he was interested in business and management, but unsure of exactly what he wanted to do. Which is why, he explains, he chose the Bachelor of Management at AV俱乐部. He wanted a degree with flexibility that offered 鈥渞eal-life tangible skills.鈥� 聽

Drawn to the idea of earning certificates along with his degree, Pratik did extra credits in FinTech and Financial Innovation, and Managing Data and Information. But it was the optional eight-month internship and opportunity to work in Canada that he says 鈥渃hanged everything.鈥�

While on his work term at Management Career Services in the fall of 2022, Pratik volunteered to work at a case competition. At the awards gala, Pratik sat next to an executive from Manulife who told him about his company鈥檚 Recent Graduate Program and suggested he apply.

Pratik was intrigued and applied. Incredulous about how it all happened, he鈥檚 now an analyst in retirement operations at Manulife and enjoying the work.

Earlier this year, Ritika, his younger sister, arrived from Jamaica for her first year of the Bachelor of Management. With a huge smile on his face, Pratik says, 鈥淚 loved the Bachelor of Management program so much; I passed my enthusiasm onto my sister.鈥� 聽

Pratik remembers how difficult it was to arrive in a place he had never been before and he watched over her closely in the first few weeks. But now, he says, the homesickness and nerves are all behind her. He鈥檚 proud to report she鈥檚 embraced her new home and the program, and is emulating Pratik by grabbing hold of the many opportunities that have come her way at the Faculty of Management.

Photo: Pratik and Ritika Harjani.