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As she prepares to cross the stage at SFU Beedie’s Fall 2025 Convocation this October, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduand Laiba Khaliq reflects on a university journey defined by exploration, leadership, and a global perspective. She will be graduating with Honours and Distinction. After graduation, Khaliq will be taking on a permanent full-time role as a Technology Risk Consultant at KPMG.

“My interest in business stems from a fascination with how organizations create value and how strategic decisions influence entire industries and communities,” she says. “I have always been drawn to analytical problem-solving and to connecting people and ideas, making business administration a natural path.”

Specifically, Khaliq recognized the rapid adoption of technology across every sector. Interested in exploring how data, digital systems, and strategic operations can determine and organization’s success or failure, Khaliq chose to pursue her BBA with concentrations in Management Information Systems and Operations.

A journey beyond the classroom

Khaliq’s SFU Beedie experience extended far beyond academics. She gained professional insight through a co-op as a business analyst, strengthened her leadership skills as part of Young Women in Business (YWiB), and expanded her worldview during an academic exchange in the United Arab Emirates.

Living and studying in the UAE stands out as one of Khaliq’s most transformative moments. Immersed in a new environment, she formed lifelong friendships, built networks with global businesses, and discovered a passion for travel.

Her involvement with student organizations such as YWiB also gave her purpose and connection on campus and showed her the importance of finding purpose beyond grades. “Contributing to initiatives like YWiB helped me differentiate my academic journey while giving back to others,” says Khaliq.

She also represented SFU Beedie internationally in case competitions such as the Central European Case Competition (CECC) in Budapest, Hungary. “These experiences not only enriched my university life but also broadened my global perspective, built lasting professional relationships, and gave me the confidence to lead diverse teams,” says Khaliq. “They reinforced the value of collaboration and adaptability—skills that I will carry forward into my career.”

Applying classroom lessons

Several courses at SFU Beedie have directly translated into work and extracurriculars for Khaliq—including Business Strategy, which she credits with sharpening her ability to analyze real-time trends and make forward-looking recommendations. Her MIS concentration provided the technical foundation that is of particular importance and value for her Technology Risk Consultant role at KPMG.

“These courses bridged theory with practice and gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully in professional and leadership settings,” she says.

Looking ahead

As she steps into her career, Khaliq is excited to grow her expertise in technology risk. “Over the next several years, I see myself advancing into leadership roles with the goal of reaching the top of my industry,” she says.

“Each of my SFU Beedie experiences have made an impact on me and have collectively taught me that success comes from curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to think beyond the classroom.”

Want to learn more? Watch the full video below.