Students at the University of Toronto Mississauga who participate in the Digital Enterprise Management Association (DEMA) and associated business communities are gaining firsthand knowledge of how leadership, technology, and adaptability interact in the modern business environment. Brayden, a management student with a minor in economics, is one such student whose academic journey demonstrates deliberate development, inquiry, and a changing definition of success. Brayden has discovered that management is more about creating one's own path than following a predetermined one through his academic choices, involvement in numerous clubs, and practical experience at Microsoft. 

For Brayden, management felt almost inevitable. He describes his interest in the field as something he was “bred into,” having grown up watching his father work in management. However, his decision to pursue the program was not purely inherited. What drew him in was the people-centered nature of the field and its flexibility. Unlike careers focused solely on crunching numbers, management offered him what he describes as a “blank canvas” , a general discipline that allows individuals to mold their careers based on their interests. Although he once considered becoming a lawyer, doctor, and even a pilot, Brayden ultimately found himself drawn toward entrepreneurship and leadership, motivated by the idea of managing something of his own. A pivotal moment occurred in high school when he received a Business Award, giving him the confidence and momentum to pursue this path seriously.

Brayden’s university journey began with a common level of uncertainty and disengagement from the community. It was not until his second year that Brayden realized he needed to do more than just go to class to succeed in the business world. He was determined to find out what he liked so he joined six clubs that had to do with business operations, marketing and finance. Brayden’s time in these clubs helped him understand what he was good at and what he enjoyed about business operations, marketing and finance. Alongside this, Brayden gained early professional experience through trial and error, taking on media marketing roles for an e-commerce platform and working as an administrative assistant for a local real estate team. These opportunities, which he found largely through networking, taught him that career paths are rarely linear and that experience often comes from putting oneself out there.

Brayden’s time at university has been heavily shaped by extracurricular engagement. He has taken on many executive positions like Vice President of Internal Affairs at UTM Fintech Association and he was also Corporate Events Director at the International Business Association. Brayden was Director of Finance and Logistics at DEMA and Outreach Director at Rotaract which is a group that focuses on charity work. Through these experiences, Brayden developed key skills in public speaking, communication, and leadership. He credits club involvement as one of the most valuable parts of university, serving as a gateway to both personal and professional growth. Brayden highlights his club involvement as a gateway to personal and professional growth and one of the most valuable university experiences.

Brayden’s transition from the classroom into the professional world was both exciting and eye-opening. When he began working at Microsoft, he was surprised by how dynamic the role was compared to what he had experienced in school. While management programs provide a strong foundation, Brayden notes that there is only so much one can learn in a classroom setting. In the workplace, responsibilities evolve constantly, and adaptability becomes essential. He also observed how deeply technology is embedded in modern management at Microsoft, from internal processes to strategic decision-making. This reinforced his belief that digitally integrated management is the future and that all companies will eventually move in this direction.

Although Brayden does not major in Digital Enterprise Management (DEM), his role as an Integrated Marketing Manager closely aligns with the program’s focus on digitally integrated business operations. He manages key initiatives such as the Speakers Bureau and Employee Advocacy program, supporting events across the Americas by coordinating speakers and encouraging employee engagement around company milestones. Through this work, Brayden continues to develop a strong systems-oriented mindset, shaped by hands-on experience and his understanding that effective outcomes rely on seamless collaboration and integrated processes.

Brayden, like many before him, struggled to adjust to university life. Moving from Ottawa to UTM tested his work-life balance and time management skills. In order to overcome these challenges, Brayden began planning his week, creating backup plans, and prioritizing tasks based on urgency, and impact. Now Brayden struggles to make the most of all the opportunities that are available to him. A problem he approaches with curiosity rather than pressure. Brayden believes growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone, taking risks, and learning from every interaction.

When asked what advice he would give to students applying for internships, Brayden offers practical and thoughtful guidance. He recommends:

Beyond applications, Brayden stresses the value of public speaking, encouraging students to participate in case competitions, pitches, or any opportunity that builds confidence in front of others.

According to Brayden, success is ultimately about reflection and self-assessment. He believes the greatest measure of achievement is looking back at how you grow from a program. He takes pride in leading with what he refers to as the “three I’s”: intentionality, impact, and innovation. His philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and perspective, viewing every experience as part of a larger journey. As he puts it, “if you stop learning, what’s the point?” Brayden’s story is a reminder that success is not about having everything figured out early, but about staying curious, embracing growth, and building a path that aligns with both ambition and fulfillment.