Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Arya Joshi

When Joshi chose to study Finance, it wasn't simply because of an interest in numbers. Instead, it was the opportunity to understand the people and organizations behind those numbers that drew her to the Faculty of Social Science.

"Honestly, I didn't want a degree that only taught me numbers," Joshi explains. "I wanted to understand people and organizations too. What drew me to BMOS specifically was that it sits inside Social Science rather than a straight business school, so alongside my finance courses, I was also learning about human behaviour, decision-making, and how systems and institutions actually work."

That interdisciplinary perspective transformed the way Joshi viewed finance. Rather than seeing it solely as a technical field, she came to understand it as a discipline centred on people, relationships, and informed decision-making.

"That combination is what's made the degree feel meaningful to me, rather than just technical," she says. "It's shaped how I think about finance as something that's ultimately about people, not just numbers."

Throughout her time at Western, Joshi embraced every opportunity to gain experience both inside and outside the classroom. From coursework and co-op opportunities to campus employment, she built a diverse portfolio of experiences that prepared her for life after graduation.

"Honestly, I don't think I'd have half the experience I do without this faculty," she reflects. "It's given me so many doors to walk through, whether that's through coursework, the co-op opportunities, or even just the network of people around me."

Among those opportunities were roles as a Marketing Intern and Research Assistant on campus, experiences that allowed her to build professional skills while remaining actively engaged in the Western community.

"I was able to work right on campus, which meant I didn't have to choose between building my résumé and staying connected to student life," says Joshi. "I feel like the faculty didn't just teach me things; it actively pushed me toward opportunities I wouldn't have found on my own. I'm walking away feeling genuinely prepared, not just on paper, but in how I think and problem-solve."

Beyond campus, Joshi further expanded her experience through co-op positions with Canada Life and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). While each role offered different challenges, they shared an important lesson that continues to shape her professional outlook.

"Each one looked really different on paper, but they all taught me the same thing: data means nothing until you can tell a story with it that helps someone make a better decision," she says. "That's probably the skill I'm most proud of building."

Her university experience extended well beyond academics and professional placements. Joshi immersed herself in campus life by serving as a Marketing Intern, Research Assistant, Entrepreneurship Ambassador at Morrissette, Vice-President Finance for two student clubs, International Transitions Activity Coordinator, and TEDxWesternU volunteer. These diverse experiences allowed her to develop leadership, communication, and collaboration skills while building lasting connections across campus.

Looking back, Joshi considers the breadth of her involvement to be one of her proudest accomplishments.

"Honestly, I think my biggest achievement is just how much I managed to get out of my time at Western," she says. "I really tried to make the most of every opportunity in front of me. And doing all of that as an international student, while keeping up academically, is something I'm genuinely proud of. I didn't just get a degree; I built an entire experience for myself here with all the resources available."

For prospective students, Joshi encourages embracing opportunities beyond the classroom and remaining open to experiences outside their chosen discipline.

"Don't be afraid to explore outside your 'core' subjects," she advises. "Some of my most valuable experiences came from getting involved in things that had nothing to do with finance on paper. This university gives you room to be more than just your major, so use it. And get involved early—the people you meet through clubs and societies end up shaping your university experience just as much as your classes do."

Arya Joshi's journey reflects the value of approaching university with curiosity, initiative, and an open mind. By combining academic learning with meaningful campus involvement, professional experience, and leadership opportunities, she has built a strong foundation for her future. Her story is a reminder that success at Western is not measured solely by a degree, but by the experiences, relationships, and personal growth students cultivate along the way.