Berestetsky’s academic path took shape through exploration and discovery. “In my first year, I originally wanted to pursue a major in Criminology because I was interested in the legal field after completing a legal co-op in high school,” she explains. “After taking a few first-year classes, I realized I wanted to learn more about the corporate side of law and business in general, so I decided the BMOS Management and Legal Studies major was a perfect fit.”

Now in her second year of the program, Berestetsky describes the experience as transformative. “My major is so well-rounded—it allows me to learn about both business and law, setting me up for success in the career I’m looking to pursue.”

A defining moment in her academic journey came through MOS 2275: Business Law with Professor King. “This course was challenging, but it taught me so much about the different realms of corporate law, like contract and property law,” she says. “Professor King was amazing—he’s a lawyer himself, and the way he shared real-life experiences made the material come alive. It was one of the most impactful courses I’ve taken, and I’m excited to take Contract Law with him next semester.”

Beyond the classroom, Berestetsky’s learning extended into the professional world through a marketing co-op at SickKids Foundation in Toronto. Supporting donor relations, contributing to writing projects, and volunteering at major fundraising events like Scrubs in the City, she gained valuable insight into how business and social impact intersect. “It was one of the best professional experiences I’ve ever had,” she reflects. “I learned how business operations support non-profit goals and discovered my admiration for the sector.”

Berestetsky also took the initiative to create a digital Physical Collateral Library to improve efficiency across departments, and she collaborated on designing digital badges for the Foundation’s Impact Ambassadors program—contributions that enhanced both workflow and community engagement.

Her time at Western has also been shaped by leadership and campus involvement. “Being a Social Science Soph has been one of the coolest experiences,” she shares. “You get to meet so many like-minded people and mentor first-year students at the same time. It’s incredibly rewarding and has helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Inspired by her experiences, Berestetsky continues to give back to her community as the Director of Run at SickKids Club Western and as an Ambassador for the Social Science Student Council (SSSC). “The Faculty of Social Science at Western is so unique,” she says. “There are so many opportunities—academic, social, and professional—that can completely shape your university experience.”

Her advice for future students is simple yet powerful: “Take full advantage of every opportunity within the Faculty. Attend events, connect with others, and get involved. You never know who you’ll meet or how an experience might change your path. It’s so worth it.”

Katerina Berestetsky’s story is one of curiosity, growth, and purpose—a testament to how exploring new directions can lead to unexpected and deeply fulfilling outcomes.

Stay inspired by stories like Katerina’s and discover how Social Science students at Western are creating meaningful connections and shaping their futures every day.