Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Matthew Rogers

For Rogers, university has been about more than earning a degree—it has been about discovering opportunities, building lasting relationships, and finding a career that genuinely excites him. Along the way, classroom experiences, extracurricular involvement, and hands-on industry experience have each played an important role in shaping his future.

One course, in particular, transformed the way Rogers thinks both academically and personally. MOS 2277: Personal Finance, taught by Professor Barry Hawn, challenged him to rethink his approach to money and to learning itself.

"Since taking it, the way I manage my money has changed drastically," Rogers says. "Professor Barry Hawn was committed to challenging students to make difficult decisions to attain financial freedom."

Although the course was demanding, it stood out because of its highly interactive learning environment. Rogers recalls that the classroom discussions, practical examples, and problem-solving approach created one of the most engaging learning experiences he has had at Western.

The experience also changed how he chooses his courses. Rather than focusing solely on subject matter, Rogers now seeks classes where participation and real-world application are central to the learning process. He believes every Social Science student could benefit from developing financial literacy early in their university journey.

Beyond the classroom, Rogers credits the Faculty of Social Science with preparing him for the workplace through both academic rigour and a strong culture of support.

"The combination of exams, essays and research projects has made me feel prepared to tackle deliverables in any setting," he says. "When my schedule got very busy or I struggled to fully understand a topic, I always knew that I could go to office hours or speak to an academic advisor for additional support."

He also appreciates the Faculty's proactive communication about career events, case competitions, networking opportunities, and job postings. Those opportunities helped him explore different career paths before ultimately discovering where his interests truly belonged.

That exploration led Rogers to spend the summer working with Devonshire Consulting and Canadian Commercial, two London-based firms specializing in real estate consulting and development. Working in a smaller office allowed him to gain exposure to every stage of the development process, from client communication to project planning.

"I've been able to engage directly with clients through email, in person and online meetings, and phone calls," he explains. "The most important takeaway has been understanding the timelines of real estate developments and being able to plan stakeholder meetings and applications accordingly."

The experience confirmed his growing passion for the real estate industry while giving him practical knowledge he knows will benefit him throughout his career.

Outside academics, Rogers has embraced campus life with the same enthusiasm. As a member of Western's varsity soccer team, he has learned that success isn't measured only by wins and losses, but by resilience, discipline, and commitment.

"My time on the varsity soccer team has significantly improved my time management skills and has given me friends I can reach out to for life," he says.

Balancing the demands of varsity athletics with a rigorous academic schedule required discipline, but it also strengthened skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Rogers also found opportunities to lead through the Social Science Students' Council (SSSC), where he served as a Sport Event Commissioner. Throughout the year, he helped organize six student events, including the popular SSSC x London Run Club 5K Colour Run, which attracted more than 70 participants for a day of fitness, music, and community.

"The SSSC was an amazing part of my experience at Western," Rogers says. "I met so many cool and ambitious people from a circle outside of what I'm used to, and planning events was a great social and creative outlet after hard weeks of studying."

His growing interest in real estate also inspired him to join the Western Real Estate Club as a Junior Analyst after completing a virtual Real Estate Private Equity course. Through the club, Rogers participated in the WREC x Fitzrovia Development Case Competition and attended industry networking events—experiences that solidified his decision to pursue a career in real estate after graduation.

Reflecting on his university journey, Rogers encourages prospective students to look beyond academics alone.

"While doing well in your classes and getting high grades is important, being involved in quality extracurriculars will help set you apart," he says. "Campus involvement will not only open up employment opportunities and other club opportunities, but it may also help you find lifelong friends."

Matthew Rogers' story demonstrates how embracing every aspect of university life—from engaging classrooms and supportive faculty to athletics, leadership, and experiential learning—can open doors to unexpected opportunities. His journey is a testament to the value of stepping outside the classroom, staying curious, and making the most of every experience along the way.