Scholarship Essay Entry – Michelle B.

The word that would best describe me is passion. I am passionate about my education, career, family, friends, and the world that I live in. This summer I have had the amazing opportunity to be part of a company that really cares. I was the Channel Marketing Summer Student for Servus Credit Union. This company has corporate values that it actually lives up to. Yes I realize that many companies declare corporate values, but do they always obey them? I personally relate to all of the corporate values that Servus has proclaimed. I find it refreshing that this corporation genuinely cares about the environment and the communities that it is entrenched in. If only more companies would take this initiative and be accountable to society.
 
Being part of Servus Credit Union this summer has inspired me to start my career with an organization that invests in its community and the world around it. Why be a part of a company that depletes its surroundings. People keep a corporation alive, so do what is best for the people and invest in the environment and the community. I believe that companies in today’s society should have a Corporate Social Responsibility mandate. Corporations should strive to donate funds to community investment. The amount of money that companies waste on a daily basis is astonishing, if businesses were more community focused, this money could be used for good. Giving back to the community and the environment is a good business practice; it makes the company’s brand image reputable, it creates business relationships with not-for-profit organizations, and it creates tax benefits. Community and environmental support should be on every business persons’ mind. After all, if we are going to sustain the environment everyone needs to lend a helping hand.
 
I am at the University of Alberta in the School of Business. Marketing is my major and marketing is my passion. I will graduate in December of 2011 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Upon graduation, I want to work for a company that is accountable to society and that endeavours to be socially and environmentally responsible, just like Servus. Being a part of a socially responsible corporation has taught me that it is possible for individuals in business to care. My goal for my career is to be a responsible business person. I strive to make differences in my community and the world that we live in.