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To say Ishan Arora — an ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ School of Business student graduating this year — was busy is an understatement. Between his studies, work, friends, travel and myriad other extracurriculars, the bachelor of commerce student was rarely in his dorm room throughout his degree, he recalls. 

“It still feels surreal that my time at the U of A as an undergraduate student has come to an end. I still remember the first day I stepped foot on campus and the soothing scent and moisture in the air,” he says. 

Arora was born in India and, throughout his life, he lived in 10 different cities, and studied in eight different schools, including in Delhi, India and online. Prior to enrolling at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, he followed his passion for soccer, and was a semi-professional player in the U18 I-League. 

However, COVID-19 changed those plans. After the pandemic, he had two options: give soccer another chance, or head off to university. He ultimately decided on the second option, and began pursuing a bachelors of commerce degree at the ASB in 2020. 

The ASB was the only school Arora applied to, having heard great things about it and having a long-standing interest in financial markets and the world of business in general. 

While pursuing his degree, Arora played various sports, played guitar and wrote poetry. Further adding to his busy schedule — and sticking out as a great memory for him — were the number of friends he made while at the U of A. 

Arora recalls his friends playing a big role in keeping him active. He recalls walking down the main quad at 1 a.m. with his roommate and leading a student club with his best friend. 

“If there’s one thing that sticks out to me during my time at U of A then that’s the amazing people I’ve met over the course of my undergrad degree,” he says. 

His time at the U of A also gave him a wealth of work and volunteer experience. During his time at the U of A, Arora dipped his toes in “anything and everything that piqued” his interest, he says. He adds that his extracurricular activities helped him discover his passions, strengths and areas that need improvement. 

He spent 16 months gaining experience as an intern at and the in Edmonton in winter and summer 2023, respectively. He also interned at in Montreal in winter, 2024, and in Calgary in summer 2024. 

In 2023, he was the co-chair of the , wrote for student publication and You¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, served as resident assistant and a teaching assistant, and aided the ASB in its recruitment efforts. He also hosted his own podcast, , which saw more than 1,800 streams and on which he interviewed high-profile guests including U of A president Bill Flanagan.

Over the course of his degree he competed in over 25 case competitions, around a quarter of which involved travel outside of Edmonton. These include the Thammasat Undergraduate Business Challenge in 2022, and the NHH International Case Competition last fall. Additionally, he fondly recalls going to the in winter, 2022. “I must say, there’s nothing more serene than watching the sunrise in the Rockies,” he says. 

After graduation, Arora will be moving to Oslo, Norway, this August to begin his career as a corporate finance analyst with (DNV). He then plans to complete his CFA designation, and pursue a masters degree, likely in economics or Finance, and a PhD. He hopes to get his doctorate and pursue a career in academia after gaining some industry experience.

Looking back on the past four years, he says that current and future students should give their all, but also not rush things. Success will come in due time and with hard work and dedication. He also says that life can be unfair at times, but that it’s best to rise to these challenges and to treat life as an adventure. 

“And always remember, if the weather can change, so can you! Take it easy,” he says.