The Decision After CEGEP.

I was about to finish my final semester in the Ahuntsic program at college. I had survived sleepless nights, group projects, and even a statistics exam that nearly broke me. But now came the real test: choosing where to go next. Two doors stood in front of me. One led to the Université du Québec à Montréal, affordable, flexible, and close to home. The other led to HEC Montréal prestigious, competitive, and a little intimidating. I took a deep breath.

Choice 1 : Apply to UQAM in Finance

Choice 2 : Apply to HEC in Business Administration

UQAM: The Analytical Path.

I applied to UQAM and got accepted into the Finance program. That was a good choice because the professors were solid, the classes were hands-on, and I quickly found my rhythm. But it wasn’t easy. I had to juggle a part-time job and 15 hours of lectures a week. Still, I made it to the end of my first year, and two exciting opportunities landed on my desk: One was a summer internship at a major investment firm downtown. The other? A chance to assist a professor on a research project about financial risk management.

Choice 1 : Take the corporate internship

Choice 2 : Accept the professor’s offer

HEC: Prestige With a Price.

I chose HEC. The moment I walked in, I could feel the energy and ambition in the air, blazers everywhere. That was a smart move because I knew I’d be surrounded by the best… But it was also a wake-up call. Everyone was sharp, and I couldn’t afford to fall behind. Then came the email: two exclusive opportunities for top-performing students. One was a seat on the student-run investment fund. The other was entry into a startup incubator focused on fin tech ideas.

Choice 1 : Join the investment fund

Choice 2 : Apply to the fintech incubator

The Internship That Changed Everything.

I took the corporate internship. That was a good choice because I found myself surrounded by real analysts, real numbers, and real pressure. But halfway through, I overheard a conversation the firm would cut most of the interns. Only three would be kept. I had to decide quickly: gamble on myself or find a safer path.

Choice 1 : Stay and fight for the permanent position

Choice 2 : Quit early and accept a stable job in a government agency

The Academic Gamble.

I worked under a brilliant but intense finance professor. We co-authored a research paper and presented it in Toronto. That was a good choice because it gave me real credibility. But it delayed my graduation by one semester. Now I had to choose between staying in academia or entering the job market.

Choice 1 : Start a Master’s degree

Choice 2 : Enter the job market now

The Fund.

I joined the student-run investment fund. That was a good choice because I led a team, made bold calls, and earned respect. A former member offered me a high-intensity internship in Dubai. But the CFA Level 1 exam was coming up. I could only choose one.

Choice 1 : Go to Dubai

Choice 2 : Stay and pass the CFA exam

Startup or Sellout.

I joined the fin tech incubator and launched a micro-investing app. An investor offered $100,000, but for 60% of the company. I had to choose: fast money or long-term control.

Choice 1 : Accept the investor’s offer

Choice 2 : Refuse and bootstrap the business

I Stayed and Fought.

I stayed and gave it everything. But they picked someone else. Still, a director said: “Call me in two years.” It wasn’t the ending I wanted, but it wasn’t the end.

Choice 1 : Return to the start

I Chose Safety.

I took the government job. It was safe. It was balanced. But I felt stuck. Years later, I quit and started again. Sometimes safety isn’t security.

Choice 1 : Try a new path

The Master Plan.

I pursued a Master’s in Finance. I was offered a CFO role in a startup at 27. It wasn’t luck, it was the right preparation. I had finally arrived.

Choice 1 : End of journey

The Job Market Hit Back.

I skipped grad school and took a job. I wasn’t ready. But I learned. I studied at night. Next time, I would be ready.

Choice 1 : Restart stronger

Dubai Dreams.

Dubai was intense. I learned fast, adapted faster. They offered me a job. I said no. I came home and built something of my own.

Choice 1 : You became a founder

The CFA Choice.

I stayed and passed the CFA. That credential opened doors. Toronto, New York. I had options. Now I was playing the long game.

Choice 1 : The CFO track is clear

I Gave Up Control.

I took the money. They took my company. Next time, I’ll build smarter. This time, I lost, but I learned.

Choice 1 : Restart wiser

I Took the Hard Road.

I said no to the investor. It was hard. But eight months later, I got funding on my terms. I built it. I led it. I became CFO.

Choice 1 : You made it. On your terms

END.

END.

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