UNB Alumni
Telling our #ProudlyUNB stories

Recipient of a 2024-2025 Alumni Student Leadership Award, Karan Anand's commitment to the Faculty of Management student community during his three years at UNB have been exemplary. In his leadership roles with the Business Administration Undergraduate Society (BAUS), Karan has enhanced the society's national presence and led significant constitutional reforms. His participation in various conferences and national competitions have also showcased his competitive spirit and dedication to professional growth. Throughout his academic journey, Karan has demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive student environment. Through his ongoing role as a student assistant at the Harriet Irving Library (HIL) Research Commons, Karan has strived to optimize student accessibility and the usability of library resources. Across campus, Karan has been a dedicated leader and volunteer as emcee for the UNB Business Awards Celebration, as student representative on the Dean's Search Committee, as a resident assistant, as captain of the intramural soccer team, and more.

What inspired you to enroll in UNB’s Faculty of Management?

For me, the decision wasn’t just about academics—it was about finding a place where I
could grow both professionally and personally. As someone who was navigating a new
country and culture, I needed a university that would support that journey. UNB’s Faculty of
Management seemed like the right fit because of its close-knit community and hands-on
approach. I knew I didn’t want to just sit through lectures—I wanted to get involved, make an impact, and develop skills that extended beyond the classroom. I saw UNB as a place where I could take on leadership roles and be part of a diverse, supportive environment. That’s what drew me here—it wasn’t just about earning a degree but about finding a space where I could actively contribute and grow into the leader I wanted to become.

What has been the most rewarding or exciting part of your academic studies?

The most rewarding aspect of my studies has been applying classroom knowledge to
real-world problems. Organizing case competitions and leading the Business Administration
Undergraduate Society (BAUS) has allowed me to bridge theory with practice, empowering
over 900 students in the process. Additionally, representing UNB at national conferences
and competitions such as the Scotiabank Ethics in Action Case Competition, Venture Capital Investment Competition, and the Global Engineering Commerce Case Competition has been both challenging and exciting, giving me hands-on experience in problem-solving and leadership.

How do you stay involved in student life on campus?

Throughout my time at UNB, I’ve embraced every opportunity with curiosity and growth—a
mindset inspired by my elder brother. From my first year to my final semester, I’ve taken on
roles that challenged me and allowed me to make a real difference. My involvement has
been diverse and reflective of who I am. Whether leading initiatives with BAUS or advocating for business students across Canada through CABS, I’ve always aimed to create spaces where everyone’s voice matters. As a Residence Assistant, I worked on building authentic connections and creating events that fostered a sense of belonging. In my role at the Harriet Irving Library, I improved access to resources and helped students maximize their academic experience. Even in my final semester, I’m more involved than ever, serving as the Alumni Board Director for CABS, a Senate Member at the UNBSU Internationalization Committee, an External Advisor for Enactus UNB, a Consultant for the Middle Eastern Society, and captain of my co-ed soccer team. These roles keep me connected to the UNB community and remind me that leadership is about staying true to yourself and always finding ways to give back.

How has receiving the Alumni Student Leadership Award positively impacted your UNB experience?

Receiving the Alumni Student Leadership Award has been an incredible affirmation of the
work I’ve put into serving the UNB community. Beyond the financial relief, which has allowed me to focus more on my studies and leadership roles, the recognition has reinforced my belief that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about making a genuine impact. For me, it’s always been about staying true to who I am and giving back in ways that reflect that authenticity. This award has opened doors to new mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects that align with my values. It’s inspired me to keep striving for excellence and to pave the way for future students, especially international students like myself, who may face unique challenges but have great potential. This recognition feels deeply personal, as it validates not just what I’ve achieved, but how I’ve approached leadership—with sincerity, dedication, and the belief that leadership is about lifting others as you climb.

What makes you Proudly UNB?

Being Proudly UNB, for me, is about the sense of community and personal growth I’ve
experienced here. It’s not just about the academics or achievements—it's the professors
who go the extra mile, the friendships built through shared challenges, and the opportunities that have pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. UNB has been a place where I’ve not only developed professionally but personally, learning the value of resilience and collaboration. What makes me proud is how these experiences have shaped who I am today and the connections I’ve built that will last long after graduation. Being proud of UNB means carrying those lessons forward and staying connected to the people and values that have defined my time here.

What are your future plans once you’ve completed your undergraduate degree?

After graduation, I’m excited to start as an Associate Data Analyst at J.D. Irving, Limited, a
role I secured after a rewarding co-op this summer. The experience provided me with
valuable industry insights and helped me develop my skills in a supportive and engaging
environment. Continuing with J.D. Irving full-time feels like a natural progression, and I look
forward to contributing to meaningful business solutions. At the same time, I am eager to
continue growing professionally, with a long-term goal of expanding my expertise in data
analysis and business strategy and eventually taking on leadership roles that drive impactful
change across industries.

How do you hope to continue staying connected to UNB in the future as an alum?

I plan to stay closely connected to UNB by actively participating in alumni initiatives and
giving back to the community that shaped me. Mentorship, particularly for international
students, is something I’m passionate about, and I look forward to supporting future students as they navigate their academic and leadership journeys. Additionally, I intend to stay involved in events like case competitions and alumni panels, where I can share my
experiences and insights with the next generation of UNB business leaders. Whether
through professional networking, philanthropic efforts, or maintaining ties with student
organizations, I’m committed to ensuring that my relationship with UNB continues to grow as
I progress in my career.