Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

The faculty of management at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has long championed experiential learning as a vital part of its business curriculum. Central to this is the annual Speaker Series, an event designed to connect students with real-world professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Since 2016, this series has introduced over 160 industry experts, providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, career advice and networking. This year, for the second time in a row, the series is sponsored by McCain Foods, a global leader in the food industry and a company deeply rooted in the province of New Brunswick.

Founded in 1957 in Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, McCain Foods is a major employer in the region and a top ten global food brand with over $14 billion in annual revenues. The company's commitment to sustainable development, both globally and within New Brunswick, is reflected in its strategic partnerships. One such partnership is its continued sponsorship of the Speaker Series, coordinated through UNB's International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (IBEC) and the Centre for Financial Studies (CFS).

For business students at UNB, the McCain Foods Speaker Series offers a bridge to the professional world. This year’s featured speaker, Victoria Gibson, McCain Foods’ Vice President of Global Communications, exemplifies the kind of career trajectory to which students aspire. With a background in Corporate Communications, Marketing, PR, and Crisis Management, Victoria now leads a global team responsible for enhancing McCain Foods’ corporate brand. Her expertise, drawn from years of experience across various communication disciplines, provides students with valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges that come with a career in business.

The McCain Foods Speaker Series offers a relaxed and informal setting for students to learn, complemented by a free catered lunch that makes it an enjoyable and practical networking opportunity. By engaging with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and often alumni, students are able to gain real-world perspectives on key industries like entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, and even government. These sessions are designed to prepare students for the realities of the workplace, equipping them with insights to help them navigate their future careers.

McCain Foods’ involvement in the Speaker Series is an extension of its broader mission to foster community and career development through its River Valley Strategy. This initiative emphasizes the importance of sustainable employment opportunities and the growth of the communities where McCain Foods operates. As a major local employer with a global presence, the company serves as an inspiration for students at UNB, showcasing that exciting career paths are available both within New Brunswick and on the international stage.

This sponsorship also illustrates how a company like McCain Foods, with its deep ties to the province, can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of business leaders. By facilitating connections between students and industry professionals, McCain Foods is helping to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, ensuring that UNB’s business students are well-prepared for the future.

Photo: The McCain Foods Speaker Series introduces UNB students to entrepreneurs and business leaders throughout the year who provide real-world perspective on entrepreneurship, business, and careers.

Learn more about the McCain Foods Speaker Series and its line-up of speakers for 2024-2025.

Media contact: Ryan Reid