Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Six years ago, Elena Kurilova and her family made a bold move, leaving behind the bustling streets of Moscow, Russia, for the laid-back community of Fredericton, New Brunswick. It was a leap of faith, and for Elena, it set the stage for an extraordinary academic and professional journey.

When Elena graduated from high school, she chose to study business at the University of New Brunswick’s faculty of management. Her decision was driven by two key factors: the faculty’s strong emphasis on real-world experience and its renowned Co-op program. “I didn’t want to just learn theory,” Elena explains. “I wanted to apply what I was learning in real business setting and UNB gave me that opportunity.”

Throughout her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, Elena immersed herself in experiential learning. She completed three Co-op work terms with Irving Oil, gaining hands-on experience in accounting and discovering her passion for internal auditing. “The Co-op program played a huge role in getting me ready for my career,” she says. “It gave me a real-world understanding of how accounting works in a business setting. I wasn’t starting from scratch; I already had a strong foundation.”

That foundation has propelled Elena to the top of her class. This spring, she graduates as the recipient of the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal, awarded to the student with the highest academic standing in the faculty. But her achievements don’t stop there, Elena is also stepping into a full-time role with Irving Oil’s Central Services department as part of their CPA Rotation Program.

This program is designed to help graduates fulfill the practical experience requirements for the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. It offers structured, accelerated learning across a variety of Irving Oil teams, including external reporting, taxation, treasury, business analytics, and more. Elena’s current role in General Accounting involves preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and supporting departments across the company, work that keeps her engaged and constantly learning.

“It’s been a great way to build on the experience I gained during my Co-op terms,” she says. “And it’s helping me work toward my CPA designation with confidence.”

Elena’s story is a testament to the power of experiential learning. The Co-op program didn’t just prepare her for a job, it helped her discover her passion, build her skills, and launch a career with purpose. Her advice to future BBA students? “Do Co-op. It’s the best way to figure out what you actually enjoy doing, while gaining experience that makes you stand out. It gave me a head start on the CPA path and helped build my confidence in a professional environment.”

From newcomer to top graduate, Elena Kurilova’s journey is a shining example of what’s possible when forward thinking and dedication meet opportunity.

Photo: As she graduates from UNB’s BBA program, Lieutenant Governor Silver Medal recipient, Elena Kurilova steps into a full-time role with Irving Oil’s Central Services department as part of their CPA Rotation Program. Her participation in Co-op helped prepare her for this role.

Learn more about UNB’s Faculty of Management and the Co-op program.

Media contact

Liz Lemon-Mitchell
Lizabeth.Lemonmitchell@unb.ca