How a global exchange shaped this UBC BCom experience

Joyce Lee’s time at the UBC Sauder School of Business was driven by curiosity, resilience and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone. While completing her Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) at UBC Sauder, Lee pursued opportunities that broadened her worldview. Her global exchange in Singapore became a defining chapter of her undergraduate journey, shaping how she approaches her career today. Today, Lee manages the Portfolio Strategy for the Advanced Success Plan at SAP, a global enterprise software company known for its leadership in business applications and AI.

A transformative exchange in Singapore

One of the most memorable highlights of Lee's UBC Sauder experience was her global exchange in Singapore. “Spending a four-month term at Singapore Management University (SMU) was a transformative experience. It was the highlight of my undergraduate degree, which is saying a lot.” 

During her time abroad, Lee built a diverse international network, forming connections across Europe, Asia and the US that she remains in contact with today. With the help of local friends, she immersed herself in Singaporean culture, exploring the city and its cuisine. On weekends and reading breaks, she traveled to nearby countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Japan, and Taiwan.  

Learning beyond borders

Beyond travel, the exchange profoundly shaped Lee’s academic and personal outlook. “My exchange enriched my academic experience by expanding my global awareness, enhancing my ability to work across cultures, and deepening my understanding of how marketing, strategy, and culture intersect in the real world. It was one of the most transformative and growth-filled periods of my life.”  

Outside the classroom, Lee also gained firsthand insight into how Singapore operates as one of the world’s cleanest, safest and most sustainable countries. Observing daily life allowed her to better understand how cultural norms and government systems differ from Canada – and how those differences influence business and society. 

Academically, one of the most impactful courses Lee took at SMU was an International Business course. “We chose a local Southeast Asian company to build a market-entry strategy for international expansion,” says Lee. “It taught me how different regions have completely different value drivers, customer expectations and cultural nuances. It strengthened my cross-cultural communication skills and helped me develop a more global, adaptable business mindset.” 
 

Turning global experience into a global career 

Today, Lee applies these lessons in her current role in Portfolio Strategy for the Advanced Success Plan, SAP Global Services Sales and Premium Portfolio. Lee works in a global team to standardize portfolio release cycles across product teams and business units in Asia, Europe and North America to deliver a scalable, innovative experience. The international perspective she gained during her exchange continues to shape how she collaborates and problem-solves in a global business environment. 

Finding confidence at UBC Sauder 

Before beginning her post-secondary journey at UBC, Lee described herself as somewhat timid. That changed after she was accepted into UBC Sauder – an achievement that brought excitement not only for her, but for her family as well.  

“We were excited because UBC Sauder is such a well-recognized, world-class business school – one of the top in Canada and highly competitive to get into,” shares Lee’s parents. “We knew the environment would challenge her, inspire her, and open doors for her future. And of course, we loved the idea of her studying on UBC’s beautiful campus. We felt confident that UBC Sauder was the right place for her to grow academically, personally, and professionally.” 

Reflecting on her time at UBC Sauder, Lee credits much of her personal growth to being surrounded by such a driven and inspiring community. “I truly believe my experience at UBC Sauder shaped me into the person I am today. By being surrounded by like-minded students, actively involved in leadership roles in clubs and attending networking conferences, I felt I was able to reach my fullest potential.” 

Lessons from the UBC BCom journey 

Follow your own path. Lee reflects on the pressure to pursue what’s trending. “Choosing what aligned with my strengths instead of following the crowd helped me find roles that felt authentic and fulfilling.” 

You get out what you put in. Lee was very intentional about maximizing her experience at UBC Sauder. “I created a list of everything I wanted to accomplish during my time at UBC Sauder and made them come to life.” 

Keep fighting for what you want – perseverance pays off.  Lee spent extensive time networking and continued applying even after facing rejection. She credits this perseverance to landing her role at SAP, becoming a top 10 finalist at L’Oreal Brandstorm and completing an internship at RBC in Toronto, all of which she describes as “my own personal undergraduate bucket list.” 

Her parents witnessed this growth firsthand. “We watched her grow tremendously throughout her time in the UBC BCom program. She surrounded herself with driven, ambitious individuals who pushed her to be her best. She built an amazing group of friends who lifted her up and helped her develop a strong sense of grit and resilience. Overall, she became more confident, ambitious, capable, and motivated.” 
 

Advice for today’s UBC Sauder students 

Lee encourages current UBC Sauder students to lean into the resources that the school offers. “The community at UBC Sauder is the best part – it’s so supportive and tight knit. You’re surrounded by people who are so keen to get involved, with access to career advisors that will help you through your career journey, and a network of alumni who are happy to grab coffee and help you.” 

“Every opportunity happened because I put in the effort, stayed curious, and took initiative.”