Bianca Mae Go, only in her second year at Carleton University, is already making a name for herself on campus. Go, majoring in Public Affairs and Policy Management, is also a Vice President for the Carleton chapter of the Association Internationale des étudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales (AIESEC) which translates to the International Association of Students in Economics and Commercial Sciences.
Go, 20, grew up in Richmond Hill, Ont. and lived in residence for her first year. She said that being far from her family was challenging at first, but living in residence made her a stronger individual and at the same time, has made family her number one motivation in life.
“I like doing my personal best. And I will admit that I’m pretty competitive, whether it’s with other people or with myself, so competition has definitely kept me motivated [too],” she said.
With over 60,000 members present in 110 countries, AIESEC is the world’s largest student-run organization. It seeks to develop education globally through their internships, conferences and their international learning environment.
Go became involved in AIESEC through Expo Carleton. By September 2010, she was appointed to her current role of Vice-President of Corporate Relations.
For her position, Go calls companies for internships and meets them at corporate events.
“[With] AIESEC, we host a lot of conferences and we do travel a lot. So right now, I like to go conferences, I like to meet new people, learn new stuff and experience change,” said Go.
AIESEC was officially founded in 1948 with the purpose reconnecting member countries after World War II. Now, AIESEC’s goal has shifted from connecting students studying economics and business in Europe to linking students studying all subjects around the globe. AIESEC Canada’s national partner companies include The Co-operators and The Ontario Trillium Foundation. The organization is even known by the United Nations!
“It’s interesting actually how AIESEC has definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. There are some things I do now that I would have never done in my first year,” she said.
“We have [an] AIESEC culture and dances that make me feel like a completely different person.”
Go works very hard to excel in her position and to encourage AIESEC’s vision which is “peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential”.
“Since I’ve joined AIESEC, I would have never considered getting an MBA which is a Masters of Business Administration. But this is something now that I wouldn’t disregard. AIESEC showed me something that I would have never considered before,” she said.
Competitive, dedicated and passionate, Go said she would definitely want to become President of AIESEC while still at Carleton and has high hopes for her future career.
“I don’t exactly have an ideal job. I’m open to options within my major but I would really like to travel. I want to keep trying to do everything I dream of and I know I will succeed because anything is possible.”