The Feeling of Home: Meet Erica MacNeil

In 2020, Erica MacNeil transferred from Acadia University to Cape Breton University after moving home from Wolfville during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years and plenty of hard work later, she is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration this Spring.

Having been able to move closer to her family and friends, Erica says she has enjoyed her experience at CBU thoroughly. She particularly liked the small class sizes and community involvement at the University, which helped her and her classmates get involved with local organizations through guest lectures and workshops. A professor who stood out for Erica during her time at CBU was Assistant Professor of Organizational Management, Elaine MacNeil. “Elaine was the first person I made contact with after transferring to CBU,” says Erica. “The support and guidance she provided made me confident that I made the right choice in coming to CBU.”

While working toward her degree, Erica was employed as a student assistant in the CBU library and says it was the highlight of her time at the University. “The staff are so kind and helpful, and I loved meeting students from such a wide variety of cultural backgrounds,” she says.

Erica currently works as a Social Media and Annual Giving Assistant at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and hopes to become a Chartered Professional Accountant through CPA Atlantic after graduating. She feels the Shannon School of Business has prepared her well for a future in the business world. “My professors have not only taught me the content needed to be successful in the business sector,” she says. “But also the invaluable professional social skills it takes to be confident in myself as a woman in business.”

Erica tells other Cape Breton graduates that they shouldn’t take CBU for granted. “Even though it is tempting to move away after high school, there are so many benefits to staying home,” says Erica. “The thing I am going to miss most about CBU is the tight-knit community. I’ve been so lucky to meet amazing people – both students and faculty/staff.”

Erica is grateful to her mother and two best friends for being her biggest supporters during her program at CBU. “I’d like to thank them for always believing in me and encouraging me to keep working hard even when I think I can’t, in school and in life,” she adds.

Congratulations to Erica and the entire Spring 2023 graduating class!