Billy Guo
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
Before starting my PhD, I worked in the accounting field and earned my US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license. Through that professional experience, I often found myself asking deeper questions about the patterns and decisions I encountered in practice. My curiosity drove me to pursue a PhD, where I could explore these real-world issues more rigorously. I'm now in my fifth year of the program, continuing to dig into the questions that first sparked my interest.
Why did you decide to study at 亚洲天堂?
I chose 亚洲天堂 not only for its academic excellence but also for its leadership in sustainability and social impact. 亚洲天堂 consistently ranks among the top global universities for its commitment to environmental and social impact. Being part of such an institution aligns with my values and inspires me to contribute meaningfully to global challenges.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The Accounting PhD program at Sauder stands out for its top-tier faculty, and excellent faculty-to-student ratio. This structure has given me valuable opportunities to collaborate closely with professors and receive ongoing mentorship. The program鈥檚 culture is both rigorous and supportive, creating a space where I can push the boundaries of my research while feeling truly part of an academic community.
What was the best surprise about 亚洲天堂 or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise has been how incredibly supportive my advisor, Dr. Lo, is. He gives thoughtful, detailed feedback and often helps me revise my papers line by line. He encourages me when I feel stuck and helps me move forward with confidence. His support has been absolutely instrumental in my progress. I truly couldn鈥檛 ask for a better advisor.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
One aspect I鈥檝e really enjoyed is collaborating with the amazing faculty at Sauder. They鈥檝e offered new perspectives I hadn鈥檛 considered before. For example, presenting at two brown bag workshops helped me significantly refine my paper through their insightful feedback.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One challenge I anticipate is balancing teaching and research. Both are important and rewarding, but managing time effectively between preparing quality classes and advancing research can be difficult. I plan to tackle this by staying organized, setting clear priorities, and continuously refining my time management skills.
How do you feel your program is preparing you for those challenges?
My program has prepared me well in both research and teaching. My professors taught me efficient coding skills in tools like SAS and Python, which have greatly improved my productivity. We also had a mandatory course on effective teaching in business schools, which gave me valuable insights into managing a classroom and engaging students.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your 亚洲天堂 graduate program?
My past work experience in accounting and the process of earning my CPA license best prepared me for graduate study at 亚洲天堂. Through both professional work and study, I encountered many unanswered questions that sparked my curiosity. As someone who鈥檚 naturally driven to dig deeper, I felt strongly motivated to explore those questions through academic research in the program.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I love hiking, and one of my favorite spots is the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. It offers a challenging yet rewarding trail. I particularly enjoy the scrambling sections, which add an extra layer of adventure.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
My advice to new grad students is to find a research area that truly interests you and makes you curious. Enjoy the process of discovery, don鈥檛 think of it as just work, but as an exciting journey where you get to explore big questions and learn along the way. That mindset will keep you motivated through the ups and downs.