Nadine Thyssen is an exceptional double major student in economics and finance at the Dhillon School of Business whose academic excellence, real-world experience and global perspective set her apart. From earning one of the highest scores on the CFA Level 1 exam to completing co-op placements and studying abroad in Budapest, Nadine has leveraged Dhillon’s hands-on learning and supportive faculty to gain professional skills, broaden her worldview and prepare for a successful career.
Balancing school, work and personal life has been a defining part of Nadine’s student experience. Her days often rotated between class and work, starting with early morning lectures followed by study sessions in the library or quiet time at home. Evenings were spent reviewing coursework, fitting in gym visits and staying connected with friends and family. While the schedule required discipline and organization, Nadine credits careful planning and proactive time management for helping her succeed.
One of the most meaningful parts of her degree came through hands-on learning opportunities. During the summer, Nadine participated in ATB’s 101 Student Program, working with the wealth management team in Lethbridge. The experience allowed her to directly connect classroom concepts in personal finance and banking to real-world applications. “Being able to see how what I learned in class translated into day-to-day work was incredibly valuable,” she shares.
Nadine also completed a 12-month co-op placement at the University of Lethbridge International Center, supporting the Study Abroad Program. The role helped her build professional skills, gain mentors and form lasting connections — experiences that contributed to landing future roles, including her current position as an anti-money laundering analyst. Her co-op also inspired her to pursue her own semester abroad in Budapest, Hungary, where she explored European history and culture while continuing her studies. “My co-op and study abroad experience were so influential — not just for my academic journey, but for my professional development and personal growth as well,” Nadine reflects.
Support from Dhillon faculty played a key role in shaping her academic journey. Nadine credits small class sizes for making it easier to connect with professors and recalls meaningful encouragement from Michael Lanyi during her financial economics course. Beyond helping her deepen her understanding of economics, he offered career guidance, encouraged her to consider graduate studies and helped her take early steps toward her first co-op placement. That mentorship, she says, made a lasting impact.
With outstanding academic achievement, international experience and a strong foundation in real-world learning, Nadine exemplifies how taking advantage of the opportunities available to students at Dhillon leads to confidence, capability and a strong start to a meaningful career. Supported by dedicated faculty and enriched by experiential programs, she is graduating with both confidence and career momentum, ready to make her mark.
The Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge is known for its immersive experiential learning opportunities, connecting learners with industry and its supportive, personalized approach. Study options available in both Lethbridge and Calgary.