Nicole Gray is an accounting student at the Dhillon School of Business who brings dedication, integrity and a strong work ethic to everything she does. From early mornings spent studying in the library to gaining real-world experience through a co-op placement at KPMG, Nicole embodies the balance of hard work and hands-on learning that defines the Dhillon experience.
For Nicole, being a student at the Dhillon School of Business is about more than earning a degree, it’s about finding balance, building confidence and preparing for a meaningful career.
Her days start early, grounded in faith and focus. Nicole begins each morning by reading her Bible before heading to her favourite study spot in the University of Lethbridge library — the quiet basement area overlooking the coulees. There, she works through practice problems to deepen her understanding before class. When lectures wrap up, you’ll often find her at the driving range, preparing for upcoming golf tournaments. “The balance between athletics, academics and faith really shapes my day,” she shares.
That balance has helped Nicole thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Through group projects and presentations, she’s developed strong collaboration and communication skills, experiences she says translate directly into real-world settings. “Business classes constantly push us to work with others and present ideas clearly and that’s something I carry into many areas of my life."
Support from Dhillon faculty has also played a major role in Nicole success. She recalls feeling especially encouraged in her Introduction to Tax course with sessional instructor Gillian Holthe, who consistently provided real-world examples and took extra time to help students understand challenging material. “Even the night before exams, she would respond to emails as quickly as she could, encouraging me and helping me feel confident going into the test,” Nicole shares.
In 2025, Nicole took part in the Dhillon School of Business co-op program, working as a staff accountant at KPMG in Lethbridge. The experience allowed her to apply classroom learning to real tax scenarios, an opportunity she describes as both intimidating and empowering. “It helped me gain confidence and really showed me how important time management and focus are.”
Along the way, Nicole has developed an unexpected but invaluable skill: analytical thinking. “Accounting taught me how to break complex problems into smaller pieces and work through them step by step,” she says. “That way of thinking helps me not just in school, but in real-life situations too.”
With her strong work ethic, integrity and commitment to learning, Nicole exemplifies the values of the Dhillon School of Business. Supported by dedicated faculty and hands-on learning opportunities, she’s building a foundation for success and shining every step of the way.
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.