Shining Student Roberto Bello

Roberto Bello, a Bachelor of Management student majoring in marketing at the Dhillon School of Business, has embraced work-integrated learning through three co-op placements and an international applied studies experience in Mexico City, significantly shaping his professional and personal growth. His future aspirations include integrating his marketing and political science knowledge in a dynamic role, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Chief Marketing Officer for a multinational firm or political party in Canada.

Work-integrated learning is the single most impactful thing I have done at ULethbridge. I have been lucky enough to complete three full-time co-op work terms. I also completed an international applied studies placement where I found myself consulting with a multinational CPG business based out of Mexico City on their overall marketing strategy.

Meet Roberto | Charismatic. Curious. Driven.
Program: Bachelor of Management | Major: Marketing

Why did you choose ULethbridge?

Having grown up around campus because of my direct relationship with a long-time professor on campus (my father), ULethbridge always felt like home to me. A place where I had grown up and felt recognized. The campus was one I had roamed many times prior to ever entering a classroom, and where the faculty in the Dhillon School of Business (Dhillon) felt like my extended family.

Beyond my familiarity and comfort with the university, I decided to attend because of the Dhillon's reputation for work-integrated, holistic learning opportunities wherein every student can practically apply their newfound knowledge both in and out of the classroom. Lack of experience being something commonly impacting new-graduate success, this open opportunity was just what I was looking for in order to sooth my post-study transition.

Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?

Originally, I wanted to complete a BA in political science alongside my BMgt, as my goal at the time was to become a political advertiser. This changed in my third year after professor Mike Madore's brand management class, wherein the central task was to formulate, refine and present a comprehensive marketing plan for a partnered up-and-coming business. This project ignited my interest in the creativity-driven marketing field, thus shifting my focus to my BMgt and I never looked back.

Please tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning at ULethbridge.

Work-integrated learning is the single most impactful thing I have done at ULethbridge. I have been lucky enough to complete three full-time co-op work terms. I also completed an international applied studies placement where I found myself consulting with a multinational CPG business based out of Mexico City on their overall marketing strategy.

My three biggest takeaways from these experiences are:

1. What I am studying is what makes me happy
2. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is the best way to level up your professional development
3. Not all concepts taught in class are created equal

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?

I have two! First, my year at the ULSU, serving as one of two Dhillon student ambassadors during the 22-23 school year. This experience allowed me to dive deep into what makes ULethbridge unique and gave me the opportunity to connect with fellow students in a brand-new way. Second, my international applied study placement in Mexico City helped me grow immensely both as an individual and a professional.

How have your professors impacted your education?

There have been many professors here on campus that have fundamentally impacted my learning and have changed my world view. One of them would have to be Dr. Geoffery Hale, whose public policy class I took in the fall of 2021 shifted how I viewed my world both at a macro and a micro-level, showing me that we are all intrinsically connected by the systems around us: our communities, governments, social groups, families, etc.

Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?

Three incredible women deserve a shout-out for their influence on me throughout my academic journey. Stacey Gaudette-Sharp from the Career Bridge office is the one who drove me to pursue my passions through work-integrated learning opportunities; she has changed the course of my professional and personal life for the better.

Dhillon academic advisor Ute Perkovic is always patient with me and guides me through the various changes, challenges and successes that my academic journey had in store for me; without her help, I would not be set to graduate at the end of this semester. Finally, my wonderful partner, Hope, for always being the one person I was able to fall back on to pick me up when things got tough and the first person I wanted to celebrate with when successes were made. I would have never achieved half the things I have done here at ULethbridge if she wasn't in my life to motivate me.

Roberto Bello shines as an ambassador for work-integrated learning and the Career Bridge Centre. – Stacey Gaudette-Sharp, Academic Director, Career Bridge

Have you received any scholarships and awards?

I have received three individual awards, having received the Jason Lang Scholarship award (3x), the By George Award (x1) and the Global Skills Opportunity Award. The latter being the most impactful thing I have ever been given. Through the program's support, I was able to work at a multinational office supply firm as their assistant marketing strategist, applying all my previously accumulated knowledge in a novel way by adapting it to the Mexican consumer context. I not only learned about how an organization of this size manages marketing strategy across borders and between consumer groups, but I also polished my ability to critically thinking about previously taught concepts and grew my confidence in executing business-level communications in another language. None of this would’ve been possible without the financial assistance the GSO bursary generously provided for me.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I love to do two things in particular: go to the gym and go to the movies. Both of these activities give me a third space where I can relax, hang out with friends and relieve the stress accumulated throughout the day. These activities have also helped me express myself in a more holistic, well-rounded way, which in turn has positively affected my performance both at school and work.

What are three awesome things about you?

1. My family is from Mexico City.
2. I am lucky enough to have a loving partner who enjoys travelling and new experiences as much as I do.
3. I love to be active in my free time, whether it be at the gym, running or skateboarding.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

My short-term plan is to find an entry-level career position in a large city, preferably Vancouver or Toronto, that provides me the opportunity to express and integrate my knowledge in both marketing and political science in a productive, meaningful way. Looking ahead long-term, I hope to one day become the CMO of a multi-national, multi-lingual marketing firm or political party here in Canada.

What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

Do not be afraid to stand out from your peers. Taking risks and engaging with everything this university has to offer its students has transformed my academic experience from one based solely on class attendance and test-taking to one that is leaving me confident, inspired and optimistic about my future.

Quick Answers

Favourite class: Canadian Public Policy and Advanced Digital Marketing & Social Media
Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: Going to the gym
Favourite place to study: Bottom floor of the library, specifically the quiet section and in one of the cubicles found between the sets of shelves

About Shining Students

Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.