Eugene McKay

SIIT Programs: Management Studies II & Accounting
Graduated: 2004
Campus: Saskatoon
First Nation: James Smith Cree Nation

The training I received at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies consisted of the Management Studies program. It provided me with the tools to take on various positions over the years that demanded me to be reliable, responsible, accountable, flexible, and the ability to be a self-starter. The combination of courses offered in the Management Studies program allows the student to consider future avenues of education. For example, after the Management program I continued my education with SIIT by pursuing the Accountancy diploma. This Accountancy program was an excellent choice as it provided me with all the relevant skills needed in today's accounting and finance industry. I can honestly state that receiving each of these diplomas through SIIT has been the building foundation for my business education and experience.

As I mentioned earlier, the programs at SIIT allow one to pursue other avenues of education. After I had completed the Management and Accountancy diplomas through SIIT I then pursued my Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan. Following this degree, I furthered my education by obtaining my Master of Business Administration at the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan. As for my employment, I am now working with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Saskatchewan (AFOA, Saskatchewan) as the Executive Director. I utilize many of the skills I have learned such as professional business presentations, budgeting, resource allocation, integrated marketing communication techniques, professional selling and strategic planning.

Overall, I feel that I have obtained a well-rounded background in business education and SIIT was my foundation – my starting point. The academic success of an individual lies in one's own personal choice and their dedication to their own goals in life. My choice was to build on my education received through SIIT by later pursuing a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree. All of which launched me into a career with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Saskatchewan!

Eugene McKay
Saskatchewan Director
Aboriginal Financial Officers Association