YMA Culture

The Sky is the Limit:
Exceeding Expectations at YMA
YMA’s Culture Summarized by Apprentice Coordinator Donna Li

Today, we celebrate YMA’s successes not to flaunt achievements, but to attract the best candidates to join the team next year. The visible diligence of the team has brewed undeniably high results. Membership grew by over 60% from last year, crowning YMA as the 3rd largest Schulich club to date. Nine events were organized during the fall term alone. The breadth of our 27 corporate partners increased to include Fortune 500’s BMW, and budding Canadian start-ups such as Awake Chocolate, and Frank & Oak. How did this “superhero exec team” achieve such phenomenal results?

To provide “exec enthusiasts” an insight of the culture within the YMA family, I’ve summarized the “3 Traits of Excellence” which we actively recruit for in candidates.

EXCELLENCE TRAIT #1 – People who go the EXTRA mile

This year’s team:

• Introduced not one but two new SCENEster events to YMA. This series of events brought in over $2,300+ of free movies, popcorn, and fun for the club.
• Secured TalentEgg as the first ever keynote sponsor for MY101 through initiating a widely successful online  “Egg-cellent Partnership” petition.
•  Expanded their personal networks to secure a solid round of reps to events. The team even managed to invite McDonald’s to speak & sponsor the conference.

EXCELLENCE TRAIT #2: People Who Show 120% Commitment

It was expected for all execs to be present at events and greet sponsors with a smile. Balancing school, recruitment, extra-curriculars, a social life, and 10 YMA events (literally) wasn’t always easy. But brace yourself  “for better and for worse.”

•  An executive role indirectly translates you into spirited YMA brand ambassador.

o Facebook domination: your profile becomes the platform for advertising

• In circumstances where YMA cannot be a priority, adopt the right attitude. Some members insisted on extra contribution to appease planned absences.

EXCELLENCE TRAIT #3: People Who Back Their Members With Support

Every executive has a direct and indirect role on the team. I’ll spotlight the “indirect role”: events were successfully executed because of the responsive, helpful and supportive culture. Execs are highly responsive to emails; those with less work consistently offer help, and we always celebrated each other’s successes. Combining the fact that we’re all friends – our mutual respect for each other certifies high accountability.

SUMMARIZING THE YMA FAMILY

1. A good claim to fame is going beyond what is expected of you. 

2. This “short-term marriage” with YMA requires endurance, compassion and sacrifice to ensure a successful relationship. 

3. We’re not just a team. We’re a family.

Thus, the current and successor presidents are looking forward to recruiting those that go above and beyond, are highly committed/supportive, and are fun to be around. If you possess the qualities listed above, and resonate with YMA’s hardcore culture – congratulations, we look forward to interviewing you.