Guanfu Teng

Having worked in assurance, tax, valuation and now corporate development, each with different skill emphasis, curiosity has consistently allowed me to get up to speed quickly and find ways to contribute.

Career questions with Guanfu

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

What drew me to corporate development was the combination of analysis and real-world decision-making, where the work directly informs investment and strategic decisions. I enjoy being involved in transaction-driven work that is fast-paced and shapes meaningful outcomes for the business. The ability to see analysis translate into clear decisions and tangible results is what I find most engaging. 

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

Curiosity has been the most impactful skill throughout my career. Early on, I found that asking questions and trying to understand how things worked beneath the surface helped me build confidence as I moved across different roles. Having worked in assurance, tax, valuation and now corporate development, each with different skill emphasis, curiosity has consistently allowed me to get up to speed quickly and find ways to contribute. It also shapes how I approach my work today, encouraging me to think more critically and look beyond the immediate task. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia played a key role in preparing me for my career, particularly through its strong peer network and career support services. Through my involvement with JMSB Career Management Services, I developed core skills in resume writing, interviewing, communication and networking that were critical during the recruitment process.

In parallel, I benefited from a highly motivated and talented peer group who provided valuable insights, advice, and connections. Together, these experiences gave me a strong foundation as I transitioned into the workforce.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

My most standout experience was participating in JMSB case competitions, where my team and I spent long hours preparing cases and presenting to industry professionals under tight timelines. It was both challenging and energizing, and a strong foundation for developing skills in analysis, teamwork and communication. I also built lasting friendships during that time with peers who have gone on to excel in their respective fields. Being recognized at award ceremonies and hearing our team called to the podium remains one of my most memorable experiences. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

I would tell my younger self to be more brave and less focused on having everything figured out. I tended to overthink and plan carefully before trying something new, which sometimes meant passing on opportunities where the outcome wasn’t certain. Looking back, many of the best experiences come from taking that initial step, even without a clear path. I’ve learned that meaningful growth often comes from embracing uncertainty rather than waiting for the “right” moment. As a student, the downside of trying, and even failing, is relatively low, so I’d encourage myself to take more chances and make the most of every opportunity. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

The integration of automation and data analytics into billing and project finance is transforming how we work. We’re moving from reactive processes to proactive, data-informed decision-making. It’s exciting to see how technology is reshaping traditionally manual functions like billing into strategic tools for business insight.

Feeling inspired?

• Participate in a case competition.
• Learn to analyze and visualize data using Excel, Power BI and Python with FutureBound’s digital skills sessions.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.