Isaiah Tyrrell-Joyner

I completed my BComm in Finance at Concordia, where I was also heavily involved in student leadership and governance. After graduation, I joined CGI as a consultant. I later returned to Concordia to complete my MBA in Investment Management, while also passing CFA Level I and continuing to grow my career at the intersection of consulting, finance and strategy.

Career questions with Isaiah

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

What I love most about my work is being able to turn complex information into clear insights that help people make better decisions. I’ve always been drawn to roles that combine analysis, problem-solving, and communication, which is what led me toward finance and consulting. Over time, I realized that I enjoy not just working with numbers but using them to tell a story and support meaningful business decisions. 

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

The biggest game changers have been communication, analytical thinking and stakeholder management. Technical skills matter, but the ability to explain your analysis clearly and build trust with different teams is what really helps create impact. Learning how to structure problems, ask better questions and translate data into actionable recommendations has been essential in my career so far.  

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Concordia gave me both the academic foundation and the practical exposure I needed to build confidence early in my career. Through co-op experiences, student leadership and classroom projects, I learned how to work with different people, manage competing priorities and apply business concepts in real situations. It also taught me to be adaptable, resourceful and comfortable navigating ambiguity. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

One standout memory was serving as General Coordinator of the Concordia Student Union and representing over 35,000 students. It was a challenging but meaningful experience that taught me a lot about leadership, governance, advocacy and working with diverse stakeholders. It also showed me the importance of using your voice to create opportunities and improve the experience of others. 

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

I would tell my younger self to trust the process and not be afraid of taking on opportunities before feeling fully ready. Growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar spaces and figuring things out along the way. I’d also remind myself that relationships, curiosity and consistency are just as important as credentials. 

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

The most exciting shift is how artificial intelligence and data are changing the way organizations make decisions. In consulting and finance, there is growing demand for professionals who can combine business judgment with analytical tools to create better insights faster. I think the future belongs to people who can understand the technology, ask the right questions and translate data into strategy. 

Feeling inspired?

• Check in with Career Management Services (CMS) to prepare for your job search.
• Consider Co-op to gain professional work experience during your program. 
• Explore leadership opportunities in the Finance and Investment Students’ Association or other student associations and groups. 
• Hone your pitch for investors, employers or competitions with FutureBound’s public speaking series.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.