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Marlow Pfeifer, BCom ‘25, found his stride in the Business Economics and Law major after an early switch from engineering — and went on to make his mark far beyond the classroom. A key player in revitalizing case competition culture at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business post-pandemic, Marlow not only competed internationally, placing as high as second, but also co-chaired the return of a major student-run event. Along the way, he completed co-op placements in three major Canadian cities, earned the prestigious , and helped mentor the next wave of student leaders. 

We asked Marlow to reflect on his time at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business — and what’s next.

What drew you to get involved in case competitions and student life? Were there any moments or accomplishments in those activities that stand out?

Looking back, most of my extracurricular activities have been related to case competitions; either hosting or competing in them. Two main things drew me in: first, the opportunity to compete against top business students from both the ß÷ßäÉçÇø and around the world is incredibly enticing for anyone who craves competition. Second, the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business is home to an absolutely fantastic extracurricular community in which students of all backgrounds and aspirations are encouraged to thrive.

As for specific accomplishments, assembling a passionate team to bring back the ß÷ßäÉçÇø International Business Competition after two years of pandemic-related cancellations was a major highlight. I was co-chair of the event in 2022, and have had the pleasure to watch the people we brought on in that original team make it bigger and better over the years. I also competed myself; the highlight would be placing as runner-ups at the NHH International Case Competition in Bergen, Norway. That competition was a great opportunity to showcase the strength of the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business on an international stage.

You’ve completed impressive co-op placements — looking back, how have these shaped your personal or professional growth?

Before my co-op placements, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue after graduation. Gaining tangible work experience with major companies made me more confident in a professional setting and refined my vision for my career.

From a personal perspective, I completed placements in three of Canada's largest cities (Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver), during which I made friends and contacts all across the country who I still keep in touch with today.

What kept you motivated during busy or challenging times in your degree? Any habits, mentors, or mindsets that helped you push through?

Honestly, my friends and family were instrumental. I made some tough decisions during my degree (both academically and professionally) and having a supportive crowd at home made an enormous difference. Aside from that, I found when exploring new careers and reaching out to people, it’s helpful to remember that everyone is usually very willing to help students; everyone was once in our shoes, and are usually flattered that you’d reach out to them for career advice.

You were this year’s recipient of the Futures Fund Scholarship. What does that recognition mean to you?

I’m very proud to have been selected by the faculty to receive that award. While it was an award to be given to a student who made outstanding contributions to the school, I feel my greatest achievements here have been in community-building; I’ve enjoyed nothing more than recruiting ambitious students to join clubs, mentoring other students and trying to share the experience I gained through my co-op placements.

Looking back on your time at university, what are you most proud of?

I’d say I’m most proud of the role I played in re-establishing the extracurricular community of the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business in the aftermath of the pandemic. Doing so required the efforts of large number of very passionate students, but I can safely say that from the other universities style I’ve visited, I believe we have some of the best opportunities to get involved outside of class (which then translates into better employment outcomes).

What advice would you give to students just starting out in the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business?

My advice would be twofold: first, study hard and get good grades because while academics  aren’t everything, your job application will never be rejected because your GPA is too high. 

Second, get involved with at least one or two real, consequential extracurricular activities in your first two years of university. These would include club leadership positions, case competitions,  or even research. Early opportunities like these on your resume will compound very quickly and  give you better access to more competitive extracurriculars (and eventually co-op/internships) relative to other students.

What are you most excited about after graduation — whether in your career or personal life? 

I’ll be moving to a new city post-graduation to pursue a job at a major bank, which is highly exciting. Like many folks in their last year of university, every waking moment has been spent  thinking of what it will be like to be working full-time and figuring out the early stages of a career; getting officially started on that will be nice. I’m sure moving will also offer lots of opportunities to meet new friends and visit a few old ones!

Where do you see yourself in five years? Are there particular goals or dreams you're aiming for? 

Despite having a lot of co-op experience, I’m still pretty uncertain where you’ll find me in five years; I plan to take my career one step at a time and follow whatever path offers the best opportunity. I’m sure I’ll be in finance somewhere; if I had to put a wish out there I’d hope to be  in an international-facing role of some kind.

Is there anything about you that people might be surprised to learn — a hobby, interest or experience that shaped who you are?

Those who know me well will know I’m a major nerd about some non-business-related subjects; most of my personal reading is history books of one kind or another. I’m also a serial trivia-watcher; Jeopardy! is on my television every night while I eat dinner.