“If you have good ideas to improve student life, then you could be a board director… everything else about the job can be learned.”
Kartavya Patel
Leadership is recognized as one of the top 10 soft skills in the workplace. More than getting straight As on your exams, a position to showcase your ability to lead can be the edge you need to stand out in the job market. While textbooks provide a good definition of leadership, the best way to learn it is through experience. If you are passionate about making a difference and improving student life, one way to step up and get involved is by running for the IGNITE Board of Directors.
This team of students represents the student body’s voice, actively working to craft programs that enhance student experience. Composed of 10 seats, students decide who represents them on the table through the yearly IGNITE Election.
The question is, “If you are given the chance to lead, will you take it?”
For Kartavya Patel, this is a chance he boldly took. He gladly accepted the challenge head-on as one of the 10 board of directors for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The before
Currently, in his last year as a business management student, Patel described himself as your typical post-secondary student.
Like any other learner on campus, he developed a routine of going to campus to attend his classes and then straight to his part-time job as a customer service representative at Humber Lakeshore Athletics. On the weekends, he would go out with his friends to explore new places. He recalled visiting Tobermory once and Montreal during the last winter break.
Describing his life before the director role, Patel has always been on the active side. He has always been driven to move and act. As a competitive taekwondo black belter in his home country, he has always been driven to do more and be more. He found himself eager for a new experience and to connect with like-minded people. An urge that was all ticked off by the opportunity to run to be a director.
The campaign
It was a journey that began with curiosity. In late December 2023, Patel decided to attend an event featuring Humber Polytechnic’s services, which included IGNITE.
“Lionel [IGNITE’s board governance manager], who was pitching the idea about the board of directors, explained the role to me in 15-20 minutes,” Patel said.
From a spark, he started to fuel his interest. His curiosity led him to research the position and what it took to get there. As a start, Patel began reaching out to past board members on LinkedIn.
“I asked them for their guidance and they were very happy to share their experience with me,” Patel said.
The support and direction fired up his great resolve to get his name on the list of candidates for the 2024-2025 elections. As a self-confessed introvert, Patel said that campaigning was definitely an effort he had to make consciously.
He noted that having strong connections helped him get his name out there. Patel started small by campaigning to his friends and colleagues. He also recalled walking up to all tables at Lakeshore campus’ L Building to introduce himself, explain the role and ask for students’ support during the election. Students appreciated this effort and said they were happy to vote for him.
Luckily for Patel, it all worked out. He was elected with 365 votes and now represents Lakeshore campus at the student table.
The board of director life
Since becoming a director, he said that his routine has not changed. Only this time, an added aspect has been mixed into his student life.
“Right now, it’s pretty much the same, but the responsibility has been added to my profile,” he said.
Patel said being part of the board entails attending many events and meetings. On the event side, the directors are present for IGNITE activities to interact with students. They also attend Humber events to represent students. Patel recalled one of the most significant occasions he attended, which was celebrating the historic rebranding of Humber College to Humber Polytechnic. They got to know this information before it was officially announced to all the students.
“Our main thing is to make a strategic plan for IGNITE,” Patel emphasized.
The board is responsible for ensuring that the organization stands firm in the years to come. The nitty-gritty includes financial planning, that consists of examining figures for the year’s budget. There is also the governance element, where the board of directors take students’ concerns and suggestions into account to ensure that IGNITE’s policies are relevant.
“We review the policy, we make changes and, if the policies are good, we make it better,” Patel said.
Patel said the most impactful decisions he took part in as a director were the launch of more bursary opportunities and the introduction of new programs, which are set to begin next fall semester. So, there are surely a lot of things to look forward to!
He expressed that the absolute best part of his job is empathizing with students’ struggles. Making decisions that benefit them brings him great satisfaction, knowing that he is making a difference.
The after
Patel said that being able to participate on the board has been a transformative experience, to say the least. He admitted that before taking on the role, he looked at the directors as the bosses of the company—a cool thing to be with all the skills you need. However, after being in the role, he felt the gravity of the task because each decision can impact student life.
“My perception about the boss shifted to a student-focused one,” Patel said.
When asked to describe who Kartvaya Patel is now, he said this experience has shaped his perspective in more ways than one. Decision-making and problem-solving have now become his strongest suits. These skills have sharpened his toolbox and helped him be decisive and think strategically in situations, traits that are useful even in his personal life.
His habitual brainstorming sessions with the board of directors broadened his horizons on how to respectfully argue his points. They also allowed him to be more open to somebody else’s perspectives, a skillset that will be beneficial as he advances further in his career.
What’s next for Patel?
As the election season inches closer, Patel is returning the favour that previous board members once accorded to him. He is now the one providing guidance to the aspiring candidates who are reaching out to him for advice. By serving as their mentor, he hopes to spark their interest in succeeding as board of directors.
More than the experience, Patel said his board of director journey has also given him valuable connections. One of those is a business partner for a future venture, as he and one of his co-directors are cooking up an entrepreneurial venture together. Things are looking up for Patel!
Patel’s message
Patel assures the candidates that this position will help them build many skills and strong connections with others. He emphasizes that the board’s focus is governance and that if you are passionate about solving problems students face, this route is definitely for you.
“If you have good ideas to improve student life, then you could be a board director because that’s the only skill you need. Everything else about the job can be learned,” he said.
Patel also encourages fellow students to be involved in the election season. He points out that it’s an opportunity to voice the changes you want to see in the future. The power lies with each student’s vote as they pick which candidate and platform they wish to put forward.
Here’s his message to you:
Go out and vote!
Campaign season is upon us! Never forget how your vote counts for a better and more vibrant student life! Getting to know your candidates is crucial to ensure they rightly represent you and your needs.
Your participation in the campaign period marks the beginning of what the next academic year will look like. So, it’s the perfect time to get to know your candidates and look into their profiles and their advocacies for you.
Patel’s journey as a member of the IGNITE Board of Directors highlights the transformative impact of the role. You get to choose who has this experience and who serves as your voice. So speak up, participate and vote during the IGNITE election week. See you at the voting booth from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28!
What are you looking forward to for the next board of directors? Share your thoughts with us @shareignite!
Feature image courtesy of Michelle Marasigan.
THE IGNITE election is in full swing! Read IGNITE’s article on Onoriode Francis Osifo’s advice to candidates!
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