Ideas start here
Where ideas meet opportunity.
Founded in 2014 at the Schulich School of Business, the Schulich Entrepreneurship Club (SEC) is a student-led organization dedicated to connecting students with the people, experiences, and resources to develop their ideas.
With over 300 members and 50+ past partners, SEC provides opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship, apply their skills to real business challenges, and build professional connections beyond the classroom.
Who it's for
Entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a business.
SEC brings together students interested in entrepreneurship, consulting, technology, finance, strategy, and other areas of business.
Whether you're developing a venture, exploring career opportunities, or looking to apply what you've learned in the classroom, SEC offers a community where you can learn from peers, work alongside industry professionals, and gain practical experience.
Whether you hope to start a business or pursue a corporate career, the ability to identify opportunities, take ownership, and turn ideas into action is valuable. You don't need a startup idea to get involved.
Our initiatives
Connecting students with opportunities beyond the classroom.
Throughout the academic year, SEC organizes case competitions, industry events, career development programs, and workshops that give students opportunities to learn from professionals and apply their skills in practical settings.
November 2026
Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Conference (UEC)
A real company writes the case. Teams from across universities work on it and pitch their answer to industry judges. It returns in November 2026, run with Rotman Commerce IBA.
Learn more
March 2027
LUMEN Conference
SEC's second case competition and conference. Teams take on a business case, build their analysis and present it. The last one was in March 2026, and the next is planned for March 2027.
Learn more
April 2027
Pathways Pursuit
A matching program for internships. Students apply and are matched with startups and established companies by their skills, interests and what each business needs. 35+ companies have taken part.
Learn more
October and February
Workshops & professional development
Short, practical sessions through the year: Exam Success Workshops in October and February, and a Resume & Cover Letter Workshop in February. You don't need to be a member to come.
Learn more
Our purpose
Our vision
To foster a community where students think entrepreneurially, pursue new ideas, and take initiative in their academic and professional lives.
Our mission
To connect aspiring business leaders with practical experiences, industry professionals, and a supportive community that helps them develop their skills, explore opportunities, and turn ideas into action.
Three pillars
Ideas. Connections. Action.
Three principles guide SEC. They shape how we develop initiatives, engage with industry partners, and create opportunities for our members.
-
01
Ideas
Encouraging new perspectives and practical problem-solving.
We create opportunities for students to explore business challenges, challenge assumptions, and develop solutions through case competitions, workshops, and industry-led discussions.
-
02
Connections
Bringing students and industry closer together.
Our events and partnerships connect students with professionals, entrepreneurs, alumni, and peers. These relationships provide opportunities to exchange perspectives, explore career paths, and learn from practical industry experience.
-
03
Action
Turning learning into experience.
From presenting recommendations to industry judges to pursuing opportunities through Pathways Pursuit, our initiatives encourage students to apply their knowledge, take responsibility, and develop skills through firsthand experience.
Our leadership
Led by students. Built through collaboration.
SEC is led by a team of undergraduate students responsible for planning and delivering the club's events, partnerships, and member initiatives.
For the 2026–27 academic year, SEC is co-led by Zaynab Shaffie and Jessica Zhang, supported by six departments: Conference Development, Corporate Relations, Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Member Development.
Together, the executive team oversees corporate outreach, event planning, financial management, communications, and member engagement.
Through this structure, students gain direct experience in project management, stakeholder relations, teamwork, and organizational leadership.
Our track record
Over a decade of student-led initiatives.
Since 2014, SEC has grown into a student organization with a strong presence at Schulich and a network extending across Toronto's business and entrepreneurial communities.
Through case competitions, professional development initiatives, and corporate collaborations, we've worked to create opportunities that benefit both students and participating organizations.
Our track record includes the launch of the Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Conference in 2025, hosted in part at Microsoft's Toronto office with students from at least four universities, and the continued development of programs connecting students with companies, founders, and industry professionals.
Figures as of August 2026. UEC attendance reflects the 2025 conference.
Working with industry
Partnerships that connect business and education.
Industry collaboration is an important part of how SEC delivers its initiatives. We work with companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals to bring practical business perspectives into the student experience.
Our partnerships take different forms, from developing case challenges and contributing speakers or judges to supporting career development events and connecting students with employment opportunities.
For participating organizations, these initiatives provide opportunities to engage with students, share industry expertise, and introduce their teams and career opportunities to the Schulich community.
We welcome partnerships that offer value to both our students and the organizations involved.
Get involved
Get involved with SEC.
Whether you're a student looking to explore new opportunities or an organization interested in connecting with the Schulich community, we'd welcome the opportunity to work with you.
For students. Explore our upcoming events, become a member, and connect with a community of students interested in entrepreneurship and business.
For organizations. Partner with SEC through case competitions, industry workshops, networking events, mentorship, and other initiatives designed to connect professionals with undergraduate students.