TRSM alumnus Steve Brown on giving back to TMU

Steve Brown is a senior manager at BDO Canada and a dedicated volunteer at TMU.
Steve Brown is a senior cybersecurity manager at BDO Canada, part of an international network of accounting, tax, consulting, and business advisory firms. He has over 20 years of experience in IT project management and more than 15 years in software and program management. A dedicated volunteer at TMU, Brown received the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) Volunteer Leadership Award (opens in new window) in 2023. His contributions include facilitating workshops and securing sponsorships for student associations. In this Q&A, he shares his volunteer journey, the importance of alumni involvement, and his mission to support the next generation.
What motivates you to volunteer with the university, and how did you get started in this role?
I feel I have a responsibility to give back and help set up this next generation of students for success. I’m fortunate to have been asked to support many initiatives within the student community. I started volunteering shortly after we were locked down due to COVID-19. A colleague who is heavily involved with the TMU accounting program reached out to see if I’d be interested in being part of a panel for a TRSM event. I jumped at the opportunity, and my involvement with TRSM has grown tremendously.
In what ways do you contribute as a volunteer and what impact have you seen from your efforts?
I’ve facilitated cybersecurity-related workshops and participated in career fairs, panel discussions and networking events. I’ve also assisted some TRSM student associations in securing sponsorship from BDO. Additionally, I’ve facilitated coffee chats and mentorship sessions with several students over the last few years. I’ve seen growth within the TRSM student community concerning recognizing that BDO Canada is a viable and attractive career option for many students. When I started volunteering, many students didn’t know what BDO Canada did and, in some cases, didn’t know that we existed. Today, I have seen a significant jump in the number of co-op and new grad resumes for BDO roles.
Why do you think it’s important for alumni to stay connected and give back to the university community?
I subscribe to the practice of giving back in any way you can to help others. No matter where life takes us, we get the opportunity to learn and grow along the way. If we can help those who are coming after us understand how to avoid the pitfalls we experienced, this helps everyone. One of the things that motivates me to continue giving back to TMU is being the mentor I wish I had while I was a student.
What does receiving the TRSM Volunteer Leadership Award mean to you, and how has it influenced your perspective on service?
To be recognized for the Volunteer Leadership Award by TRSM for my volunteer work was an immense honour. I don’t volunteer my time to receive recognition or praise. The satisfaction I get knowing that I’ve helped to change the trajectory of a student’s future is the most rewarding thing I can receive. That said, I think the award is important because it brings awareness to the work that’s happening every day to support students. It allows other alumni to see that there are opportunities to share their wealth of knowledge and expertise.