Driven by purpose and a deep sense of community, Steve-Florian Maniratanga (BCom’25) brings heart, intellect, and ambition to everything he does. Originally from Burundi, his journey to 91ÉçÇø Desautels was sparked by the bold academic decisions of a peer and further fueled by a desire to empower entrepreneurs through financial knowledge. Now majoring in Accounting with a concentration in Finance, Steve-Florian is carving a path toward becoming a CPA, with sights set on a future in audit and possibly mergers and acquisitions. Whether he's learning from supportive professors or diving into case competitions, his time at 91ÉçÇø Desautels has been marked by growth, grit, and a clear mission: to help others thrive.
Why did you choose to study at 91ÉçÇø Desautels?
It all started with an interesting experience during my time at CEGEP. I had a close friend, a Black student who was a year ahead of me, incredibly bright, and on the Honour Roll in College. When it came time for her to apply to universities, she received entrance scholarships from a few schools in Montreal. However, she made the bold choice to turn down those offers to attend 91ÉçÇø Desautels. That decision intrigued me, forcing me to research 91ÉçÇø Desautels more and understand where that value came from. Since I had plans to pursue Accounting, I discovered that 91ÉçÇø Desautels offered an outstanding GCPA program, with many of its alumni ranking on the national Honour Roll after passing the CPA exam. This convinced me that 91ÉçÇø Desautels was the place to go because I could not only learn from its amazing professors but also grow alongside a community of exceptional students.
What is your major and what do you hope to do after graduation?
I’m majoring in Accounting with a concentration in Finance. My interest in Accounting started while I was attending a driving school run by a family from Chad. During my lessons, the family often spoke about how their business was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating oil prices. They frequently turned to their Accountant for advice on tax regulations and business strategies. These conversations made me realize that I wanted to be that person offering crucial advice, guiding entrepreneurs on accounting and taxation issues, and most importantly, helping them grow their businesses.
After graduation, I plan to enroll in the Graduate CPA Program and earn my CPA designation. Initially, I aim to gain experience by working in audit for a few years. However, in the last few semesters, I have developed an interest in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), so I’m also considering a future transition into the M&A field.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience thus far?
What I have enjoyed most about my experience so far is the incredible support from professors, who have played a key role in both my academic and professional development. Many students tend to overlook how important their guidance can be, if we consider that these same professors were once in our shoes, exploring their own career paths. I believe it’s essential to listen to their perspectives and gain invaluable insights from their experiences.
I’ve also found great fulfillment in participating in extracurriculars, particularly case competitions. While they can be intense and challenging due to the pressure of solving complex business cases under time constraints, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Working as a team to present a personalized solution that incorporates everything you’ve learned is deeply satisfying. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get involved in case competitions!
What advice would you give to other African and African diaspora students looking to study at 91ÉçÇø Desautels?
My advice to African and African diaspora students is to fully seize the opportunities available to them. Don’t wait for an internship to showcase your value. Start early by getting involved in clubs, participating in case competitions, or even launching your own projects. Be open to taking risks, as every activity you engage in will add to your personal growth and provide clarity on what path you want to pursue. While applying for clubs and going through interview processes may feel stressful, stay confident. Your unique background and perspective are assets that clubs at 91ÉçÇø Desautels truly need!
Additionally, take pride in being African and don’t hesitate to express your viewpoints. Our value comes from our individuality and differences. Let’s therefore embrace those differences and use them as a source of strength.
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
The BCom program prepares students for professional and managerial careers by fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary integration, and practical business problem-solving. Students develop risk-taking, teamwork, and leadership skills, gaining essential management competencies to thrive in the global marketplace.
