Taylor Brice

After the summer, I returned to DDQIC part-time as the Rose Innovation Hub Coordinator, where I manage space utilization and oversee both client and internal bookings. I ensure seamless operations by maintaining accurate scheduling through Microsoft Outlook, optimizing the use of the Rose Innovation Hub for meetings, events, and collaborative work. Since stepping into this role, I have successfully coordinated 100+ room bookings, streamlining logistics to support clients, students, and DDQIC staff.

The Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) is a pan-university initiative at Queen’s University dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students and the broader community. As a Coordinator for DDQIC’s flagship program, the Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative (QICSI)—a 16-week paid incubator providing participants with training, mentorship, and seed funding—I played a key role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs as they built and launched their ventures. The program culminates with Kingston’s largest pitch competition, where participants compete for up to $30,000 in funding. In this role, I served as a liaison between 8+ DDQIC staff and 20+ QICSI participants, ensuring clear communication and a strong feedback loop to enhance program effectiveness. My primary responsibility was assisting in the planning and execution of the pitch competition, a high-profile event that showcases the region’s most promising startups. My time at DDQIC deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development, equipping me with the skills to navigate fast-paced environments, coordinate large-scale events, and support early-stage ventures.

At just 18, I was promoted to Customer Service Manager at Walmart, making me the youngest among eight managers—a distinction I held throughout my time there. Stepping into a leadership role at such a young age came with challenges, but it also became one of my most valuable learning experiences. Leading teams of 10-20+ cashiers, self-checkout attendants, door greeters, and store standards associates per shift, I was responsible for ensuring smooth operations, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. But beyond the job description, I had to earn the respect of my peers—many of whom were older and more experienced. I knew that leadership wasn’t just about authority; it was about proving I could handle the pressure, make the right calls, and support my team. By the time I left Walmart, I had done just that. This role exposed me to every type of customer and situation imaginable. From problem-solving on the spot to de-escalating difficult interactions, I honed my interpersonal and customer service skills in real-time. The fast-paced nature of retail, especially during the holiday rush and the uncertainty of COVID-19, pushed me to think on my feet. With over 500+ customers in-store, short-staffed shifts, and heightened stress levels, I learned how to manage high-pressure situations while keeping both customers and employees supported. This experience not only strengthened my leadership abilities but also reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and resilience—skills that continue to serve me in every professional endeavor.

Out of a competitive pool of 20+ applicants, I was the only student intern selected in Kingston for RBC’s Client Advisor Internship program. This opportunity allowed me to gain hands-on experience in retail banking while working across three RBC branches, developing a strong foundation in financial services and client relationship management. In this role, I processed 50+ transactions daily, including business deposits, cash withdrawals, bill payments, wire transfers, and bank drafts, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with banking regulations. Beyond transactions, I prioritized exceptional customer service, assisting clients with their financial needs, answering inquiries, and identifying opportunities to enhance their banking experience. This internship sharpened my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing environment!