Josh Arenburg - Problem solving his way to the top

Bible Hill native, Josh Arenburg, graduated from Nova Scotia Agricultural College, (NSAC) in 1997. Since then, he has spent the last ten years helping others obtain their personal financial goals and providing the resources needed to make their businesses a success. As a Senior Account Manager with CIBC Bank, Josh reflects on how his time spent at NSAC has helped him achieve his goals.

“I had a career in business in mind, so I applied for the economics program at NSAC in 1993 after graduating from high school,” said Josh. “To me, the program was the most versatile, plus I was interested in what the university had to offer.” Josh believed that his program of choice would later open many doors and was eager to become involved in the wide variety of extra-curricular activities that were available at the university.

Photo Caption: Josh and his wife Jody (Class of 2000) and their dog Maisy.

Jumping at the opportunity, Josh joined the soccer team and became a member of Students’ Union. He also took the initiative to help organize the first men’s & women’s rugby teams; both went undefeated that inaugural season. Josh later received the Outstanding Contribution Award for 1996-97 for his contribution to varsity programs and the leadership he exuded while ensuring that all students were provided with equal opportunity.

After graduation, Josh spent the summer months working for his parents and accepted a position with CIBC that fall. Josh has been part of the bank’s team for the past ten years, working in successive positions in different communities across Nova Scotia & PEI. He returned home in 2002, accepting a position with the Truro branch and spends his days meeting with customers and helping them meet their financial goals.

Satisfied with where his career has taken him, Josh never ceases to remember that he owes his success to his family & NSAC. “Banking careers are self starting, it’s very much a sink-or-swim atmosphere,” adds Josh. “I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t received the base skills from my parents and the education from NSAC.”

Small class sizes allowed for hands-on training and a form of learning that Josh believes is invaluable. The countless presentations and problem-solving exercises enabled him to learn life skills that he now uses on a daily basis in his career. Known in the Bank for his problem solving skills, he can’t remember how many times he was given a problem and instructed to work backwards until it was solved. Josh is now thankful for the skills he acquired from these exercises.

Aside from the educational experience, Josh still talks about the people and atmosphere of NSAC. He has taken with him the relationships that he was able to build while attending the university. Between the small student population and the wide variety of activities that are available to students, NSAC provides students with an enriching life experience. Josh believes that the unique nature of the university is what makes it such an incredible place to attend.

When Josh is not working hard to stay at the top of his demanding career, you will find him working in the family business, playing hockey in the winter and spending the summer months mountain biking with his wife Jody, also an NSAC graduate. Together they have built and lived in two houses and are now working on their third. Hunting and fishing are also at the top of his leisure list, but sometimes life doesn’t always allow the time for all his favorite activities.

Josh has a few words of advice for current students. “Work hard, play hard. Stay focused, but enjoy the moment.” We can rest assured that Josh’s focused nature will only continue to take him to the top.