Working at Triple is giving Briand a deeper understanding of how philanthropy actually works–from identifying funding priorities and finding prospective donors to cultivating relationships and stewarding gifts long after a donation is made.
“I didn’t realize how involved the whole process is,” he said, gaining a new appreciation for the work mom and dad do at TMU.
He sees even more opportunities for AI to help with donor relations and donor stewardship.
Second home at TMU
Briand was excited to start classes at TMU, especially with his parents working nearby.
“When I was younger I went to so many camps here,” he said. “I went to soccer and film camp, and many others. I’m familiar with most of the campus and have vivid memories of Mattamy Athletic Centre. Really good associations.”
He even visited campus during his reading week from Queens this past year to study at the SLC with friends.
“My favourite are the two top floors where you can see and experience downtown Toronto while studying.”
He continues to be impressed by the bustling environment of the downtown Toronto-based NEXT AI accelerator office he works from which hosts numerous startups, especially since he sees a future career as an entrepreneur.
“I’m immersed in the entrepreneurial tech world and I feel like I’m getting a second education just from meeting different tech startup founders and learning about what they do,” he said.
Making meaningful impact
Despite the learning curve, he is excited about the potential outcome of his work at the startup, especially when it comes to boosting the efforts of hospitals and universities.
“The impact is a big part of the draw,” he said. “The better this software works, the less time these organizations spend chasing leads, and the more time they can put toward achieving their mission.”
Another perk: “I get to work across most of the product and help shape what we’re actually building, which is something you don’t really get to do at a larger company.”
