I completed my undergrad at McGill with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and a minor in Marketing in 2016. Over the course of my degree, I fell in love with marketing and decided to pursue that discipline in my professional career.
Since then, I gained valuable marketing experience in various industries such as aviation, retail and fintech. However, at a certain point, I felt that I was reaching a crossroads in my career and began looking into how to accelerate my professional growth and development.
It had always been a goal of mine to enhance and broaden my business skills, and expand my professional network. This desire motivated me to return to school, specifically to pursue an MBA. After researching, attending MBA fair events, and having coffee chats with recruiters, I decided to apply to the John Molson School of Business. This decision was about more than just getting a graduate degree; I saw pursuing an MBA as an investment in my professional and personal growth.
Tell us about your MBA journey
When I began my first semester as a part-time MBA student, something unexpected happened – I got a job as a Marketing Manager at a fintech company. But only a few months later, things took a turn when the company got bought out by a big tech firm – and I lost my job. It was a tough blow.
However, I used this setback as an opportunity to invest more in myself. I went all-in and went full-time into the MBA. The program was accommodating for me to quickly make that change from part-time to full-time studies. MBA classes are offered both in the daytime and the evening, but I chose evening classes because I wanted to connect with working professionals who tend to take classes in the evening after work. This was important to me, as I didn't want to miss out on those valuable networking opportunities among my classmates.
Focusing more deeply on my MBA gave me the chance to pause and think about where I wanted my career to take me. I wanted to make sure that my next job opportunity aligned with my aspirations. This moment of reflection and introspection while devoting myself to the MBA also allowed me to broaden my horizons beyond just marketing; the MBA helped me learn about other important business areas. Overall, the program provided me with a mental recharge that helped me grow personally and professionally.
Why did you choose John Molson School of Business?
I applied to the John Molson School of Business because of its reputation, location, emphasis on networking, and strong alumni network. Given my intention to pursue a professional career in Montreal, it made sense to opt for the John Molson MBA program. This decision allowed me to attend a local business school and establish valuable connections with professionals actively working in the city. I was keen on establishing meaningful connections with my classmates, forging personal relationships, and being an integral part of a closely-knit community. I had a strong sense that joining John Molson School of Business would align with these aspirations. The program met my aspirations and expectations, equipping me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in my professional journey.
Getting my dream job at Shopify
A few months after graduating from the MBA, I landed my dream job at Shopify. The hiring process at Shopify was a rigorous test of my determination, but it also confirmed my desire to work in the tech industry and be at the forefront of the latest marketing best practices. For me, this opportunity represents not just a job, but the realization of a long-time goal. The MBA program helped me gain the confidence to evaluate my true aspirations and actively pursue career opportunities with companies that resonated with my goals.
What is your advice for future MBA students?
- Be In Charge of your Life: In the John Molson MBA program, just like in life, you need to work hard for everything. The MBA journey is not just about academics; it's an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Take the time to think about and be proactive in setting your goals, to build the path that YOU want. Understand that the MBA is just a tool, and how you wield it is up to you. With determination and a clear vision, you can shape your own path in business and life.
- Define Your Goals: Before applying, be clear about why you want to pursue an MBA. It takes a significant investment of time and headspace (especially if you are juggling studies with a full-time job). I’ve definitely felt overwhelmed trying to balance wanting to do well in school, maintaining a social life, pursuing my hobbies, eating healthy, working out regularly, and the list goes on - ALL at the same time! Understanding your goals is key to maintaining your focus and motivation, and this will help you prioritize and make the most out of the program.
- Build Relationships in Class: While professors often advocate for diverse groupings in team projects, seek out classmates with whom you share a connection and a similar work ethic. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and consider collaborating with peers whose skills complement yours. For example, in my projects, I often took charge of the marketing and project management areas while relying on my team members who were experts in other fields to contribute their knowledge (e.g. finance, accounting, data analytics etc.). This allowed me to quickly learn how they approached topics in their respective disciplines and gain insight into their way of thinking, which is similar to a workplace environment collaborating with individual contributors. Your group mates will also become part of your support system, helping you tackle exams and group work more effectively.
- Seek Mentorship: Find mentors among your professors, alumni, or industry professionals. Their guidance and insights can be invaluable as you navigate your MBA journey and plan your career. However, it's important to take a mindful approach. Instead of directly asking someone to be your mentor, start by building genuine connections with people whose experiences and insights resonate with you and are relevant to your own experience. Over time, some of these connections may naturally evolve into mentorship relationships.
- Rejection is Redirection: Rejection can be a blessing in disguise and a form of redirection, guiding us toward better opportunities and personal growthIf you get rejected from an educational program or job, do not get discouraged. Success doesn't typically come easily; it's more like a journey with its ups and downs, just like life in general. But it's precisely in facing and overcoming these challenges that we become stronger and more resilient.