MBA graduate co-organized international case competition
It seems there’s no stopping 2012 MBA graduate Tracy Toye. Her CV reads like that of an individual who has reached the midpoint of a successful business career. Except Toye is only 27.
Prior to starting at Concordia, Toye interned as a financial broker at a Montreal company offering pension planning services, and as an accounting consultant for another firm in the city.
After she had obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill (with a major in accounting and minor in finance and international business), she and her sister launched an online company called Angel Lily Baby and Toddler Bows that sells hair accessories for little girls. Toye was initially responsible for the accounting, online marketing, inventory planning, logistics and other key business operations.
She next took a position at the Aldo Group, the international footwear and accessories retailer, where she provided franchise management consulting services to the Asian region.
“I was working with the franchisers on brand management, purchasing and sales strategies, supply chain management, and product performance analysis,” says Toye. “I enjoyed the job very much, but felt that I had reached a professional plateau. I was keen on being able to bring new ideas to work.”
She applied to a number of business schools, ultimately deciding on Concordia’s John Molson School of Business (JMSB). “There seemed to be so many terrific opportunities to get involved in things outside the classroom,” she says.
Toye immersed herself in student life. In 2011, for example, she participated in JMSB’s summer exchange program with the Levin Institute at the State University of New York’s Global Center in New York City.
“What a tremendous experience that was,” she recalls. “Living in New York for a month and getting the opportunity to study business in the world’s financial capital!”
The highlight of her time at Concordia was when she was selected to be one of four organizers of this year’s world-renowned John Molson MBA International Case Competition. Toye was responsible for budgeting, communicating with the 36 participating schools in advance of and during the competition, and coordinating the use of selected business cases.
“Getting involved in the case competition was in my plans from the moment I applied to Concordia,” she says. “In fact, I mentioned my desire to participate in my letter of intent.”
The competition was hugely successful and regarded by many as the best ever.
After receiving her degree at the June 19 convocation, Toye is adjusting to a new workplace. She has begun a job at a digital media company where she will be involved in financial planning, maximizing tax credits, and measuring return on investment.
“I thought I would stay in retail,” she says, “but this seemed like such a wonderful opportunity.”
And Toye is not one to pass on an opportunity.
Related links:
• Read about more 2012 Great Grads in the John Molson School of Business
• John Molson School of Business
• John Molson MBA International Case Competition