Tia Maini

Where are you from? What high school did you attend?  

I am from Oakville, Ontario. I went to White Oaks Secondary School for Grade 9/10 and Oakville Trafalgar High School for Grade 11/12.

What was your Program of Student for Years 1 and 2?

I completed three years towards Bachelors of Health Sciences.

List your Extra-curricular involvement in the first two years of university.

First Year:

• Advancements in Medicine Society (Director of Events) 
• Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Research (Marketing Outreach Coordinator)
• Pre-Medicine Society

Second Year:

• HOSA (Clinical Nursing Educator)
• Advancements in Medicine Society (VP Events) 
• Canadian Organization for Undergraduate Research (Marketing Outreach Coordinator)

Why did you choose Ivey’s HBA program?

I chose Ivey’s HBA program because it fits the way I learn and the kind of career I want to build. The case-based classroom stood out to me since I learn best by working through real situations, taking a position, and defending it in discussion. It felt like the most practical way to build judgment, confidence, and communication skills. I also liked the 2+2 structure because it gave me the chance to explore health science first and then bring that perspective into business. Being able to combine both areas was important to me, especially with how much business strategy influences healthcare. Overall, the mix of hands-on learning, academic flexibility, and a strong, driven community made Ivey the right fit.

Describe one highlight of your Ivey Experience thus far.

A big highlight of my Ivey experience has been the 48-Hour Report. It was the first time I really felt the intensity of the program. My team had to take a huge amount of information, align quickly, and make a clear recommendation under real time pressure. Everyone had different ideas at the start, but by the end we pulled together a structured, thoughtful analysis that we were proud of. It showed me how fast you can grow when you are pushed to think clearly, communicate well, and trust your team. It was challenging, but it made me feel like I was really in the right place.

What advice do you have for incoming HBA students?

I would tell you to be open-minded and willing to try things outside your comfort zone. The more you participate and think through the cases with your classmates, the more you will get out of the experience. I think it is super important to stay curious, ask a lot of questions, and treat every class like a chance to learn something new. It also helps to build real connections with your section, because the people around you end up shaping just as much of your learning as the cases do.

How has Ivey’s Career Management team set you up for success?

Ivey’s Career Management team has helped me a lot by giving me structure and clarity around recruiting. The resume and cover letter reviews were especially useful because they helped me tighten my bullets, focus on impact, and present my experiences in a way that actually stands out. The mock interviews and behavioral prep sessions made a huge difference too. They pushed me to get comfortable telling my story and answering questions in a clear, confident way. On top of that, the Career Management team helped me map out a recruiting timeline, understand which roles fit my interests, and connect with alumni who were willing to offer guidance. Overall, they made the whole process feel less overwhelming and helped me show up much more prepared.

What kind of support did you find the mcost helpful with the intense curriculum in HBA1?

The most helpful support for me came from my peers. Everyone in HBA1 is going through the same fast-paced workload, so having classmates who are willing to walk through cases, explain concepts, or share how they approached a problem made the experience feel a lot more manageable. It felt like a real support network. I also found it easy to reach out to professors whenever I needed clarity. They were approachable and always willing to take the time to break things down or help me think through a case. Having both supportive peers and accessible faculty made the intensity of the program much easier to navigate.

What has been the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging part for me was adjusting to the more quantitative courses, especially coming from a non-business background. At first, the pace and the amount of new concepts felt overwhelming. What helped me overcome it was breaking things down early, asking questions as soon as I felt stuck, and leaning on classmates who were stronger in those areas. I spent extra time reviewing examples, going to office hours, and working through problems with peers until the material started to feel more intuitive. Over time, those habits built my confidence and helped me stay on top of the course load.

How has Ivey helped you become a leader and make an impact on the world around you?

Ivey has helped me grow as a leader by pushing me to speak up, take positions, and guide discussions even when the answer is not obvious. The case method forced me to think quickly and communicate clearly, which built my confidence. In team projects, I naturally took on roles where I organized our approach, clarified the problem, and made sure everyone was aligned. Ivey taught me that leadership is about creating structure, asking good questions, and helping the team move forward, and I have carried that mindset into the projects I work on outside the classroom.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’m going to be working at Mondelez International as an Associate Brand Manager.