This time of year is always bittersweet for us. We say goodbye to one class the same week that another one starts its incredible journey through the Ivey MBA Program. Inevitably, our team starts to get a little reflective — we’ve developed relationships with those who are leaving us and are excited about what’s to come for those just starting out.
Having been with the school for over seven years now, candidates often ask me what it is I like the most about Ivey (usually in conjunction with the question “Why should I choose Ivey over X school?”) Though my answer may seem simplistic, it is the simple truth that the people make the Ivey MBA experience what it is. We get to meet so many talented, bright young leaders whose accomplishments (at such young ages, I might add!) truly amaze me. We also get to witness the significant transformation that happens to these people throughout their year here: the initially shy students who come out of their shells through case-method learning and supportive, encouraging classmates; those business undergrads who come to realize how much they really didn’t know before starting this program; and those with the ‘atypical’ backgrounds who were scared of coming into the program with no business knowledge; to see them participating, contributing, and enjoying the learning process. It’s such a rewarding experience for us to witness these students achieve their goals and leave the program more confident, inspired, and ready to lead than when they arrived.
Their development would not be possible without the constant support, encouragement, and guidance of Ivey’s faculty. They are more devoted to student growth and development than any I have heard of or witnessed through any other program. They know every student’s name and always commit whatever time is needed to ensure that each is living up to his or her full potential. Whether it’s staying after class to help those who are struggling, encouraging and supporting contribution, or even just stopping to hang out when they see students in the halls or the cafeteria (or joining them for a drink or two!), Ivey profs genuinely care. The number one priority for these teachers is student success — and that success cannot be achieved within the confines of ‘office hours’ (note: Ivey faculty have an open door policy. No office hours exist here). It takes a special kind of faculty member to be successful at case-method teaching and Ivey’s faculty are world-class at being able to draw the most learning from each individual’s experiences and make it fun in the process. (If you’ve ever fallen asleep in a class before, you definitely haven’t been to an Ivey class!)
And of course, I can’t say enough about the alumni— a true family of people who are fiercely loyal to each other and the school. I’m still constantly amazed by their level of responsiveness when asked to help or support our initiatives, big or small: recruiting events, career recruitment, the Alumni partnership program, as guest speakers, at professional club events, alumni/student dinners, or even just an email exchange, phone call, or coffee meeting with a student. This culture of saying ‘yes’ is ingrained in everyone who comes through the doors of Ivey. It’s a pay-it-forward philosophy that can only be built over 90 years of shared experiences.
I consider myself incredibly lucky to come to work every day and to be surrounded by such a talented and committed group of people. We all truly believe that Ivey delivers the best MBA student experience and, every day, we work hard to make sure it’s the kind of transformational and life-changing experience that we are all so proud of.
So, to the MBA Class of 2015: Welcome. Get ready. You are in for the best year of your life.
(P.S. Don’t forget that you can follow along on the journey with our MBA students via Twitter at @iveymbastudents)