Can’t Get Enough of Ivey
I’m no stranger to the halls of Ivey. After completing my undergraduate degree here in 2022, I couldn’t resist coming back for more. Call it nostalgia, call it ambition or maybe just the irresistible lure of those Ivey/Harvard cases, but I knew the Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Graduates program was my next step. As a first-generation student, my journey to Ivey wasn’t typical, but the lessons I learned here during my undergrad left me hungry for the next level.
The People: Smarter, Funnier, and Still Incredibly Supportive
When I came back to Ivey, I expected a challenging academic experience. What I didn’t expect (again!) was just how amazing the people would be. This place is full of brilliant, supportive, and slightly competitive individuals who make every day feel like a mix of a masterclass and a reality TV show.
Need someone to untangle a tough finance case? They’ve got you. Need a partner to debate whether your recommendation is bold enough? They’re there, armed with facts and just the right amount of sass. The Ivey community isn’t just a network it’s a team that lifts you up while pushing you to grow.
Returning for the MBA: Building on a Strong Foundation
My undergrad at Ivey gave me the foundation to tackle the real world, but it was my professional experiences that made me want more. Running my own construction company and working at JKC Capital, where I managed operations for 33 restaurants and scouted real estate acquisitions, showed me what I was capable of and what I could improve.
The Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Grads program has been about refining those skills. The case method has challenged me to think strategically, anticipate risks, and lead with confidence. It’s like coming back to a familiar place, but with a fresh perspective and a bigger appetite for learning.
Memorable Moments: Growth Through Disagreement and Dinner Debates
One of the highlights of my MBA journey has been the intense yet rewarding group debates. I’ll never forget the time my team and I passionately disagreed over a case recommendation. We argued, we analyzed, and eventually, we landed on a solution that combined all our strengths. It was a classic Ivey moment: collaboration through constructive disagreement.
And then there are the lighter moments like debating pricing strategies over dinner or laughing at case bloopers. It’s these experiences that remind me why I came back: for the growth, the connections, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
Work Hard, Play Harder: The Ivey Way
During my undergrad, Ivey taught me how to hustle. The MBA has taken that lesson up a notch. The workload is intense long nights, tight deadlines, and a never-ending stream of cases. But there’s also room for fun.
Whether it’s a class social, spontaneous karaoke, or just bonding over how we all missed that one key data point in the case, Ivey knows how to keep things balanced. It’s a “work hard, play harder” culture that makes the experience not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.
Coming Full Circle
Returning to Ivey for my MBA through the Accelerated MBA for Ivey HBA Graduates program feels like coming full circle. It’s been a chance to deepen my knowledge, grow as a leader, and reconnect with the community that shaped my journey in the first place.
Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. I came back for more, and Ivey delivered this time with even more coffee and case studies.
