Bachelors Degree
Environmental Studies
Pre-MBA employment industry:
Environmental Services
Why did you decide to do an MBA?
I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to broaden my perspective and challenge myself beyond the sustainability and waste space I had been working in. I had built a strong foundation in that area, but I was starting to feel pigeonholed and wanted exposure to different industries, functions, and ways of thinking.
I also wanted to challenge myself academically. My previous work environment was surrounded by people with fairly similar academic backgrounds, so I was excited by the opportunity to learn alongside people from completely different industries and experiences.
Ultimately, I wanted to learn more, meet new people, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. The MBA felt like the right opportunity to build a broader business perspective while having a new experience and genuinely enjoying the journey along the way.
What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?
Honestly, before I came to Ivey, I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. I had a lot of imposter syndrome coming in, especially knowing that many of my classmates had much more traditional business backgrounds.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that I have just as much to contribute to the conversation. Whether we’re discussing finance, accounting, marketing, or strategy, I’ve realized that my perspective and experiences are just as valuable as someone who studied those subjects before. Ivey has given me a lot more confidence in what I bring to the table.
What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?
The case method itself has probably been the biggest surprise. I expected case studies in business-focused subjects, but I didn’t realize how effectively even quantitative subjects like finance and accounting could be taught through cases.
What has surprised me most is how much the case method makes the learning stick. Instead of just learning a concept or formula, you’re constantly applying it to a real situation, making decisions, and defending your thinking. It creates a really engaging atmosphere and has made the learning experience very different from anything I had experienced before.
Ivey in one word or a few words: Please share what your Ivey experience is to you!
Fast-paced, rigorous, and perspective-shifting.
