My first 90 days in the MSc program have been a rollercoaster to say the least. The start of this program was quite overwhelming as it came with many new challenges and adjustments. Initially, my anticipation overpowered my nerves, but this feeling quickly dissipated as I was thrown into my first week of classes. Coming from a science background, I had absolutely no idea about what the world of business had to offer. Some could say this was a disadvantage, but I saw it as an opportunity to integrate my knowledge about science into the business world. As classes continued to take place, it was apparent who had experience in the industry and who didn’t. This was quite daunting as quality contribution was a key component to success. However, despite the large learning curve that took place originally, I was able to navigate my way to where I am today. Which is a long way from where I started.
After learning to adjust to the heavy workload and the Ivey approach, I quickly began to make friends. I would identify this as one of the biggest perks of the MSc program. The program is designed for you to collaborate with as many professors and classmates as possible. By continuously assigning group projects and real-world business problems, the program forces you to learn from your peers in order to produce the most innovative and practical solutions. It is crazy how it has only been 90 days, but the relationships I have developed make it feel like it has been so much longer. Regardless of the stress I have incurred as a result of this experience, I know that I am sharing every moment, both good and bad with the people alongside me.
I would like to note that these relationships are not contained by our virtual classroom walls. The MSc program provides countless occasions to get involved with extracurricular programs and mingle amongst the different cohorts. These clubs and virtual events make the program that much more enjoyable, as they enable us to feel as though we are all one big family.
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I can recognize how many lifelong skills the MSc program has already provided me with. The ability to manage pressure, short timelines, and conflict, the courage to express my ideas openly, think creativity and most importantly, how to work as a team. By instilling these values very early on in the program, Ivey has prepared me with the tools to further my growth throughout my future career. I have already forgotten about all the nerves and apprehension that entered this program with me and I look forward to the continued opportunities and learning experiences to come.