Foundations in the Classroom: My First Term at Ivey
When I first started the MSc program at Ivey, I didn’t fully know what to expect. Like many incoming students, I had done my research. I had spoken to alumni, read about the case method, and tried to imagine what life would look like in the fast-paced environment of the Ivey classroom. Still, nothing quite prepared me for how quickly and how thoroughly the program would challenge me from day one.
Those initial weeks were intense. My routine shifted immediately, filled with early morning classes, weekly learning team meetings, and engaging case discussions. The pace was demanding and the learning curve steep, but rather than feeling out of place, I saw it as an opportunity to stretch beyond familiar ways of thinking. It required quick decision-making, confident communication, and the ability to contribute thoughtfully in fast-paced conversations. Each day challenged me to refine how I listened, responded, and collaborated, and it was in those moments that real growth began.
Without noticing at first, something important began to change: I started thinking differently. The daily discussions didn’t just teach me business concepts; they gradually reshaped how I approached problems. I learned to listen carefully before responding, consider multiple viewpoints simultaneously, and become comfortable with uncertainty. I began to appreciate the value of collaboration, not just dividing tasks, but genuinely synthesizing diverse perspectives into something meaningful. The change was subtle, yet undeniably powerful.
Just as the first term wrapped up, we had the Ivey Get Connected networking event, and for me, that's when everything clicked. We got the chance to meet Ivey alumni who had sat in our exact seats and were now doing incredible things in their industries. They were so open, and we had these amazing conversations about their own journeys, the successes and the setbacks.
Hearing their stories made all our hard work feel grounded and purposeful. For the first time, we had a clear picture of the paths we could take, and it was a powerful reminder that Ivey is so much more than its curriculum; it's about the connections you build along the way.
Putting It to the Test: The Ivey Global Lab (IGL) in Thailand
Then came summer and my journey to Thailand for the Ivey Global Lab. As I stepped off the plane in Bangkok, excitement mixed with nerves. Suddenly, all the case discussions were about to be tested in an unfamiliar and real-world scenario. This was my chance to put theory into action, not within the familiar comfort of a classroom, but with real clients, real expectations, and the complexities of an entirely different cultural setting.
Quickly, I encountered moments that required immediate adaptation. During our early meetings with clients, plans often shifted. Goals we thought were clearly defined would evolve, or a stakeholder would offer new perspectives that altered our direction. These shifts could have felt daunting, but something became clear: I was prepared for this level of uncertainty far more than I had anticipated.
In those moments, I instinctively drew from the mindset developed back at Ivey. It wasn’t just frameworks and theories, though they were certainly helpful. It was the deeper skills Ivey had quietly cultivated: flexibility in the face of ambiguity, thoughtful communication under pressure, and the ability to remain calm and collected even when plans changed abruptly. There were moments when things didn’t unfold as expected. Certain ideas required rethinking, timelines shifted, and client expectations evolved. But rather than losing momentum, we adapted with clarity and focus. We stepped back, took the feedback, refined our approach, and moved forward with a clearer sense of direction. It was a practical reminder that in real-world projects, things rarely follow a perfect plan. What matters most is the ability to remain flexible, respond thoughtfully, and stay focused on delivering value, something the Ivey experience had been preparing us for all along.
Beyond the project itself, the IGL experience offered moments that extended well beyond the scope of work. Travelling within Thailand, including visits to places like Phuket, added a different dimension to the journey.
Being immersed in a new culture, both during the workweek and while exploring different parts of the country, developed my awareness of how environments shape perspectives. These experiences deepened my understanding of adaptability and presence, not just in professional settings but in how I engaged with people and places that were unfamiliar. It was a reminder that growth often happens in between the structured moments, through quiet observations and unexpected interactions that leave a lasting impact.
Looking Back: Growth That Didn’t Happen All at Once
Reflecting on my journey so far, I’ve come to recognize that the most profound growth at Ivey isn’t neatly captured by grades, assignment submissions, or class participation scores. Instead, it’s reflected in how confidently and effectively we navigate challenges outside of familiar contexts. Ivey teaches something subtle yet incredibly powerful: how to become comfortable with discomfort. It’s in this discomfort, this ambiguity, that real professional growth and leadership emerge.
For those currently starting their own Ivey journey, or perhaps considering it, here’s my key takeaway: Trust that you’re growing, even if it doesn’t always feel obvious in the moment. Each challenging class discussion, each late-night learning team session, and each moment of uncertainty is quietly equipping you for what lies beyond the classroom. Embrace the intensity rather than fearing it, because that’s precisely what builds your resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence.
Above all, Ivey prepares you to become a thoughtful, adaptive, and composed professional, someone who can thrive in diverse and demanding environments. You might not see your growth day to day, but when the moment arrives, you’ll surprise yourself with how naturally you step into it!