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CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBAFALL 2014
Helping students find the MBA program and post-MBA career that is right for them.
CAREER OPTIONS
BUSINESS DOESN’T STAY WITHIN BORDERS ANYMORE. Get international experience
With PROFILES of top Canadian business schools
9 SPECIALIZATION GIVES YOU AN MBA EDGE
17 CAREER TURNING POINT: LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE
22 CONSIDER JOINING A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
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11 Athabasca University, Faculty of Business
25 Bond University
26 Cape Breton University, Shannon School of Business
2 HULT International Business School
15 IE Business School
7 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd.
18 The MBA Tour
21 QS Fairs
20 Thompson Rivers University
10 Trinity Western University
23 University of New Brunswick, Fredericton
8 University of New Brunswick, Saint John
16 Vancouver Island University, Faculty of Management
24 Wilfrid Laurier University
18 Tips to take your
MBA application to the top of the pile
4ARE YOU READY FOR BUSINESS WITHOUT BORDERS?By Marc Cousineau
9UPWARD MOBILITY: Focus on Your Career VerticalBy Sabina Wex
12 CLICK YOUR WAY TO AN MBA: Online Degrees and Work-Life BalanceBy Vanessa King
17CAREER TURNING POINT: Learning a New LanguageBy William Johnson
19ACE YOUR MBA APPLICATION: Tips, Strategies and Practices for Your Best PresentationBy Sarah Whittaker
22SUCCESS BY ASSOCIATION: Why Joining a Professional Association Can Help Your CareerBy Marc Cousineau
12 What “face
time” with your MBA instructor looks like in 2014
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 3
FALL 2014
4 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
Chantel Pauley’s office in Saskatoon is a long way from
Brazil. This isn’t only true of the geographical difference
between the two places, but the cultural distance as well.
Saskatoon conjures up images of snow blowing across
prairie landscape or a river snaking through a bustling city, depending
on whether you’re withstanding winter or enjoying summer.
On the other hand, when someone mentions Brazil, tropical
rainforests and huge metropolises overlooking the ocean come to
mind—at least that’s the picture you get from travel brochures and
Google searches.
Pauley, however, is at home in both places, despite the 9,000
kilometres that separate them. That’s because her quest for a Master
of Business Administration (MBA) took her on a cross-continental
journey from her home and native land of Canada to the classrooms
and boardrooms of Brazil.
Pauley, a graduate of the Schulich School of Business’s International
MBA program at York University, says her semester studying in
Brazil gave her an edge in her job as an industrial account executive
at Imperial Oil.
“With globalization, borders are becoming obsolete to a certain
extent. I think it’s definitely attractive to companies to see someone
who is okay with working cross-culturally,” says Pauley, adding that
this could mean traveling to complete projects or negotiating with
suppliers located half a world away from a desk in Canada.
“Even when I walk into my head office, I see a lot of people from
different countries. It’s about valuing diversity and looking at things
from a variety of different perspectives.”
By Marc Cousineau
ARE YOU READY FOR BUSINESS WITHOUT BORDERS?
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 5
GLOBAL CHALLENGES…
However, there are times where the benefits of
studying abroad for an MBA can be obscured by
unique challenges. In fact, if there was a job posting
for international MBA programs, it might look
something like this:
Our ideal candidate is interested in business, is
bilingual and doesn’t mind moving to a foreign
country without their family and friends, a resi-
dence, or a culture they’re used to.
Pauley was introduced to these challenges as soon
as she stepped onto Brazilian soil for her study term.
“It was difficult at first because I didn’t speak
Portuguese,” says Pauley, who speaks Spanish,
thanks to previous exchanges and work terms in
Mexico, Nicaragua and Ecuador.
“It was challenging to try to speak broken Portu-
guese… but I eventually found a place to live, got
set up and made some friends.”
Navigating the language can often turn into
navigating the politics of group work when traveling
abroad to study for an MBA. Pauley knows
this first-hand. “I remember working with one
group in particular where there were eight people
and every single one of us was from a different
country,” she says.
“You get a lot of different personalities and
ways of doing business… so you have to sit
back and listen and look at the situation,
asking yourself how you can approach the issue
from a different perspective depending
on where others are coming from because of
their cultural backgrounds.”
Pauley isn’t alone in her experiences. More and
more students are choosing to pursue their MBA
in another country, spending as little as a semester
and as much as two years abroad.
Students from the Schulich International MBA
program visited a total of 13 countries in
2014 to complete a work-term semester, up
from 12 the year before, says program director
Alexandra Campbell. The countries range from
close to home (the U.S.) to halfway around the
world (Bangladesh).
Campbell says that there has been increased
interest among students to work and study in
Asian countries.
“They’re the fastest growing economies,” she
says, “and the interest is partly due to the job
opportunities that are available there.”
If it’s a job they’re after, MBA students who go
abroad to complete a work or study term get a
double dose of allure to add to their resumé, says
Campbell. “It gives students an opportunity to get
a degree that is recognized by Canadian compa-
nies, but also gives them an international perspec-
tive, not only on language, but on how business is
actually done in different cultures.”
Potential employers don’t only look at the degree
in your hands, but also the degree of difficulty
in achieving that accomplishment. This is where
studying abroad has its merits.
“Companies… like the idea of someone who can
thrive in challenging environments,” says Pauley.
“They know that you’re not scared to take on new
projects and be in unchartered waters because
you’re comfortable with that sort of situation and
you’ve been in that situation more than once.”
Not everyone’s experience of studying for their
MBA in a foreign land is as positive as Pauley’s,
says Phanindra Deonandan, assistant director
of internship at Schulich. However, a negative
experience abroad doesn’t mean it was a waste,
she says.
“There are some who don’t enjoy their time
abroad… but this can help those students realize
that this isn’t the path they want to go down for
their career, and that’s beneficial too,”
says Deonandan.
…NEED GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
The decision to go abroad to pursue an MBA
is not one to be taken lightly. It takes a lot of
research into the cultural nuances of both school
and business to be successful in another country,
says Pauley.
“Studying abroad gives you that perspective that
you have to do your research if you’re going to
be working with someone from another country,
because you don’t want to accidently offend
them,” she says.
“For example, in many Latin American coun-
tries, if I have a meeting with someone, I’ll ask
them how their day is going or how their family
is. It’s really important to talk about those things,
because if you jump right into business… it’s seen
as rude.”
While it’s crucial to equip yourself with practical
knowledge before traveling for your MBA, it’s
just as essential to invest in some self-reflection,
says Pauley.
“A big thing is knowing yourself,” she says,
“knowing your own cultural biases and being
aware of them. Learn to value diversity… because
when you go abroad, you’re immersed in a culture
that’s not your own. It’s not like traveling, because
“Companies… like
the idea of someone who
can thrive in challenging
environments. They know
that you’re not scared to
take on new projects and
be in unchartered waters.”
6 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
you’re on your own and you have school projects and probably roommates
from other countries.”
There is only so much you can prepare for when you go abroad, says
Deonandan, and some of challenges can come out of nowhere.
“When you arrive in a different country, there are always going to be things
you don’t expect,” says Deonandan. “It could be something as big as finding
accommodation or getting comfortable with a regional dialect, but most
of the time it’s probably cultural practices in the workplace or classroom.
There’s a lot of nuanced behaviour that you might not be aware of before
you arrive in an environment.”
In the end, Pauley says, it is you and you alone who controls how good or
how bad the experience is when traveling abroad to get an MBA.
“You’re responsible for your own experience,” says the Schulich alumna,
“and you have to be a leader in that sense. I did meet a lot of people who
went abroad and didn’t necessarily like the experience and that’s because
you need to be able to step outside of your comfort zone, explore the culture,
eat the food, taste the wine and make new friends.”
The triumphs outweigh the trials of pursuing an MBA abroad, says Pauley,
who recommends it to anyone considering the option.
“Do it, for sure,” she says.
“I’ve found that going outside of Canada can shape the way that you think
about your everyday challenges and how you approach them. I know it’s
scary to step outside of your comfort zone, but I encourage everyone to go
out there and do just that, because that’s where the best things happen and
that’s where you really discover what you’re capable of.” CO
MARC COUSINEAU is the founder and
president of Incline Marketing, a social media
marketing company working with non-profit
organizations and professional associations.
He is a graduate of Carleton University’s
School of Journalism. He currently lives in
Toronto where he dutifully cheers on his
hometown Maple Leafs.
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 7
For more information, please visit:
schulich.yorku.ca/imba, careeroptionsmagazine.com.
Our MBA is an investment in your future, with an intensive program that
blends classroom learning with practical applications and real-world
experience. Our students enjoy small class sizes, a diverse international
student body, accessible faculty and a dedicated staff. All these elements
work together to hone the skills you need to compete and succeed in the
global marketplace. The program is designed to encourage students to
think creatively and develop business ideas that can lead to entrepreneurial
opportunities upon graduation. Students will benefit from the entrepreneurial
mindset and leadership capabilities of our faculty members.
CONCENTRATIONS
Our program offers four streams and two program options. International Business gives you the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of doing
business in other trade regions by pursuing studies in North America,
Europe and Asia. Entrepreneurship and Technology Management includes
an active role in a new venture or an established technology firm. General Management students may compose a broad program of study and
work experience that helps them along their chosen career path. Project Management will prepare you to challenge the PMI examination and gain
either the PMP or CAPM designation. Alternately, you may complete research
within any of the streams with a UNB Saint John faculty member.
WHY UNB SAINT JOHN? UNB ranks among the top four comprehensive universities in Canada,
according to the Maclean’s annual ranking. We offer scholarships of up
to $10,000 for full-time students, an Individual Effectiveness Program
that enriches your leadership potential, as well as a Corporate Mentorship
Program that builds your competitive edge by matching you with an
executive mentor. A low student-to-professor ratio guarantees access
to respected educators and visiting scholars. UNB offers value for your
investment. A compact, comprehensive, cost-effective one-year program
minimizes both your real cost and your opportunity cost.
Types of ProgramsMaster of Business Administration with concentrations in: Project Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology Management, International Business, and General Management.
Length of Program12 to 15 months. The International Business stream requires 15 months due to a study abroad requirement.
Tuition Fees$18,000 for domestic students and $24,500 for international students
Application Fees$100 application fee
Entry Requirements• CGPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.3 scale) or “high B”
standing in an internationally recognized 4-year bachelor degree or equivalent; 3-year honours degree with at least a second class standing will be considered.
• Minimum GMAT of 550. The GMAT may be waived for students with a 3.2 or higher CGPA.
• For international students: TOEFL score of 580 (237 CBT; 93 IBT) and TWE of 4.5; CAEL 60; IELTS 7; or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of relevant post-graduate work experience.
• Personal statement.
• Apply by May 30th to be eligible for bursaries. Bursary details are available at www.mba.unbsj.ca/apply/FinancialAid
Job Acquisition Statistics• 35% employed to graduation• 78% within 6 months• 100% within 12 months• Average salary: $65,000
A D V E RT O R I A L
Offered by the oldest English-language university in Canada, the University of New Brunswick Saint John’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides a world-class education and one of the shortest payback periods in North America for one-year or part-time MBAs.
CONTACTNAME: SARAH CRAIG EMAIL: [email protected]: 506-648-5973 WEBSITE: MBA.UNBSJ.CA
EXPERIENCE THE ONE-YEAR MBA AT UNB SAINT JOHN
Swati Trivedi worked as an oncologist in
India. She always asked her patients
about their days and how they were
feeling. Much of the time, patients
responded with complaints about the bus sched-
ule that took them to the hospital or the chal-
lenges of navigating through various departments
at a tertiary medical centre.
“These are bigger concerns to them than what
the physicians are trying to address,” says Trivedi.
“If somebody can help them with making these
things streamlined, their lives would be signifi-
cantly better, or at least they wouldn’t be worrying
about these smaller things.”
Trivedi decided that she wanted to solve these
sorts of problems outside the clinic setting. She
looked into schools in the U.S. and Canada, and
eventually chose to pursue her Master of Business
Administration (MBA) at the University of Toronto’s
Rotman School of Management with a specializa-
tion in healthcare.
Trivedi graduated from Rotman this past May, and
interned at Johnson & Johnson in the summer
of 2013. From there, Johnson & Johnson hired
her as an associate product manager. She and a
supervisor manage equipment used in cardio-
vascular procedures.
Canadian Business magazine’s list of Canada’s
100 Best Jobs for 2014 ranked “healthcare
manager” as fifth best. With our country’s aging
population, Canadian Business predicts that
the sector’s job market will grow by 15 percent.
Healthcare managers already receive a median
salary of $87,360, which is expected to grow 14
percent over the next five years.
“The industry in Canada is so alive right now.
There’s so much change, and people are talking
about it,” says Trivedi. “Opportunities would have
increased, and they would be more well-defined.
People will be looking for a candidate who has a
passion for healthcare and some business acu-
men to come in and support the transformation.”
Trivedi cited how hospitals are trying to increase
efficiency and improve customer service by working
with each other and cutting wait times.
Almost all the business-related jobs in the top ten
of the Canadian Business Best Jobs list are spe-
cialized, whether in healthcare, human resources
or finance. Specializing in these industry verticals
during their MBA studies gives students an edge.
“Specializations help to anchor the business
fundamentals in a concentration or industry niche,
which allows students to think about their learning
in an applied way,” says Leigh Gauthier, Rotman
acting director, recruitment and admissions for
full-time MBA.
Saad Ahmad took a different approach to his MBA
specialization at Queen’s University. He knew he
wanted to get his MBA and become a Certified
Management Accountant (CMA). Queen’s allowed
him to get the MBA within one year and then take
his CMA online for six months.
UPWARD MOBILITY: FOCUS ON YOUR CAREER VERTICAL
By Sabina Wex
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 9
For more information, please visit:
rotman.utoronto.ca, business.queensu.ca
3 Oil & Gas Drilling Supervisor
$72,800 4 Primary Production Manager
$110,240
5 Health Care Manager
$87,360 6 Human Resources Manager
$81,994
7 Head Nurse & Medical Supervisor
$76,960 8 Social, Community & Correctional Services Manager
$67,600
9 Financial Administrator
$82,992 10 Electrical & Telecommunications Contractor
$72,800
Public Administration Director
$97, 0742Lawyer
$79,9971
Rank Job TitleSalary, Job Outlook
“When you’re done with your CMA, if you’re an
accountant, I can go up in accounting a lot more
because I have that knowledge to audit or to sign
off,” says Ahmad.
While pursuing an MBA certainly will help you
grow horizontally, allowing you to take your
employment opportunities across the world,
tailoring your MBA to a particular specialization
will help you to grow vertically. This, for many
MBA candidates, is essential for advancing
within companies and industries. CO
SABINA WEX is
in her second year
at the University
of King’s College
studying Classics
and Early Modern
Studies. She is
the assistant news
editor for the
Dalhousie Gazette.
The Top 10 Best Jobs in Canada 2014Based on salary and job outlook
Source: canadianbusiness.com
12 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
T hanks to technology, pursuing an MBA doesn’t mean you have
to change cities or hit pause on your career and social life. More
and more universities in Canada have made the move to online
MBA delivery options in order to cater to a growing group of profes-
sionals who want to advance their education without moving or leaving work.
As of now, only a handful of Canadian universities offer fully web-based MBA
programs. Many schools have distance-learning options where some course
work is completed on campus and some online.
From increased flexibility to communication challenges, what are some of
the advantages and drawbacks of trading in notebooks and lecture halls for
keyboards and monitors?
MORE FLEXIBILITY Online MBAs are clearly a more flexible option than traditional programs.
Unlike on-campus courses, students don’t need to move to where their
school of choice is located, or leave jobs to attend class throughout the week.
“A program like an MBA appeals to working professionals,” says Victoria
Martin, the MBA program director at Thompson Rivers University. “They’re
seeking out the online options because they require that flexibility to be able
to advance their education.”
Online MBA programs offer varying levels of flexibility. Some schools, such as
Athabasca University, offer virtual courses without set lecture times. Students
can participate in discussions and group work whenever is most convenient for
them, notes Alain May, director of Athabasca’s Executive MBA program.
Other universities have set lecture times when students must be online to
participate, such as the MBA program at the University of Fredericton. These
live lectures give students a chance to directly interact with professors and
peers, although they have the potential to lead to time zone conflicts, says
Blair Lipsett, an MBA student at the university.
Lipsett is located in Atlantic daylight time, while most of his professors are
located in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
“Thankfully I haven’t had any professors who have had a class that’s too late
for me,” he says. “But if I get a professor who’s in California and wants to run
his class on Pacific time, then I’m staying up until midnight to take advan-
tage of those courses.”
The university is aware of time zone challenges when planning courses, says
David Large, dean of the Sandermoen School of Business at the University
of Fredericton. Online classes normally start at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. EST to avoid
conflicts with students on the East and West coasts.
VIRTUAL INTERACTION What students gain in flexibility, they may lose in terms of face-to-face group
work and collaboration with peers. Many online programs are using new
technology in an attempt to replicate traditional classroom communication.
The University of Guelph, which offers an integrated MBA program with both
on-campus and online coursework, uses video technology that allows more
than 20 students to communicate with each other at once, says Sylvain
Charlebois, the university’s associate dean of research and graduate studies.
“The image is good enough to see someone’s expression, which is really
important when you’re trying to convey a message to people located in differ-
ent places around the world,” he says.
Although the university uses innovative technology to bridge the virtual gap,
Charlebois notes that it will never be quite the same as sitting down face-to-
face to communicate.
“You can’t replace real-time exchanges, but you can always try to enhance
online delivery,” he says.
CLICK YOUR WAY TO AN MBA: ONLINE DEGREES AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE
By Vanessa King
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 13
Enhancements that many universities use include
Skype, Google Docs, email and other virtual collab-
orative tools. Still, communication continues to be
a work in progress for many online MBA programs.
“We’ll never be able to truly emulate the
interactivity that you get in the classroom, but we
do our best to encourage the students to connect
with each other, to work together and to really
build a network,” says Martin.
CASTING WIDER NETWORKS Student networks built through online MBAs are
also different from those forged in traditional pro-
grams. As a result of online programs’ flexibility,
students have the opportunity to connect with
peers involved in different sectors and located internationally.
“Being able to interact with people from all over the world is a big advantage
to online MBAs,” says Jan Reischek, a graduate of the Athabasca University
online MBA program. “I met and collaborated with so many people with
diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
This is a unique opportunity offered to online MBA students, as traditional pro-
grams tend to attract people from similar places and backgrounds, May added.
“If you’re in one particular place, you’ll get a lot of students in a particular industry,”
says May. “[In online programs] you hear a really international perspective
and you get a lot of different industries represented in your courses.”
Along with the opportunity to network with peers, online MBA programs also
stress that students connect with leaders from the business world. Most
programs live-stream speakers and presentations so that distance students
can benefit from the same opportunities as those studying on campus. Many
universities also offer mixers and other events to encourage networking
between students and industry leaders.
REAL-WORLD PREPARATION From live streams of speakers to virtual networking with peers, online pro-
grams encourage students to embrace technology and think differently when
it comes to business, says Martin.
By encouraging the frequent use of web collaboration tools, these online
programs are teaching students how to work in “virtual teams”—a necessary
skill in today’s workplace, she says.
“In the business world these days, you’re not just going to be working with
colleagues who are in the office next to yours,” she says. “You’re often going
to be working with clients, colleagues, partners
who may be located anywhere in the world.”
Students in online MBA programs are also taught
to be comfortable working in “asynchronous envi-
ronments,” added Reischek. “Communicating this
way is incredibly different than traditional class-
room methods, but becoming more common,” she
says. “[Online MBAs are] a great way to learn the
best practices for that type of communication.”
THE FUTURE OF ONLINE MBAS With so many advantages to studying online, it’s
not surprising that more universities are turning
their attention to online MBA programs.
A lot has changed since Athabasca University created its online program in
1994 and had to mail floppy disks to students. More and more “brick and
mortar” programs are joining the university in the online sphere, May says.
This trend will only continue, according to Large. In the United States there
are hundreds of online MBA programs, and many of the country’s top
schools offer online options with the same curriculum, professors and rigor
as their on-campus programs, he says.
The MBA sphere in Canada has already seen a shift online, with most MBA
programs adopting some kind of web-based coursework to complement
in-classroom curricula, he says.
As potential MBA students become busier, universities will find it more
necessary to offer the benefits associated with online programs, Martin says.
“Increasing flexibility and more options to be able to study in a flexible environment
will become more and more desirable, and I think programs will respond in
increasing their options,” she says. After all, that’s what attracted students like
Lipsett and Reischek to online MBA programs—and they have no regrets.
“I’ve had nothing but the best experiences and enjoyed my online MBA
program more than I ever enjoyed my on-campus college and university pro-
grams,” Reischek says. “The flexibility allows you to continue working toward
your career goals and still maintain some work-education-life balance.”
Whether you’re interested in flexibility, international networking or a tech-first
approach, the online MBA offers some major perks to any student considering
furthering their education. CO
VANESSA KING is a recent Carleton
University journalism graduate. She currently
works as a producer at an Ottawa-based
public affairs agency. You can follow her on
Twitter @vanessanking.
“IN ONLINE PROGRAMS YOU HEAR A REALLY
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE AND YOU
GET A LOT OF DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED IN YOUR
COURSES.”
14 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
For more information, please visit: tru.ca/business/
mba.html, business.athabascau.ca/mba, ufred.ca, uoguelph.ca
Canada is a remarkably diverse country. This reality is
apparent in the way our large cities strikingly contrast
with our vast forests and plains. It’s palpable in the micro-
cultures that shape the ideas and laws that govern our
provinces and territories. But no more is this idea of diversity more
evident than in how the people who live here communicate
with each other.
For example, in 2011, Canada’s foreign-born population totaled about
6,775,800 people, or 20 percent of our population—the highest
proportion among G8 nations, according to Statistics Canada. The
more interesting fact is that over 50 percent of them reported being
able to speak in two languages, and nearly 20 percent were proficient
in at least three. What’s more, according to the same survey, over 200
languages are being spoken at home in Canada. That’s a tall number
given that we only have two official languages: French and English.
Many people speak multiple languages to maintain relationships: a
mother tongue to communicate with immigrant relatives at home, and
then English or French with colleagues and clients at work. Others
grow up simply learning two languages in school. Whatever the rea-
son, out of necessity or interest, being able to communicate in mul-
tiple languages is an extremely valuable asset when it comes to your
career. So if you’re currently monolingual, it’s worth asking yourself:
are you missing out on opportunities to broaden your horizons or grow
relationships? Should you consider learning a new language?
Let’s look at the benefits of learning a new language. At the basic level,
it would help you to achieve the following:
• Open up new opportunities to communicate with a greater
number of people;
• Allow you to differentiate yourself from other job candidates with
similar skills and experiences; and
• Improve your memory, decision-making skills and multitasking
skills (according to multiple studies by the University of New
Brunswick, the University of Chicago and Pennsylvania State
University, respectively).
The benefits are clear. But ultimately, pursuing this course of action
must be justified for your current situation. You need to take a stra-
tegic approach, and reflect on how this new competency would mix
with your current cocktail of knowledge, skills and experiences. Not
only that, you need to think about what language is worth acquiring.
One way to go about this is to weigh the value of learning languages
that many people already speak, or the languages that may soon be in
demand. According to the 2011 Census, English, French, Mandarin,
Cantonese, Chinese (unspecified), Arabic and Punjabi are the most
commonly used languages in Canada’s major cities. So here are a few
things to think about:
• What are the different values attributed to different languages?
• What language’s usage is rising the most (in 2011, it was Tagalog)?
• What is the language of your customers or prospective customers?
• Where (what industries and geo-locations) are new market
opportunities emerging?
Let’s say you’ve contemplated those points and decided. You can’t
pretend that learning a new language isn’t a massive undertaking.
It is. However, you can take solace in knowing that Canada’s current
bilingual Governor General, David Johnston, didn’t actually learn
French—essential to his current role—until he was 37, after he moved
to Montreal, according to The Globe and Mail. It’s never too late.
You also need to survey your options for ways you will learn. You
can do this through audiotapes and podcasts; structured language
training courses; living in another city or a foreign country; listening to
international music and watching foreign media; and computer pro-
grams such as Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur, among other ways. Find
what works best for you. Oh, and before you get started on what may
seem for some people like a long, ambitious and challenging journey,
remember that you’ve technically already done this before (you’re
reading this, right?). You can do it again. CO
By William Johnson
WILLIAM JOHNSON is an Ottawa-based
student engagement and communications
professional working at the post-secondary
level. He blogs about productivity, personal
development and digital culture. Follow his
insights at williamjohnson.ca and on Twitter @notionport.
LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE
CAREER TURNING
POINTBy William Johnson
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 17
Every year, thousands of undergraduate students from across
Canada make the decision to pursue a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) degree. It’s no wonder: MBA graduates are
recognized internationally as examples of academic excellence
and professionalism.
Most MBA hopefuls tend to focus on achieving a high Grade Point Average
(GPA) and stellar Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. But
while these factors are important, they do NOT guarantee you a place in an
MBA program! The key to getting accepted into your school of choice is how
successfully you personalize your application package, and differentiate
yourself from other applicants with similar qualifications.
PREPARE FOR THE GMAT The GMAT measures a diverse set of valuable business-related skills. It’s a
challenging test, to be sure, and it is recommended that you prepare at least
six months in advance. Make sure to target a competitive score of 600+ and
study using a variety of textbooks and online resources. Do practice tests
and a diagnostic exam to identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you
can learn from your mistakes and figure out how to focus your improvement
efforts. If you still do not feel prepared, consider enlisting the help of a quali-
fied private tutor who has experience and a high GMAT score.
PLAN FOR DEADLINES When considering an MBA, recognize the advantage of having ample time
for the application process. Although a range of different schools may appeal
to you, weigh the pros and cons to see if each school’s program relates
to your future goals. Once you have finalized a list of around six schools,
customize your resumé, essay or statement of intent, and reference letters to
suit the requirements of the individual institutions.
Ensure your entire application package is consistent and highlights the skills
and assets that make you unique as an applicant.
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES If your GPA and GMAT scores aren’t particularly high, you can still get into
an MBA program. Even though the GPA and GMAT demonstrate the basic
level of required knowledge and skills, admission officers are looking for well-
rounded candidates with real potential to succeed in the business world—for
example, individuals with leadership skills who inspire and bring out the best
in others.
Knowing yourself is an essential part of the application process and your
success in the program. Prepare ahead by brainstorming a strategic and
authentic approach to your application that plays to your strengths. Tell a
consistent and personalized story that solidifies your reasons for seeking an
ACE YOUR MBA APPLICATION: Tips, Strategies and Practices for Your Best Presentation
By Sarah Whittaker
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 19
20 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
MBA. Admissions officers will have a better understanding as to your motiva-
tion for pursuing an MBA, and also gain insight into your character.
ADJUST YOUR RESUMÉ AND SECURE LETTERS OF REFERENCE Complete your resumé by objectively assessing your strengths and weak-
nesses, and take the time to improve any gaps. Highlight full-time experience
that demonstrates responsibility, initiative and management of projects,
budgets or people. Broaden your network by connecting in advance with
individuals who can provide strong letters of reference. Be courteous and
ensure they have ample time to complete the recommendation forms. Your
resumé and reference letters are a chance to highlight skills that go beyond
the classroom.
Applying for an MBA can be a stressful and scary endeavour. Preparing in
advance will give you time to customize your application package and tell
a consistent and personal story. If you work hard to make sure you stand
out in a positive light, your chances of getting into an MBA program will
improve dramatically. CO
SARAH WHITTAKER is a student at
the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of
Management specializing in finance. She
currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
WHAT TO DO WHEN APPLYING FOR AN MBA »
LinkedIn is a great tool for students and new graduates looking to
make connections and start a career in their chosen field, but to be
honest, there’s really nothing like the original LinkedIn: professional
associations.
Professional associations have been hooking up young professionals with
great networking opportunities and jobs way before it was cool to do it online.
Membership in an association comes with all sorts of benefits, especially for
students wanting to jumpstart their careers.
Here are four ways students can get ahead by joining an association:
NETWORKINGJoining an association can offer
you many opportunities to tap
into the business circles of some
of the most successful, well-
connected and well-respected
people in any industry. Confer-
ences, local chapter events and
volunteering on committees are
all great occasions to talk to those
who have years of experience.
Use these events to learn from
them and to start building key
relationships, which could help
when applying to jobs later.
SUCCESS BY ASSOCIATION: WHY JOINING A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION CAN HELP YOUR CAREER
By Marc Cousineau
“Associations give you the chance to pursue your passion and hone your skills in a supportive environment.”
22 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
EDUCATIONMany associations provide their members with the latest news and develop-
ments in their industry. They can also give you the resources to deal with
industry issues and practical advice on how to make the most of the newest
innovations. Associations may provide seminars, newsletters and access
to online articles, giving student members the tools to grow and improve
every day. This is the edge you may need to come out of school with both a
diploma and a job.
MENTORSHIPHarry had Dumbledore, Katniss had Haymitch and Luke had Obi-Wan. If you
want to be the best, you need to learn from the best, and that means having
a mentor. Both industry veterans and hot up-and-comers may be part of
your association. Some might even be eager to help you—the rookie—out by
showing you the ropes and giving you all sorts of nuggets of wisdom that they
have collected through the years. Participating in your association’s events
and initiatives will expose you to these people and give you contacts you can
call on when you need some advice.
RESUMÉ BUILDINGThere aren’t many things in life that make you feel as good as tacking on
another great experience to your resumé. Associations can help you fill that
space under “Volunteer Activities” or “Achievements” pretty fast. Whether
it’s volunteering on a committee, helping to organize an event or writing an
article for the quarterly trade magazine, associations give you the chance to
pursue your passion and hone your skills in a supportive environment. Hav-
ing these experiences will look attractive on your resumé, but they also help
you grow and improve.
Joining your industry’s professional association as a student or when you are
just starting your career is definitely worth the cost of membership and will
help you get a great start to the career of your dreams. CO
MARC COUSINEAU is the founder and
president of Incline Marketing, a social media
marketing company working with non-profit
organizations and professional associations.
He is a graduate of Carleton University’s
School of Journalism. He currently lives in
Toronto where he dutifully cheers on his
hometown Maple Leafs.
24 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
MBA SCHOOL PROFILE
At Laurier we aspire to the highest levels of personal, professional, and academic accomplishment.
You will discover that a Laurier MBA opens many opportunities for you both personally and
professionally. Our students leave with more than an MBA—they are equipped and inspired to make a
significant difference in the world.
Students completing their MBA at our downtown Toronto campus in the heart of the financial district will
benefit from our alternating weekend schedule. It is the best part-time schedule in the city for working
professionals, allowing you to balance your work, studies, and personal life. Students at the Toronto
campus can pursue their general MBA with one of eleven specializations or one of two designations (the
CPA and the CFA®). Students studying at our Waterloo campus will complete their MBA in a part-time
evening schedule, or through the renowned one year full-time format. Strong undergraduates may apply
to the Laurier MBA with co-op option to gain eight months of valuable work experience while pursuing
their MBA.
ENHANCE YOUR GENERAL MBA WITH A SPECIALIZATIONTo gain a level of expertise, students can choose from a wide range of specializations, which include
international business, operations, supply chain management, and more. These specializations are
designed and delivered to suit each candidate’s individual career aspirations. Our faculty members
are leaders and researchers in their areas of specialization, and bring a superior level of expertise and
collaboration into the Laurier MBA classroom.
Students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship will benefit from Laurier’s LaunchPad program,
an experiential learning opportunity for students and alumni to discover, validate, and launch an
innovative new venture.
WHY CHOOSE THE LAURIER MBA?The Laurier MBA’s “Integrated Core” is a superior teaching model that seamlessly incorporates all of the
core fundamental business courses. This methodology gives students a unique classroom experience
through immersive learning vehicles, such as live integrated cases, company-based projects and
simulations. Our goal is to motivate the personal and professional development of all MBA students to
their full potential. The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is an essential competency for
graduates of our program. This development starts on day one for our students. Additionally, students
receive a high level of individual support and assistance from the Laurier Career Centre to develop
strategies to meet lifelong career goals.
Types of ProgramsWaterloo Campus• Oneyearfull-timeMBA•MBAwithco-op• Part-timeeveningsMBA•MBAinEntrepreneurshipToronto Campus (Part-time)• AlternateweekendMBA•MBAwithCPA•MBAwithCFA®TrackOption• AcceleratedMBA• AcceleratedMBAforCMAs
Length of Programs• 12months(full-time)• 20months(MBAwithco-op)• 40months(part-timeMBA)• 48months(MBAwithCPA)
Areas of Specialization• Accounting• Entrepreneurship• FinancialManagement• Innovation&Entrepreneurship• InternationalBusinessManagement• Marketing• OperationsManagement• OrganizationalBehaviour&HumanResourceManagement
• StrategicManagement• SupplyChainManagement• NEW IN 2014: GolfandResortManagementMBAspecialization
Entry RequirementsGeneral Requirements• GPAofB(73%)• GMATof550• Minimumtwoyearsoffull-timework experience
Co-op Requirements• GPAofB+(77%)• GMATof600• Lessthantwoyearsoffull-timework experience
CONTACTRYAN PYEAR, WATERLOO PROGRAMS
[email protected] | 519-884-0710 x3499
MAUREEN FERRARO, TORONTO PROGRAMS
[email protected] | 519-884-0710 x6220
WEBSITE: LAURIERMBA.CA
A D V E RT O R I A L
An Inspired Approach to Business Education
W I L F R I D L A U R I E R
MBA SCHOOL PROFILE
PRIVATE STATUSBond University is a fully independent, privately owned, not-for-profit organisation. This means 100% of tuition fees and other revenue is re-invested into our students’ education.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONSUnleash your potential with access to our relationships with prominent organisations, such as Cisco, Deloitte, Disney, Goldman Sachs, Hilton, IBM, KPMG, Marriott, Microsoft, PwC, and Virgin Group.
EXCLUSIVE LOCATIONWe are situated in Gold Coast, Australia, arguably one of the most beautiful locations in the world, offering seemingly endless beaches, a wealth of dining and entertainment opportunities, and over 300 days of sunshine a year.
ELITE COHORTSThe average Bond MBA student is 31 years of age with nine years’ professional experience. With a near 50/50 gender split, and over 20 nationalities represented from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we have one of the most elite and diverse MBA cohorts in the world.
DEDICATED FACILITIESStudents have complete access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities, including our Macquarie Trading Room, featuring streamed market information from our 24 Bloomberg data terminals, used to simulate real-world trading environments.
PROGRAM FLEXIBILITYStudying and working simultaneously can be challenging. Students can choose to complete their MBA in 12 months full-time, or take advantage of our flexible options, including part-time enrolment, selected evening classes, and intensive Friday-Saturday-Sunday subjects.
MBA ORIENTATIONOur MBA program starts with an exclusive three-day O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, designed to build a cohesive cohort that understands each other’s strengths, challenges, and differences.
INTIMATE SCALEMost importantly, our intimate scale of less than 5,000 students and one of the lowest student-staff ratios in the world delivers unparalleled access to facilities, networking opportunities, industry connections, international experiences, and a truly personalised education with professors who know you by name.
* 2013 Financial Review MBA BOSS Rankings
Duration1yearfull-time(3semesters)
IntakesJanuary,May,September
Entry Requirements• Qualityundergraduatedegreefromarecognisedinstitution
• Curriculumvitaedocumentingaminimumthreeyears’professionalexperience
• Coverletterdetailingyourcareergoals,futureambitionsandexperience
• Twoprofessionalreferences• InterviewwiththeMBAProgramDirector
Program StructureStudentsmustcompletethefollowingsubjects:• MBAOrientation• AccountingPrinciples• StatisticalMethodsforBusiness•ManagingPeople•MarketingManagement•ManagerialFinance•ManagerialEconomics•ManagementAccountingandStrategy• InternationalBusiness• Entrepreneurship&Innovation• BusinessStrategyPlustwofreechoicepostgraduatebusinesselectives.
MBA SpecialisationsByundertakinganadditionalsemesterofstudy,youcangraduatewithanMBAspecialisation:•MBA(Finance)•MBA(Marketing)
Career OutcomesGraduateshavehighlydevelopedplanning,analytical,andinterpersonalskillsthatenhancetheirabilitytosuccessfullymanageinaglobalbusinessenvironment.AccordingtoForbes (2014),MBAgraduatesalariesareatleast50%higherthanthosewithoutanMBA.
Tuition Fees$49,104AUD
CONTACTEMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: +61 7 5595 1024
WEBSITE: WWW.BOND.EDU.AU/MBA
A D V E RT O R I A L
Bond MBA: The One By One Difference
B O N D U N I V E R S I T Y
CAREER OPTIONS MBA FALL 2014 25
MBA SCHOOL PROFILE
26 FALL 2014 CAREEROPTIONSMAGAZINE.COM/MBA
MBA SCHOOL PROFILE
Offered by the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University (CBU), a public institution established in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1974, the MBA in Community Economic Development (CED) program provides options for students starting their career or professionals advancing their career.
Global competition and technological change are driving today’s economy and organizations realize that they require leaders who understand the dynamics and complexities of growth, innovation, and community. This is what drives the demand for multidisciplinary MBA programs. A combination of business, leadership, and development fundamentals, the MBA in CED prepares students for transformative careers in business, government, or community organizations.
CBU’s MBA in CED is a flexible option regardless of your location. You can earn your MBA over 12-15 months as a full-time student on campus, or as part of a 26-month program that requires three July residencies, or as part of a 26-month program that takes place on alternate weekends in five Canadian cities.
SPECIALIZATIONSThe MBA in CED consists of 13 core courses, 2 elective courses, and an Applied Research Project (ARP). One can earn an Option when one completes the 2 electives and the Applied Research Project in the same area. Options include: International Business, Strategic Leadership, Tourism, Marketing, Public Policy, Sustainability, First Nations, and Peace-building.
WHY CBUThe Canadian Business magazine observed that students who pursue the program on campus “can’t help but fall in love with Cape Breton’s friendly vibe and breathtaking scenery.”
CBU supports students in their learning, with small classes, committed faculty, writing centre services, student placement services, and hands-on research projects.
With more than 1,000 international students on campus, CBU’s MBA students find themselves in a rich multicultural immersion environment that helps improve cross-cultural, interpersonal skills.
“Working in administration and stakeholder engagement, CBU’s MBA helped further develop my business and management skills and broaden my professional opportunities,” said Amanda Tarr, Community Resources Advisor, Innovacorp. “I really enjoyed my classes as the diverse backgrounds of my fellow students enhanced classroom discussions and the overall learning experience.”
Types of ProgramsMBAinCommunityEconomicDevelopmentwithOptionsin:InternationalBusiness,StrategicLeadership,Tourism,Marketing,PublicPolicy,Sustainability,FirstNations,andPeace-building
Length of Program• Full-timeprogram:12-15months• Part-timeweekendprograminselectCanadiancities:24-26months
• Part-timeJulyshort-residencyprogram:26months
Tuition FeesCanadian students• Full-timeprogram:CAD$21,771• Part-timeweekendprogram:CAD$32,650-38,800,dependingonlocation
• Part-timeJulyshort-residencyprogram:CAD$21,771
International students• Full-timeprogram:CAD$32,155
Entry Requirements• Threestartdatesperyear(January,July,September)
• Opentograduatesfromanydegreeprogram
• B+standinginarecognized4-yearbachelordegree
•MinimumGMATscoreof500,withbalancedverbalandquantitativescores;theGMATmaybewaivedforstudentswhocompletedtheirpost-secondarystudiesinaCanadianuniversity,andearnedaB+averageinqualitativeandquantitativecoursesorhavemanagerialexperience
•Workexperiencepreferred,butnotrequired
• International students:TOEFLscoreof550(213CBT,80IBT);IELTS6.5;orequivalent
Application fee:$88.ApplybeforeMarch31forJulyorSeptemberadmission.ApplybeforeOctober31for Januaryadmission.
CONTACTEMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: +1 902 563 1664
WEBSITE: WWW.CBU.CA/MBA
A D V E RT O R I A L
An MBA for Leaders in a Changing World
S H A N N O N S C H O O L O F B U S I N E S S AT C A P E B R E T O N U N I V E R S I T Y
![MBA 406 Syllabus Fall 2011[1]](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/54e7e0214a7959a46e8b48b9/mba-406-syllabus-fall-20111.jpg)
