Student Success Stories

“I believe that the Graduate Diploma in Business program at Smith was the ideal choice for me to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and business savvy. The program provides graduates with excellent opportunities to develop and thrive in a business setting. It granted me the skills necessary to propel my career forward and broaden the opportunities available to me. It is truly an invaluable program and experience that instills an increased sense of confidence.”

“I was looking to transition into the private sector and with an undergraduate degree in science, I didn’t feel confident applying for jobs in business. While I was searching for a graduate program where I could gain business fundamentals without committing to pursuing a full MBA, I came across the Graduate Diploma in Business. Over the course of the summer, I have gained an integrated business education. As I am looking forward to the future, I feel much more equipped and confident to start a career in business.”

“One of the most impressive things to me was the degree to which they were able to form us into these coherent, integrated, supporting teams so quickly. Smith’s reputation precedes it, but beyond that relative to other similarly reputable schools, the level of service is unmatched.”

“The GDB was an excellent catalyst to achieve my MBA while pursuing my law degree at Queen’s. The program was a wonderful introduction to the high-calibre teaching faculty at Smith School of Business. The instructors work diligently to ensure your comprehension and to help you attain your career goals. Furthermore, the academic and industry diversity of my peers embellished my learning through an exchange of industry insights and unique perspectives.”

“The GDB program served as a platform for me to make a smooth transition from my legal background into the financial industry. Particularly, it equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge of the business field to prepare me for the Master of Finance — Beijing program. The program’s emphasis on team building also had a lifelong impact on me in terms of personal growth. I was impressed with the overall quality of the program, the passionate teaching of the Faculty members and the intellectually stimulating learning environment at Smith.”

“I needed a program that would give me the knowledge and acumen necessary to kick-start my career. Smith's team-based approach to learning not only delivered on content, but made business education a truly unique experience. I feel the GDB has allowed me to fast-track my entry level experience and move quickly into a more specialized role.”

“The Graduate Diploma in Business was the ideal program to enhance my undergraduate degree and provide a leading edge into so many career opportunities. The faculty showed genuine care for their students and were instrumental in ensuring we were prepared for our next professional steps. The best part is that, at such a reputable business school, I have gained practical experience, developed valuable knowledge and skills, and advanced my professional business career in just four months.”

“My undergraduate degree in Drama allowed me to develop a specialized skill set that focused on communication, storytelling, and effectively working in a team. The Graduate Diploma in Business provided me the opportunity to directly apply my background into a business context while also equipping me with the fundamentals needed in my career. This program effectively pairs students' unique undergraduate perspectives with the Smith School of Business experience in order to excel in the recruitment process.”

“Beyond teaching me necessary technical skills, the GDB’s emphasis on character development and team-based learning really increased my confidence in myself and in working with others going into my career. The diverse backgrounds of my classmates and excellent quality of teaching from Smith’s committed instructors made this program a challenging but highly rewarding experience. I am grateful for the network I have joined in attending Smith School of Business and the fantastic opportunities it continues to provide me.”