I came to the Full-time MBA at Smith School of Business because ...

it is centred around team-based learning. It has helped me improve my skills while working in groups, which is highly applicable to working in teams in the workplace. Since students must be present in Kingston for the classes, it allowed the classmates to build more meaningful relationships. I also preferred that Smith offers a one-year MBA program rather than the two-year programs at competitor schools; Smith has a stronger opportunity cost because of this variable.

I wish I had applied to the MBA program sooner. Two years ago, I had the choice to go back to university for my MBA, but I pushed it off in order to continue working. After only a few weeks into the program, I have already built meaningful relationships with other high-performing indivudals in similar industries to my own that will last a lifetime.

My best tip is to be yourself. Try to understand your strengths and weaknesses deeply and transparently. Once you get into the program, it is important to recognize where you want to improve as an individual and spend time doing so, in order to become as well-rounded as you aspire to be.

My intention in the program is to improve my discipline, time management and organization. Thus, when I move back into the working world, I will have a better routine in order to find a better work-life balance overall.

• Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Prior Industry: Financial Services (TD & CIBC)
• Career Focus: Finance/Consulting