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

I reached a point in my career where I wanted to move beyond delivering care and start shaping the systems behind it.

Being an Emergency Department Registered Nurse was incredibly rewarding. Working in a fast-paced environment showed me how leadership, communication and strategic decision-making affect patient outcomes and team morale. I knew I wanted to step into a program which would challenge me intellectually, push me outside my comfort zone and prepare me to lead with impact. Smith stood out for these reasons.

What appealed to me most about the Smith MBA was the combination of academic rigour, team-based learning personalized coaching and the diverse classroom. Learning alongside classmates with various professional backgrounds broadened my perspective and helped me explore new career pathways. From my earliest interactions with students, alumni and the admissions team, I felt a strong sense of community, which reaffirmed my decision.

If I could give myself advice one year ago, it would be: trust my instincts, lean into discomfort and take risks earlier. Growth does not come from having everything figured out, and Smith rewards initiative, curiosity and self-awareness.

For prospective applicants, my biggest tip is to be clear about why you want an MBA and why now. Take the time to reflect on your story, speak with students, alumni and the admissions team. Approach the process as a two-way conversation.

Through the MBA, I hope to strengthen my leadership capabilities and transition into healthcare consulting or leadership.

• Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
• Country of Origin: India
• Prior Industry: Healthcare (Emergency Nursing)
• Career Focus: Healthcare Leadership/Consulting