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

I chose the Smith MBA for its academic rigour, the strength of the Smith brand, the team-based learning model and its strong sense of community. Having completed my Economics degree and Graduate Diploma in Business at Queen’s, I experienced firsthand how distinctive the Queen’s community is. Returning for my MBA felt like a natural next step. What informed my decision-making was talking with current students and alumni. Smith stood out for its reputation in leadership development, the strength of its alumni network and access to individualized career coaching, making it the clear choice.

If I could go back one year ago and give myself advice, I would tell myself to approach the MBA without overthinking. Rather than trying to map out every decision, I would focus on taking initiative, saying yes to opportunities and learning through action. The MBA is an intense and fast-paced experience, and some of the most valuable growth comes from staying present, engaging fully with the cohort and allowing the experience to shape you as it unfolds.

A tip for applicants: take the time to truly understand the program's culture beyond the curriculum and explore the breadth of activities Smith offers outside the classroom. Speaking with current students and alumni provides valuable insight into how the school’s values show up in daily life, and how you can meaningfully contribute to the cohort.

Through the MBA, I aim to strengthen my strategic thinking, leadership, and analytical skills. By the end of the program, I hope to further develop my career in financial services and expand my exposure to high-impact, client-facing work.

• Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Prior Industry: Corporate Strategy
• Career Focus: Finance