STUDENT AMBASSADORS

Benjamin Russell

I came to Queen’s MBA Program because ...

After spending 12 years on the Canadian canoe team, I entered 2016 with the mindset that it would be my final year engaged in Olympic sport. At that point in time, I had earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, however I lacked any significant professional work experience. I viewed a MBA as an opportunity to gain the skills and connections I required to pivot from my athletic career into a professional career.

I was already considering an MBA when the Canadian Olympic Committee informed me of an emerging partnership with the Smith School of Business for Olympic athletes interested in a graduate level business degree. When I researched the Queens MBA program, I was attracted to the small class size, the team-based focus, the coaching support, and the target of young professionals who could be looking to make a career change. The program goals aligned with my personal goals, and once I started communicating with the Queen’s MBA staff, I was very impressed with how excited they were to pitch the program and how supportive each staff member was during each stage of the application.

Two months into the program, I have no regrets. The staff is still incredibly supportive, the classes are challenging, and the atmosphere among the students is inclusive. I would recommend this program to anyone with a passion to learn and a willingness to push themselves to their limits.

  • Hometown: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
  • Country of Origin: Canada
  • Prior Industry: Olympic Sport
  • Career Focus: Management Consulting