"The connections you make have the potential to open doors you never knew existed."
What brought you to Prince Edward Island?
I moved to PEI almost six years ago now, having left a small town in the area near Ottawa, Ontario. Since then, I have been building my professional life as an engineer with MDS Coating Technology in Slemon Park, PEI. My background is technical, but my interest is in the business side of the aerospace industry. As such, I am a member of the business development team with MDS, where my daily responsibilities involve macro market factor research, the development of pricing models, and project management, but above all, it鈥檚 building relationships with customers across the world.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA in Global Leadership?
I have always had a fascination with decision-making and planning鈥攚hether it was bargaining with my brothers over Monopoly or planning my next move in board games like Risk and chess. Exposure to planning and negotiation probably paved the way for my professional life. After high school, I was fortunate to have a lot of different areas or interests, when deciding which undergraduate degree to pursue, I was thinking of doing business with a major in marketing, but ended up doing the route of aerospace engineering at Carleton University because I was infatuated with astronomy. As my professional life went on, it became more and more apparent that further education in business was the next step to develop my business acumen and soft skills. Additionally, the flexibility the MBA-GL offered for me to complete the program over two years was rather appealing so I could continue to work. I was also drawn to its focus on global leadership, especially in aerospace, where business isn't local, but is across the entire North America, Europe, and Asia. Cultural understanding is the key to having good business relationships worldwide.
What have you enjoyed most about the MBA-GL program?
The most valuable part of the MBA experience has been the relationships that I have established鈥攚ith fellow students, faculty, and administrative personnel. These have been invaluable, professionally and personally. The cohort model of instruction fosters collaboration, and I have discovered that I learn as much or more from my peers as from the faculty.
From a professional development perspective, the program has allowed me to sharpen my formal decision-making process, particularly in such realms as international marketing, writing proposals, project management, and strategic planning. Above all, it has introduced me to new ideas and attitudes that I am now in a position to utilize in my working life immediately. Being in a position to use what I am learning in the classroom to real-world business scenarios has reinforced my confidence in dealing with complex decisions.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities or special projects during your MBA?
Absolutely! In addition, I have also had the privilege of interacting with the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship (CCCE), attending Pitch Battles and Collide programming. These have given me the platform to practice my public speaking and storytelling skills, two of the most valuable competencies in business development.
Apart from that, I have always enjoyed being an entrepreneur鈥攚hether it is leasing out vehicles on PEI, operating Airbnb rentals, or even having a home-based donut service. These entrepreneurial ventures, coupled with my MBA education, have provided me with a more diversified grasp of business strategy and innovation.
I strongly recommend CCCE programming to any entrepreneur who wishes to enhance their entrepreneurial toolkit, and I am excited to compete in the Panther Pitch competition this year!
"From a professional development perspective, the program has allowed me to sharpen my formal decision-making process, particularly in such realms as international marketing, writing proposals, project management, and strategic planning. Above all, it has introduced me to new ideas and attitudes that I am now in a position to utilize in my working life immediately."
What has been your biggest takeaway from the MBA-GL program?
One of the most important things that I have learned is the importance of cultural awareness in today's globalized business world. In aerospace, we have customers and suppliers all over the world, and understanding the cultural differences is important to building effective relationships. The program also boosted my confidence in taking complex business decisions, giving me a broader insight into international markets and the operations of different industries.
What are your plans after graduation?
With the skills that have been acquired through the MBA program, my aim is to take on a more intrapreneurial role within MDS, expanding my business development responsibilities and helping to create sustainable international relationships.
What advice would you give to future students considering the MBA-GL program?
Make the most of the opportunities to network. In retrospect, I did not do as much of this as an undergraduate, and now I see how important it is. The connections you make with your professors, classmates, and guest lecturers have the potential to open doors you never knew existed. Also, do not shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone鈥攑articipate in entrepreneurial programs, pitch events, and extracurricular activities. These give you real-world business savvy that cannot be learned in a classroom.
