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

it places a strong emphasis on people. The program prioritizes teamwork, diversity, and human-centred learning, providing students with opportunities to learn from and grow alongside their peers. The robust coaching culture, which includes career coaching, team support, and executive coaching, adds significant value. Another key strength of the program is the unwavering support from faculty. The program management team not only interviews prospective students but remains engaged throughout the entire journey. Relationships here feel genuine and collaborative, rather than transactional.

A major advantage of the Smith MBA is its location in Kingston, a charming university town with convenient access to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. The city is small yet vibrant, offering a wide range of local activities and distinct beauty throughout each season. The campus is conveniently located near downtown, making everything easily accessible—perfect for international students. It’s incredibly easy to immerse yourself in both nature and culture, from stunning waterfronts to diverse restaurants, ice skating, local arts, and light shows. Kingston offers a unique experience as I embrace my MBA journey.

My advice to future candidates is to apply early and connect with people from your cohort and alumni. These connections can provide invaluable support, even before you start the program, especially if you're relocating to Kingston from afar. And most importantly, be open to the unexpected.

Pursuing my MBA represents the first step in broadening my global opportunities and stepping beyond my current limits. I aspire to work in product innovation and technology—creating impactful solutions that improve everyday life—and ultimately starting my own business. Smith MBA will provide me with the foundational knowledge, skills, and network to get closer to my career goals and personal aspirations.

• Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City
• Country of Origin: Vietnam
• Prior Industry: Technology (function: Product Management)
• Career Focus: Technology/Product Management/Entrepreneurship