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

I knew it would adequately prepare me for the career change I wanted to make. As someone with a background in research and the medical sciences, pivoting directly into a career in consulting in a completely different industry is not easy. I knew that Smith would not only teach me the necessary skills to enter the business industry but also provide me with a supportive network to help facilitate this transition. Additionally, I realized that the Smith MBA program would give me the confidence to apply the skills I had already developed in new roles that I had not considered before.

The main advice I would have given myself a year ago is not to be afraid of the application process! Regardless of your background, if you aspire to pursue an MBA for personal or professional development, there are faculty members, alumni, and peers who will support you in achieving these goals.

One of the best tips I can offer to current applicants is to ask as many questions as possible! The application advisors are incredibly helpful and can answer most of your questions—or, if they can’t, they will connect you with someone who can. Beyond that, I think it’s important to remember your background and strengths. It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s goals and stories, but don’t let that overshadow who you are and what you have accomplished.

I hope that my MBA experience provides me with the tools I need to effectively integrate into the business world and, specifically, secure a role in management consulting.

• Hometown: Ottawa
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Prior Industry: Government + Regulatory Affairs
• Career Focus: Consulting