Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
“When you become aware of an impending change, be curious and open to innovation. Of course, there is always uncertainty with transitions. There may even be cause for concern if people seem unaware that change taking place. But once individuals become aware, they generally move to understanding by asking questions and integrating fresh information”.
-Lisa Colangelo, MBA Leadership (Class of 2022)-
Lisa Colangelo, Dalhousie MBA (L)
Class of 2022
Read Lisa’s full article here
Dalhousie University and, in particular, the Centre for Executives and Graduate Education (CEGE) offers students the required lessons, the deeper learning to thrive within the competitive world of business. More importantly, CEGE creates an inclusive environment that fosters critical thinking about engaging within a world that offers many opportunities and possibilities.
-Denise Hinds, MBA(L), Class of 2020 & Patrick Law, MBA(L), Class of 2022; 2018 Glo-Bus Grand Champion-
Denise Hinds, MBA(L), Class of 2020 Photo Provided
Patrick Law, MBA(L), Class of 2022 Photo Provided
Read Denise and Patrick’s full article here
“I evolved over those four years into a better leader, a better co-worker, a better mom and wife, and a more well-rounded person than I would have thought possible”.
–Heather Fraser, MBA(L), Class of 2022 –
Heather Fraser, MBA (L) – Class of 2022
Photo provided
Heather Fraser is currently the Director of Enterprise Application Services at Dalhousie University. Having balanced a full-time job, a busy family life, and her part-time studies, Heather is thankful for realizing her full potential and graduating from the MBA, Leadership program.
CEGE Connection recently reached out to Heather and asked about her experience with the MBA program. Heather talks about a higher state of learning that goes far beyond what is taught in textbooks.
Heather Fraser
Working in higher education (Dalhousie University currently, and Saint Mary’s University prior to this), I am in the privileged position of being surrounded by education, research, and great people doing amazing things every day. It is inspiring and humbling at the same time. So, when I joined Dalhousie as an employee in early 2017 it didn’t take long for inspiration to be matched by motivation and I started to research options for pursuing a graduate level degree. The MBA-Leadership program couldn’t have been a better choice for me, where it offered the flexibility of online and in-person learning, the opportunity to collaborate with great minds across the country, and a gathering of some of the best faculty I’ve ever worked with, right here in our Rowe School of Business.
When I started the program in the summer term of 2018, I was equally excited and apprehensive. Excited at the opportunity to be a student again, to achieve great things, and to meet new people who share my interests and thirst for learning. Apprehensive because, like many of my peers in this program, I have a full-time job, a busy family life with 3 children (at the time all spanning elementary and junior high), and a lot of interests outside of these. I had many assumptions of what graduate school would be like, most of them (wrongly) based on my experience as an undergraduate student twenty years prior. I assumed I would be reading textbooks, memorizing concepts, and regurgitating that information back in the form of assignments and exams. But while there was some of that, from a fundamental teaching and learning perspective, what I learned through my MBA went far beyond the basics.
I learned very quickly the value of time management, and how I could set myself up for success by prioritizing and planning the components of my life based on what was most important that week, or sometimes that day. I learned how to leverage the partnerships in my life for mutual benefit – my husband, my children, my co-workers, my fellow students, my friends. I learned that I really can’t do it all, at least not at the same time, and how there is strength in recognizing that and an important humility that comes along with it. I learned how I learn best, based on my own abilities and strengths, instead of the prescribed formula and process that is drilled into you as an 18-year-old first year undergrad student. I learned to celebrate my own wins, and that being proud of myself is an addictive form of motivation that I was compelled to pursue. And through all of this, I learned that there is far more to learn in an MBA program than what you read in a textbook. Of course, I gained practical and theoretical knowledge in leadership, accounting, finance, business, economics and more. But to me, those courses were the vehicle by which I drove myself forward in a higher state of learning.
I am a different person than I was when I started in 2018. I evolved over those four years into a better leader, a better co-worker, a better mom and wife, and a more well-rounded person than I would have thought possible. And that self-improvement was not gained through textbooks, but rather the fundamental driving force of wanting to improve my outlook, knowledge and skills.
When I graduated in November 2022, I was very proud to walk across the stage cheered on by my fellow graduating students as well as valued co-workers from Dal.
Heather Fraser (Dal stage – Nov.2022).
Photo provided
Being a Dalhousie alumni and current employee is an honor and a privilege, and I’m thankful that while my studies have concluded I still have the pleasure of stepping onto the Dalhousie campus every day.
Heather Fraser (Dal Campus sign)
Photo provided
Republished from Faculty of Management, RSB, June2022, News&Events
In 2016, Patrick Law was a chemical engineer working in the oil and gas sector in Alberta, specializing in process team leadership for projects with Cenovus Energy, Devon Energy and the Athabasca Oil Corporation. Yet despite his hard work and success in this field over 13 years, focusing mostly on water treatment, one day he found himself looking out the window of his Calgary office at the other tall buildings and wondering whether there were any steps he could take to further his career while also making more time for his three children. An MBA might make the difference.
As he was contemplating different program options, Patrick acquired an A-class motorhome and took his family on a trip across Canada, from Vancouver to Newfoundland, and then down through the United States. After six or seven months on the road, he decided to settle down in Prince Edward Island. He’d also settled on an MBA program, choosing Dalhousie for its international reputation and the fact that the online courses meant that he had the flexibility to continue to travel.
Patrick says he most enjoyed the assignments in his International Business courses, as well as the Advanced Corporate Finance taught by Rick Nason. “All of these courses helped in my career, or rather destroyed my career, because I realized there are so many more options out there than the small world I was in,” he says. Starting the program in 2018, Patrick took a course each semester and ultimately focused on finance and leadership. During the early part of the pandemic, he and his family lived for a time in southern Spain, where he particularly appreciated the ability to learn from anywhere.
Patrick also enjoyed learning with a cohort, especially the different levels of experience that were represented. “I rubbed shoulders with people that were in the upper echelon of business, and those who were not. And that balance was golden. It broke down that class structure that you usually see in business,” he says.
Now that he’s graduated from the program, Patrick is contemplating his next move, likely into entrepreneurship. He already pays the bills through his investments. In the meantime, he has a few pieces of advice for those who would choose his pathway. Among them is leaning into the experience. “Don’t be shy in telling your professors of the valid and on-topic experiences you have had in business that either ratify or contradict prevailing business teachings,” says Patrick.
He also suggests seeking out interactions with classmates outside your industry to stretch your mind even further. “Respectfully compare experiential similarities and differences. Cross-pollination of ideas is equal to innovation in this grad school program,” he adds. “Keeping up with the readings, engaging intellectually with professors, being creative and getting to know your professors through office hours and other avenues are also important.”
Recently joining the Dalhousie Alumni Community, Britney Sears shares how building strong relationships with peers from the Blended Online MBA program helped her stay motivated.
Britney graduated with new perspectives and valuable insights based on her time in the program and a diverse group of classmates.
Britney Sears, MBA(L) Class of 2022
Britney Sears
Pursuing an MBA was not something I had previously considered doing. However, when I learned the Blended Online MBA was tailored to working professionals with courses being delivered mostly online, with an in-person intensive component, I realized an MBA was within my reach.
Even in a blended environment, it wasn’t always easy finding the balance between family, friends, work, school, and volunteering. During the three years of courses, time management and prioritization were key, however, what really proved to be invaluable were the WhatsApp group chats. In the chats, we motivated one another, reminded one another of deliverables and dates, and learning extended beyond the textbook to a large working group where we discussed ideas, challenges, and brainstormed resolutions. Through these chats, as well as through the in-person components, I was able to build strong relationships with classmates who are located nationally and internationally. I also have the pleasure of being a part of a diverse MBA student and graduate community, who are championing the Blended Online MBA learnings and principles around the world.
The variation of students enrolled in the Blended Online MBA have truly led to an amazing learning experience. The program incorporated varying views and experiences from students of different backgrounds, industries, levels, and types of positions, which challenged and grew students’ perspectives. Critical thinking and being open to differing perspectives are vital to collaborative working relationships. There were many times when my perspective changed based on valuable insights brought forward by classmates. In changing my way of thinking, this has allowed me to grow into a more inclusive and open-minded leader.
Republished from CEGE Connection Blog | December 7, 2021
“The Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey”.
Judith Chambers, MBA(L), Class of 2022
Judith Chambers, MBA(L), Class of 2022
Photo Provided
Judith Chambers’ MBA journey begin five years ago, and she’s looking forward to graduating in 2022. The intensive sessions and connections made, remain a highlight for the program, and continue to serve as a motivational driver for many participants.
Both MBA students and Alumni alike will agree that the Faculty and Staff of the CEGE program are the best around. Judith highlights a handful of Professors that have left an impression by way of inspiring.
Judith Chambers
In my final few courses of the MBA Leadership program and I could not be prouder of this accomplishment. I started on this journey in the winter of 2016 and expect to graduate in the spring of 2022. When I decided to pursue a Master’s degree, I considered several other Universities, however it was the blended program delivery and the flexibility at Dalhousie that was the deciding factor. A key part of my decision-making process was the work life balance.
From the very first interaction with CEGE’s Sarah Hayes and Michelle Hunter I felt welcome and inspired. The ability to connect with others in the program and make new and lasting friendships was an added benefit. The on-campus intensives were by far my favorite part of the program. It has been these connections that provided ongoing motivation and support to get through some of those more difficult courses.
The Professors in each course were highly interactive and accessible. I was fortunate to take a couple of courses with Professor Jim Barker and Professor Heidi Weigand who challenged me to think outside the box and helped to develop my leadership style and management skills. In my current course Leading in Complexity with Professor Rick Nason and yes, the same Dr. Nason who teaches Corporate Finance, the course has so far been unique, inspiring and fun.
As a lifelong learner the Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey. This experience has helped me develop and grow both personally and professionally and I cannot wait to graduate and be part of the amazing alumni at Dalhousie.
Ceremonies for the Faculties of Management, Science, and Graduate Studies took place at the Dalhousie Arts Centre on November 2nd, 2022.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the graduate students from the Fall 2022 Convocation in the MBA Financial Services, MBA Leadership, MPA(Management), and Information Management (MIM) programs as they join the Dalhousie/CEGE Alumni community as the class of 2022!
Dal ceremony stage captured (Spring’22 Convocation)
“I think there is no replacement for that in-person collaboration. I really feel it was instrumental in my learning process”.
Katie Moran, MPA(M), Class of 2022
Republished from Faculty of Management, News & Events
When Katie Moran began to research masters’ programs, she was interested in finding one that would allow her to keep working full-time, and that combined online learning with face-to-face opportunities. “I attended an information session and what really drew me to Dalhousie was the blended online delivery, because I find online training pretty dull. To me, the real learning happens when you’re able to engage with others and collaborate,” says Katie.
Choosing the Master of Public Administration (Management) helped her move up several levels in the federal public service: when she started the program in 2017, she was a supervisor at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Today she’s Funding Manager for the Terrestrial Cumulative Effects Initiative (TCEI), an interdepartmental initiative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The TCEI is an accommodation measure for the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project, which funds Indigenous-led projects that study the cumulative effects of natural resource development. Katie is a key lead on the design, implementation and delivery of project funding.
Even though she was already in middle management when she started the program (and an employee of the federal government since 2005), Katie says that the MPA helped her increase her knowledge about management within the public service. “If you want to be in management, or even on the policy side, there’s just so much that you can learn. I’m always, even with lots of thought, just hitting the tip of the iceberg,” she says, adding that the courses in the MPA even helped her to formalize her knowledge of some of the latest terminology and buzzwords in the public service. The classes also gave her a new connection to a range of public servants in different areas, a helpful expansion of her network.
While in the program, Katie was pleased to discover many opportunities to apply her learning through assignments that she could base on her work. In her Intergovernmental Relations course, she wrote an intergovernmental framework on collaborative development. “I was able to write it on my own initiative, which helped me not just learning the course material, but being able to dive deeper into what I was doing in my actual job,” she says.
In her Public Service Leadership course, a group project explored Indigenous leadership, something that relates directly to her new position. “Again, that was super helpful for the work that I do because I’m often working with Indigenous leaders,” she says. Today her work with the TCEI has her doing both of these things, working collaboratively with Indigenous communities.
Katie also engaged with the in-person intensives, travelling to Calgary and Ottawa to meet with her cohort until that element went virtual after 2019 due to the pandemic. “It gave me a great chance to meet people from different levels of government, as well as in the private sector. We had lots of really great discussions, and it’s harder to have those online. I think there is no replacement for that in-person collaboration. I really feel it was instrumental in my learning process,” she says.
For Katie, the opportunity to meet other public servants was a real bonus of the program, and her advice for fellow students is to lean into both the programs and those relationships, to get as much out of the experience as they can. “Really being able to understand and get an appreciation for the different kinds of work that public servants do at the different levels of government, like municipal and provincial, that I was really grateful for, being able to meet and really just understand more from other classmates,” she says.
“Be openly curious of those not in your industry when on the discussion boards. Respectfully compare experiential similarities and differences. Cross pollination of ideas is equal to innovation in this grad school program”.
-Patrick Law, MBA(L), Class of 2022-
Patrick Law, MBA(L), Class of 2022
Photo Provided
Having first met Patrick Law in 2018 in Dr. McLarney’s International Business course, there was always something to learn from him. A few months later we represented Dalhousie University at an on-line International Business Strategy Simulation competition against 10 to 11 other universities and business schools to become the 2018 GLO-BUS BSI “Grand Champions”.
Fast forward to 2022 and Patrick’s influence can be seen to those who reach out for GLO-BUS advice or those looking for guidance through the online ‘MBA FSL Community Connection’ site. Patrick recently completed his MBA, Leadership degree with top marks through the CEGE program at Dalhousie University. Patrick speaks with experience and offers great advice for those just starting out or considering this grad school program.
Patrick Law
I enjoyed the CEGE program for my MBA at Dalhousie. Here are some things I am grateful for and would like to pass on to those currently in the program on how I have or seen others get good grades.
⁃ Lean in with your experiences. Don’t be shy in telling your professors of the valid and on topic experiences you have had in business that either ratify or contradict prevailing business teachings.
⁃ Expand your human and business vocabulary through experimentation. There is no better time to try on wildly different philosophies of business than in this community. Humbly displaying this type of courage will be rewarded with up grade skew.
⁃ Be openly curious of those not in your industry when on the discussion boards. Respectfully compare experiential similarities and differences. Cross pollination of ideas is equal to innovation in this grad school program.
⁃ Keep up on as many of the readings as possible. This will give you the breadth of the education being offered. But ignore the breadth of readings when you find a rabbit hole you like. These welcome stops will keep you fresh for the marathon of readings.
⁃ Be willing to abandon grades for the sake of your education. The program is surprisingly resilient to these deviations and your grades may actually improve because of it.
⁃ Comparative economic advantage exists. Allow those who are obviously superior than you to do most of the hard work on group projects. Do all you can of the other stuff to make it an equal trade.
⁃ Intellectual humility causes competitive advantage. Even when it may seem obvious to you that a teacher or student is wrong, dig into what makes them believe they are right. It will protect you from short-term bias errors and allow you to identify competitive advantages in business later.
⁃ Be obsessed with the truth. This is a graduate program not a parrot school. No professor wants to hear the same old. They will routinely tell you so. Listen to them.
⁃ Be ritualistically creative. Read your response to an assignment, on camera, to your four year old like it was Dr. Seuss and submit that. If your response was half decent it will get you the A+.
⁃ Familiarity breeds good grades. Routinely call up you professors during their office hours to discuss the responses you will be giving to assignments prior to submitting your assignments. You will learn, and when they see your assignment, they will be prepared to grade you well.
⁃ Procrustes was wrong. Those who are unwilling to modify their approach to the program will lose motivation. It is up to you to optimize your education.
“One constant exists in today’s work environment – change. In the past three years, the typical organization has undertaken five enterprise changes: cultural change, restructuring, market expansion, leadership transition, or a merger or acquisition. Two-thirds of these changes fail to deliver against their stated goals, and they are also not happening quickly enough.” (July 2020)
– Lisa Colangelo, Dalhousie MBA (L), Class of 2022-
Lisa Colangelo, Dalhousie MBA (L)
Class of 2022