Last week we gave our readers a front row seat to see how our class of 2015 is doing on their residencies. In the spirit of keeping things balanced, this week’s blog is centered on how are second-years are coping with the last few weeks as CRMBA students.

From grad photos to job interviews, our CLASS OF 2014 is putting the final touches on what has been an exciting and challenging 21 months. We’ve put them on the hot seat.

Now that you have almost completed your CRMBA, what advice would you give to those thinking of joining Dalhousie’s MBA community?

Andrew Frazer

Undergraduate Degree: B.B.A, Acadia

Corporate Residency: Scotiabank, Toronto

“I’d encourage anyone thinking of joining Dalhousie’s MBA community to recognize that they have an opportunity to be a part of a growing family and network of MBA alumni working across the country. There is something about the camaraderie that goes along with being a Dal MBA that I don’t think you necessarily find in all other MBA programs. People are proud to have come from this program and as a prospective member you have an opportunity to not only be a part of the tremendous network of current students, faculty, and alumni but also an opportunity to put your stamp on the program and the Rowe School of Business through student societies, case competitions, and other extracurricular initiatives. The Rowe name and brand is only going to continue to grow and as a new member of the Dal MBA community you have an opportunity to be a big part of that growth.”

Aaron Bonnor

Undergraduate Degree: B.B.A, Vancouver Island

Corporate Residency: Calgary Lock and Safe

“I would say that it is what you make of it. There are a lot of ways through this MBA, but the reality is that you are here to get a job. If you are not doing everything possible to either find that job or make yourself more employable, you probably won’t get as much out of it as you could have.”

Becky Rogez

Undergraduate Degree: BSc, Biology and Psychology, St. Francis Xavier

Corporate Residency: Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED), Halifax

“Dalhousie’s network is second to none. Don’t be afraid to reach out to alumni – you’ll be shocked at the connections you can make and the places that those connections can lead you.”

Megan Kunder

Undergraduate Degree: B.A Honours, Kinesiology, Western

Corporate Residency: DHX Media, Halifax

“My advice would be to find a program with the right fit… The program is so much more than just school work. So speak with as many people as possible in order get a feel of what the program and students are like.”

Victoria Armour

Undergraduate Degree: B.B.A, Acadia

Corporate Residency: Winner Merchant International, Mississauga

“My number one piece of advice would be to balance your priorities properly. For me it’s all about time management and hitting a strong work-life balance”

Kaleigh Brinkhurst

Undergraduate Degree: BSc, NSAC

Corporate Residency: Scotiabank Commercial Banking, Halifax

“Make sure you challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone early on. The first summer semester is a great time to take risks. Whether it is arranging for informational interviews with someone you don’t know, presenting in a different style or taking a course that you have no back ground in. The more you challenge yourself and take these risks now, the more you learn about yourself and what you are capable of doing in the work force. Your cohort is a support network and is the perfect audience to test your knowledge and capabilities – just be ready to accept feedback!”

 

Gray Little

Undergraduate Degree: BSc Chemistry, Dalhousie

Corporate Residency: BMO Financial Group, Toronto

“The CRMBA program is all about what you put into it, the more time you spend developing your relationships, studying and getting involved the more rewarding the experience will be.”

Christina Goudy

Undergraduate Degree: BSc Earth Sciences, Dalhousie

Corporate Residency: Scotiabank, Toronto

“Be open to change. I think you need to be willing to grow yourself personally and professionally. I would hope that that’s why anyone would want to join the program in the first place, but I think what people want and what they do in practice are often two different things.”

Dustin Johnson

Undergraduate Degree: B. Philosophy, New Brunswick

Corporate Residency: Hydro One, Barrie

“I would tell prospective students, that although it’s good to speak with administrators and faculty members about the program, talking to current students should be an important part of the information search. Whereas the program administrators can tell you how good the program is, talking to students will help you determine if this program is a good fit for you.”

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