Spotlight: Women in Dalhousie’s CRMBA Program

March 4, 2016 Lauren Hunter of Coburg Consultants Leave a Comment

What was once a male dominated field of study, MBA programs across the nation have been attracting female candidates as investment in female talent is key in developing today and tomorrow’s leaders. According to research conducted by Forte Foundation, only 4.8% of Fortune 500 Company’s CEOs are female even though females make up 47% of the workforce. In addition, it has been found that companies with greater female leadership achieve 53% higher return on equity, 42% higher return on sales, and 66% higher return on invested capital. It is no surprise then that companies around the world are seeking out women with MBAs. With this in mind, top business schools have been enhancing programs and creating initiatives to promote gender equality and to attract top female talent.

Dalhousie University’s CRMBA program strives to provide an environment conducive to gender diversity and equality. With 29% of females in the class of 2012, Dalhousie has increased this figure to 45% for the class of 2017. What in particular does Dalhousie do to achieve such a diverse environment and just how valuable is Dalhousie’s CRMBA program for women considering taking their MBA? Four very talented and successful women in the classes of 2016 and 2017 have the first hand experience to to give you this insight.

More Affordable Than You Think: Financing Your MBA

February 10, 2016 Coburg Consultants Leave a Comment

Personal Finances

Personal finances are often the first place students turn when looking to pay for their education; whether you’ve been working for the past few years or simply pinching pennies from summer jobs, it’s a good idea.

For those with few assets to their name though, fear not! These days an MBA degree is a bankable (get it?) commodity and most institutions are more than happy to provide lines of credit to students. Depending on your situation, you may be able to obtain this financing with or without a co-signor or guarantor.

With interest rates relatively low, obtaining and using a line of credit can be cheap. Certain banks even have preferred packages and terms for MBA students. Just be sure to do your homework first. When meeting with a bank they will often ask for documentation, including a budget showing how you plan to spend your (their?) money over the next few years.

Corporate Residency

At Dalhousie, students also have a unique opportunity to supplement their personal income through the built-in Corporate Residency. These eight months of work can give students invaluable experience while also helping to pad their bank account. In the past, students have averaged earnings of $27, 500 over the course of their Corporate Residency.

Student Loans

Student loans form the backbone of many students’ financing and can be a welcome alternative to a line of credit from a bank. Because most provinces do not require students to begin paying interest until they graduate, they can also save you money in the short term.

Most students are eligible to receive loans from their province of residence and should start looking there first. This support often comes in two forms: loans which you repay, and grants which you do not. Nova Scotia residents can consult their province’s website for more information on these forms of assistance and how to apply.

Scholarships

For those students lucky enough to qualify (and there are quite a few), Dalhousie offers a number of generous scholarships. Based primarily on your GMAT and GPA, these scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis and can be as much as $15,000. Besides general awards, specific scholarships also exist for candidates interested in finance and for black Nova Scotians.

Think ROI

Whatever your plan for financing your degree though, just remember that an MBA is an investment. What might seem like a lot of money now will come back many times during the course of your career. Treat it as such, and don’t sweat the small stuff too much!

Winter Wonderland – Surviving Winter At Dalhousie

January 27, 2016 Andrew Hiscock of Coburg Consultants Ltd Leave a Comment

Written by Matthew Cheung

You wake up and it’s cold, your alarm clock blares like a siren, cheerfully letting you know that class begins in 15 minutes. With a groan you halfheartedly pull the blanket off your frigid body and stumble your way to the bathroom. On the way, you happen to shamble past a window and casually, you take a look outside.

Strange…. to your poor, confused, sleep addled brain, it looks as though someone had left a white Instagram filter over your window. It takes a moment before you realize that what you’re seeing is snow, snow covering the ground, the trees and the people outside. As you stare outside, a pile of snow slides off the roof of a nearby house, straight on top of an unlucky passerby.

You walk back to your room and crawl back into bed. You’ll need 5 more minutes.

Welcome to your first Canadian winter.

To those of you (like me) who are new to Canada, your first Canadian winter can be a bit of a struggle. Especially if you (again like me) come from a place which is sunny and warm every day of the year.

So, to help us along, I asked around and prepared 5 key Canadian tips on lasting through the winter.

Tip #1: Gloves are key.

My first winter left my hands in terrible shape, the cold would often cut and crack skin around the knuckles. A nice, thick pair of gloves are essential, especially if you feel the urge to touch and play with snow!

Protip: If you text a lot, get a pair of gloves that are compatible with your smartphone screen.

Tip# 2: The Devil may wear Prada, but you wear Boots.

When stomping your way through the snowed out pavements, you need the right shoes to match the job. Boots not only help keep your feet dry, but they have good traction, stopping you from sliding and falling all over the place!

Protip: For those of you doing a Co-op, leave your dress shoes/heels at your office and simply change into them each morning.

Tip# 3: Schools out! Check online.

Occasionally the snow gets so bad that Dalhousie would declare a snow day, letting everyone crawl back into bed to catch up on Netflix. Don’t be one of those people who turn up to a cancelled class! Before you leave the house, check mydal to make sure that it’s not a snow day.

Tip #4: A chocolate a day keeps the frostbite away.

This one is simple. If you’re feeling cold, drink something hot!

Protip: Ask for whipped cream.

Tip #5: Turn down the heat

For those not living in residence, winter can be an expensive time where utilities are concerned. Where possible, turn down the heating and bundle up. Or at the very least, make sure you turn off the heat whenever you leave the house/apartment.

Protip: If you live with roommates, it’s not a bad idea to set some house rules for when the heat should be on. (Especially if you have that one roommate who insists on turning his/her room into a sauna)

Finally, while winter may have its challenges, it is also one of the most beautiful times of the year in Halifax. Don’t forget to have fun!

MBA Games 2016

January 13, 2016 Tim Crouse of Coburg Consultants Ltd. Leave a Comment

MBA Games1

Obtaining an MBA degree is about so much more than learning the technical skills most typically associated with MBA students. It is about fostering a mindset and attitude that average simply isn’t good enough. Business school teaches students how to learn, adapt, interact and implement.

Prior to entering the post-MBA business world, the best opportunity to showcase the above mentioned skills is at the MBA Games. The MBA Games takes place every January and is the largest gathering of MBA students in Canada. The games are split into three categories: academic, athletic and spirit. Schools build up points in each of the events depending on how well they do. The academic component consists of four case competitions, the athletic component consists of four sports, and the spirit events are everything from a team choreographed dance to charitable fundraisers.

This year’s Games were hosted by last year’s winner, The Schulich School of Business at York University from January 2^nd-4^th. Over 650 students from 20 schools competed in 15 events in hopes of bringing home the Queens Cup.

This year’s events:

Academic: Marketing, Finance, Strategy & Entrepreneurship

Athletic: Basketball, Volleyball, Team Triathlon & Dodgeball

Spirit: Social Media Campaign, RMHC Fundraising Campaign, RMHC Campaign Event, Opening Performance, Themed Video (#BeMore2016), Networking Event, Scavenger Hunt

Dalhousie University’s Team Rowe not only had an amazing experience, they had great success. The team finished 6^th overall including the following wins:

2nd in basketball

2nd in volleyball

2nd in Spirit Event #1

2nd in Spirit Event #2

Although a 6^th place finish doesn’t come with a trophy, every member of Team Rowe left the Games with more connections, experiences and school spirit than they had going in. Dalhousie pride was on full display from day one as we performed in our east coast fishing hats to the final day as we wore our Dalhousie scarves with pride over our formal wear.

Personally, I could not be more proud of the determination, integrity, and competitiveness of each and every one of my teammates. Our small but mighty program rose to the challenge and made a definitive statement that Dalhousie University is a major competitor among Canadians top MBA schools.

CRMBA Winter Formal

December 11, 2015 Lauren Hunter of Coburg Consultants Leave a Comment

The end of November can seem daunting with final papers, projects and exam period fast approaching. Amid all of the chaos however, the MBA Society brings you the Annual CRMBA Winter Formal. This event gathers students, faculty, and staff members together to join the festivities. This year the formal took place on November 27th at Casino Nova Scotia. The venue was a circular room with a balcony overlooking Halifax’s famous waterfront. We couldn’t have asked for a better night – clear skies, stars shining, it was a picturesque evening.

The night began with a reception as guests arrived. A photographer was set up to take pictures of everyone dressed to the nines. A three course meal was served as two students who MC’d the evening kept the audience laughing and giggling all night long. As dessert was served, the award ceremony began. Each year, both cohorts vote for students to win awards such as “First to be CEO” or ” Most Likely to Commit Corporate Espionage” (I won’t tell you who won that). It was a walk down memory lane as stories were told about each award winner as they accepted their trophies.

The dinner finally concluded with the highlight of the evening – the MBA Games Fundraiser. Four jars were placed at the front of the venue at the beginning of the night. Each jar had the name of a professor who had agreed beforehand to take part in the fundraiser. Throughout the night, guests could place their loose change in the jar of the professor they wished to sing a Karaoke song at the end of the night. The professor with the most money in their jar by the end of the evening had to perform for the audience. We were regaled with our accounting professor’s rendition of “Man I Feel Like a Woman.” The fundraiser raised $280 for the Ronald McDonald House. The night ended with a dance where everyone was able to burn some calories destressing to Beyonce.

Although most of us get caught up in studying, it is always important to take a minute and breathe. Dalhousie’s CRMBA program excels at offering many types of events like the Winter Formal to bring the program together outside of class and enjoy a little study break.

Twice the Fun: Pursuing a Dual Degree

December 2, 2015 Coburg Consultants Leave a Comment

Embarking on an MBA can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. At the same time, it can be a big commitment: new subjects, late night study sessions, managing competing group projects. Imagine then pursuing not one, but two degrees at the same time. For those brave (or foolish, depending on who you ask) students in a dual degree program however, that is exactly what they`ve signed up for.

What Exactly Did They Sign Up For?

At Dalhousie, MBA candidates can pursue one of two dual degree programs: a JD/MBA or MBA/MEng. The first is a joint degree in conjunction with the Schulich School of Law, and the second a Master of Engineering. Both options take the requirements for their respective programs and condense them into a shorter time frame. Students in a dual degree therefore have membership in both schools, and the advantages that come with it: access to award-winning faculties, large and accomplished alumni pools, and a close-knit and exclusive community.

Furthermore, dual degrees offer a new way of integrating knowledge and expertise over a range of subjects. They allow students to bridge areas like business and law which are increasingly closer than ever before. And perhaps most importantly, they give graduates a leg up in a competitive market – positioning them well to become captains of industry.

What Students Say

Listening to JD/MBA student Sydni Kind, it’s easy to see how these considerations continue to influence and draw people to dual degree programs:

“I chose the JD/MBA program to effectively position myself to succeed in the areas of corporate and real estate law. In an increasingly competitive job market, the ability to set myself apart was highly appealing.”

And for those who choose to take the plunge, the experience can be immensely rewarding (I might be a little biased!); just listen to JD/MBA Parker Baglole:

“To date, my experiences at Dalhousie (and in the city of Halifax) have been overwhelmingly positive, and I highly recommend the program to any person looking to improve their business and/or legal thinking!”

Parker Baglole

Sydni Kind

Dalhousie’s First Annual CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament & Fundraiser

November 25, 2015 Tim Crouse of Coburg Consultants Ltd. Leave a Comment

Golf has long been the sport of choice for conducting business and making deals. It provides fresh air, time away from the office, and a chance to talk business. I mean, just imagine trying to close a deal while playing football with a potential client….Ouch. But while you don’t have to possess a consistently accurate 300 yard drive, knowing the basics of golf allows one to avoid the embarrassment of declining a boss’ invitation or making a client think it’s your first time.

On October 17th, CRMBA students participated in the first annual CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament & Fundraiser held at Indian Lake Golf Course. The cohorts lucked out as the 17th was a beautiful autumn day – a crisp breeze, colourful leaves falling slowly from the trees, and the glisten of the sun off the course’s numerous water hazards (now home to quite a few golf balls).

Winners of the 2015 CRMBA Alumni Golf Tournament

The tournament attracted over 40 participants, including current students, alumni, and faculty. In order to formulate fair teams, participants were asked to rank their golf expertise on a scale of “I know my handicap” to “What’s a handicap?.” Groups of four (FORE!) were strategically created with at least one experienced golfer to help guide beginners – who were the majority.

And the Green Jacket Goes To…

The day finished in a three team tie for first place, with each reporting a score of one over par (+1). However, because most MBAs are naturally competitive, a tie just wouldn’t do. With darkness fast approaching, a sudden-death putting challenge was used to crown the eventual winner. There were medals, prizes, and beer, but at the end of the day everyone was able to feel like a winner. Not only did they get to work on their golf game and do some networking, they also contributed to a good cause. As part of the CRMBA’s commitment to the local community, the funds raised through the tournament will be donated to the IWK Foundation.

The Wolves of Barrington Street

November 18, 2015 Andrew Hiscock of Coburg Consultants Ltd Leave a Comment

The traders on Bay Street are busy investing in Canada’s struggling economy, while at Dalhousie, students are busy investing in the Dalhousie CRMBA Hedge Fund. “Hedge Fund” is an MBA-operated club that gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of investments. But don’t worry! Our MBAs aren’t mortgaging away their tuition money; all investing is done with fictional funds ($20 million to be precise). That’s not to say that the stakes aren’t high though. At the beginning of the year, thirty students were divided into five teams, each competing to have the highest returns at the end of December.

Hedge Fund gives students interested in capital markets (or personal investing) the opportunity to get their hands dirty without losing their shirts. The club brings together students with a wide range of finance experience – from first years currently enrolled in their first finance class, to second years with a corporate residency on Bay Street under their belts. In the second half of the school year, the club will be organizing a speaker series with professionals in the investment industry. In the end, the aim of the club is to provide students interested in finance with a platform to hone their skills and an opportunity to network with professionals in the industry.

Students working in the Dalhousie Risk Lab on Bloomberg Terminals

In the past, the club was run as a single team, broken into groups that covered specific industries. The club utilizes the very financially powerful Bloomberg Terminals. These terminals have live access to markets and news across the world. This year, the club was split up in an attempt to encourage some friendly competition. Teams are competing for a first place prize, and of course, investment bragging rights. So far it’s a close race, with the top three teams separated by less than $1.5 million. Some teams are taking a conservative approach, while others are borrowing funds to cover investments. Some teams are up, and some are down. But win or lose, everyone is having a great time investing in their finance skills.

MBA Society Elections

November 12, 2015 Lauren Hunter of Coburg Consultants 1 Comment

What do Justin Trudeau and first year MBA student Sean Butler have in common? Award-winning smiles to be sure. But both in fact were recently elected leaders of two important groups: Justin as Canada’s 23^rd Prime Minister, and Sean as MBA Society President.

Yes, last week was certainly busy as first years campaigned to secure one of seven positions on the MBA Society. And while only one may have the tune for “Hail to the Chief” stuck in their head, all are now part of something very special. For those incoming and prospective students reading this though, don’t feel left out! New students are allotted four positions of their own, with elections being held during the summer.

GOTEAM

What It’s All About: Student & Community Engagement

Collectively, these eleven students form our student government. Every year they are responsible for organizing social events, representing the student body, and engaging with the local community. And every year they manage to surprise us with new and exciting ideas. The social events in particular are always a highlight of the year and include favourites such as an annual Boat Cruise (very nautical of us), First Year/Second Year Dinners (MasterChef: MBA Edition), and Winter Formal (suit up!).

Besides making sure that we have the time of our lives though, the MBA Society also organizes events where students give back to the community. Last year, they led a trip to a food shelter where students sorted, packed, and distributed food to individuals in need. This year, they collected hundreds of business clothing items for local charities Dress for Success and Job Junction.

Finally, one of the most important roles of the MBA Society is acting as the academic voice for students. This entails attending curriculum meetings, ensuring that all student’s academic needs and interests are being met.

So please join us in welcoming and congratulating the newly elected 2016/2017 MBA Society! They are part of a proud tradition of giving back to their classmates and the community, and we expect great things from them. If you have a passion for change, a desire to be a leader, and pride in your school, consider joining yourself. It’s a great way to leverage your skill set, develop leadership, and get involved at the same time.

Why Dalhousie? – An International Perspective

November 4, 2015 Coburg Consultants Leave a Comment

[FOR MANDARIN VERSION, CLICK HERE]

A Home Away From Home
Going to school in another country can be difficult. For those willing to take a chance however, it can also prove immensely rewarding. For years, these brave international students have been making Dalhousie their second home. In the process, they’ve become an integral part of the CRMBA program and our lives. As one Canadian student puts it:

The international students we have at Dalhousie are amazing. They are some of the strongest and most engaged students we have and help make this program great. I’ve learned so much from them already.

How and why do international students choose to come here? We decided to ask our classmates, colleagues, and friends.

Q: What first drew your attention to Dal? What made it stand out from other programs?

Iris Liu (China)
The 8-month corporate residency was something that first drew my attention. I was looking for a program that provides the opportunity of an internship, which allows me to apply my knowledge learned at school to the workplace.

Hamilton Jie (China)
The first thing that drew my attention was definitely the 8-month corporate residency. For international students, I think this is especially important because this 8 months of full-time work experience will be our future proof of our eligibility to work in Canada.

It’s no surprise that the corporate residency is a key factor in setting Dalhousie apart from other schools (full disclosure: we loved ours!). For international students, it’s an even greater opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Canada’s working culture.

Q: What did you know about Nova Scotia before you came here?

Matthew Cheung (Hong Kong)
Not much at all! Very few people in Hong Kong knew about Nova Scotia. Coming in, what I knew was that the province had a population smaller than Hong Kong, that it was by the sea, and that the seafood was supposed to be excellent.

Saleem Tawakol (Egypt)
I didn’t know much but I definitely heard about the nice beaches and national parks, and I thought it would be a nice cozy place where everybody knows each other. A small town, so to speak, just on a slightly bigger scale.

Let’s get a few things straight. Yes, we have a lot of seafood. But besides being the land of lobster lovers, Nova Scotia is a vibrant province with much to offer. Halifax in particular has a strong presence as a business hub. And as the largest city on the East Coast, Halifax offers many events and cultural experiences while still maintaining a small town feel.

Q: If you were speaking to a prospective student, what would you tell them about Dalhousie?

Saleem Tawakol (Egypt)
That it is a personable experience. The faculty and staff at Dalhousie gave me so much of their time and attention, as I’m sure they did with the rest of my class. It started to feel like a one-to-one relationship rather than a one-to-many.

Thomas Sykes (Bahamas/UK)
The professors are really involved with class and want to see you succeed in both the classroom and in the outside world.

The overwhelming sense you get at Dal is that the professors are interested in helping you succeed. Whether through providing help after class, or attending student events, professors will grow to be some of your closest mentors (and occasional grade-givers – here’s hoping its an A!).

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Category: Leadership