Recent post-secondary graduates looking to build some momentum in their upstart careers could consider obtaining MBA degrees found in many of Western Canada’s universities.
Twelve universities from British Columbia to Saskatchewan offer either full-time or part-time MBA programs for graduates who have aspirations to one day work in management positions.
Specializations are offered in everything from finance and marketing to entrepreneurship and strategic management to fit the needs of even the most diverse group of students.
Brian Yiu, an investment banker now residing in Hong Kong, went for his MBA in finance at UBC when he was 25.
“I had worked for two years at CIBC as a management trainee when I took a leave of absence to go back to UBC to get my MBA,” said Yiu. “The degree helped me in being considered for new jobs and promotions.”
Some notable graduates of MBA programs in Western Canada have made quite the impact in the business world as well as society. For example, president and CEO of HSBC Bank Canada Lindsay Gordon, as well as former Starbucks Asia Pacific president Pedro Man, are part of UBC’s MBA alumni.
Current B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell graduated from one of Simon Fraser University’s MBA Programs.
“(MBA programs) prepare graduates to go into a wide variety of management positions,” said Ed Bukszar, associate dean at the Segal Graduate School of Business at SFU.
“We have very distinct programs,” said Bukszar. “We have a finance program that’s geared towards financial training in risk management and investment management, and another that focuses on transitioning scientists and engineers into management roles.”
Students applying for their MBA come from a variety of academic backgrounds, said Bukszar.
“I’ve got an opera star in my class with a music background, sitting next to physicists, mathematicians and even a professional snowboarder,” said Bukszar. “It’s a very diverse group, not only in terms of cultural diversity but also in terms of their academic and personal interests.”
The education obtained through MBA programs can help students gain traction in their careers, said Bukszar.
“I honestly and completely believe that these people are going to make a big impact on the world,” said Bukszar.
