The Part-Timer
The Part-Timer is your relevant and concise source of information for part-time MBA students. This issue was sent out on February 2, 2010.

 

 

 

Upcoming events
Events planned specifically with part-time students in mind.

Rejuvenate Your Resume - Reap the Rewards
When:  Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 5:30 - 6:45pm. A networking cocktail reception will be held betwen 7:00 - 8:00pm.

Where: The Miles S. Nadal Centre, Downtown Campus

Who: This part-time/E-MBA/Alumni workshop is the #1 most frequently requested and attended career seminar.

What: Participants will learn how to transition an outdated resume into the 21st century.

To RSVP: Free for current students ($15 for alumni). Register at CareerQuest.

UNITY - Inter-MBA Social for Haiti
When:  Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:00pm - 3:00am.

Where: Cheval, 606 King Street West. http://www.chevalbar.com/

Who: Introducing the multi-business school networking social event of the year! DeGroote, Rotman, Ryerson, Schulich, and Laurier have come together for a social with a cause.

What: Cheval Nightclub has generously agreed to donate their cover fee to the Haiti Relief fund through Red Cross Canada, and The Canadian government is doubling all donations until Feb 12th, 2010!

To RSVP: Purchase your ticket from Alex Batler, GBC Social Director at the GBC Office. Contact Alex directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or email Keith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Tickets valid until 11:30pm.

 

GBC: Ladies Night

When:  Friday, February 19, 2010, 7:30 - 9:30pm.

Where: Li'ly Restro-Lounge, 656 College Street. http://www.lilylounge.com/

Who: This event is a way for women of the Schulich MBA program to meet, mingle, and network with one another in a casual setting. This is a LADIES ONLY event.

What: Li'ly is an upscale restro-lounge in the College district. The women of Schulich will have access to the main floor lounge. A GBC event (for ladies and gentlemen) will be held after this event within walking distance.

To RSVP: Join the Facebook group or contact Keith Loo for more information.

 

MBA Profiles

Every issue of The Part-Timer, we will profile a current part-time student and an alumnus of the program.

Ryan Silva, MBA Candidate, year 2, part-time
Career: Currently holding a post in Process Improvement, CIBC Mellon.

Career highlight: Ryan helped execute a product launch at an automotive facility in Mexico.

Education: Honors Political Science Degree from University of Waterloo & Six Sigma Certification.

Author’s note: I got to know Ryan after working with him on the Nadal CEO Panel: Tom MacMillan Speaks event in May 2009. Ryan led the Nadal GBC in putting together the event and was awarded the Student of the Month for his efforts. Ryan is a great guy - a pleasure to work with, and in general, a good, stand-up guy. I have since worked together with him as he is an Executive on the Nadal GBC, and as always has done a great job for the school - by serving the interests of Nadal students in particular.

Background: Born in Clapham, England, Ryan lived in Sri Lanka for 6 years and has been in Canada for the last 18 years. Ryan claims that Canada is by far the best country that he's lived in.

Why is Ryan doing his MBA? Ryan loves to learn and has a particular interest in strategy.

Why Schulich? Ryan was attracted to Schulich's focus on the Triple Bottom Line and the diversity of the student population.

Extra-curricular: Ryan thoroughly enjoys working out. He also volunteers with United Way as a Financial Literacy Trainer, and is a member of the CSR Committee at CIBC Mellon.

Something unexpected: Out of his Schulich education, Ryan made some strong friendships that he wasn't expecting to make.

How Ryan will use his MBA: Ryan will use the MBA as a lens to maximize his professional experience.

A message from Ryan: Define success by your learning and not only by your grades.

 

 

Sean Siddik, MBA, Strategic Management and Finance concentration

Author's note: I met Sean through various extra-curricular events, the most memorable being the 18th Annual Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay Run in May 2009. Sean brought incredible energy to the relay and was a major part of our team that came first place out of 19 corporate teams in the number of laps ran. Sean is a big supporter of the student body and is always willing to lend an ear and show support. He has always been a pleasure to work with, and for me, has been one of the many bright spots of my Schulich experience. I do not want to make it a habit of posting long profiles, however, I think you will find Sean's profile very worthy of your time.

Career: Sean currently works in the Dean's Office at Schulich as the Chief of Staff, Office of the Dean.

Experience: "When I graduated from Engineering School, I was very fortunate to have been hired directly to work at Bombardier Aerospace (at Downsview) as a Manufacturing Engineer in the Methods Area.  It was always a goal (dream) of mine to work in the Aerospace Industry, and I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for there for five years and gained a lot of invaluable experience.  Eventually, I decided that it was time to go back to School to develop my business acumen and pursue more of a leadership role."

Education: Sean has a Bachelors of Applied Sciences (B.A.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (Class of 2003), where he specialized in Strategic Management and Finance.

Background: Sean was born in Montreal and has lived in Toronto most of his life (he has also lived in Singapore). He has set foot in over 30 countries, located on five different continents, and hopes to add to the list. French is his mother tongue and he is fluent in French and English.

How has Sean's career changed with an MBA? The most apparent change is the transition from an Engineer in the Aerospace/Manufacturing sector to an administrator in the Education field. Moreover, in his current role, he feels privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most interesting and brilliant people in Canada and around the world. He has had the opportunity to work with very engaging business icons, government leaders, cutting-edge academics, and inspiring students & alumni. Most importantly, he has the fortune of working closely with several great leaders, including Dean Dezsö Horváth, who has been a great personal and professional mentor.

What Sean gained out of his MBA experience: "A new direction in life! One that brings me great opportunities, interesting challenges, and overall satisfaction."

What did Sean gain that he did not expect: "One of the most unexpected and intangible benefits of my MBA experience at Schulich, was the number of talented individuals that I have had the fortune of meeting and working with over the years.  Another intangible benefit of my MBA at Schulich, is the fact that I managed to find a career (or a calling if you will!), or a niche role that I really enjoy doing day after day.  I would never have been able to have discovered this opportunity (or calling) without pursuing an MBA at Schulich or getting very involved with the School in extra-curricular activities.  Lastly, having the opportunity to learn about myself (learning style, leadership approaches, etc.) was also beneficial in my personal development."

Tips for success at work and at school: "My advice to all MBA students is simple. Try to identify what you enjoy doing most, and to get involved with your school (or community) beyond the class room setting.  I wholeheartedly believe that I managed to get the most out of my MBA experience by participating, volunteering, networking, and trying new things.  However, it is also extremely important at the same time to establish the appropriate working balance that works for you and that will help you achieve all of your goals (professional, academic, and personal), and to remember that Time Management is your best friend!

How was the graduation and job searching process like? "Given that I had graduated during an economic downturn, I found that it was crucial to have a very strategic approach to developing my career upon graduation.  Competition or positions was very intense and therefore, it was very important to distinguish (or brand) oneself during the job/career search process.  As you networked and made contacts, it was also very important to be able to very quickly connect with people on a personal level (and be yourself), so that you are not seen simply as a “commodity” or an “asset”, but rather as this outstanding individual who they would want to work with every day." 

Extra-curricular: "I immediately became actively involved with the GBC (as the Athletic Rep.), volunteered, and participated at many events from day one of my MBA studies.  I soon realized that I really enjoyed engaging with my fellow students and was very fascinated by how B-Schools (or Faculties) operated in an academic, yet fiercely competitive, global environment.  I joined several committees and clubs and was later elected as President of the Graduate Business Council, where I became even more involved with the Schulich School and its many internal and external stakeholders. I did not realize it at the time, but my work and achievements while serving as the GBC President really played an essential role in my personal development and lead me indirectly to my current role in the Dean’s Office. 

My advice to all MBA students (both part-time and full-time) is to find out what you enjoy doing and to get involved with your school beyond the class room."

A message from Sean: "I have ONE main message with three components:

               1) Optimize your MBA Experience by getting involved and learning about yourself!

               2) Achieve your personal balance, remembering that Time Management is your best friend!

               3) Lastly, hang in there, and enjoy the ride!"

 

Keith's Bit

There is plenty to celebrate this new year, including Schulich's win in the National MBA Games, when we brought home the Queen's Cup. Not only did we win the overall tournament, we placed 1st overall in the key Academics category! In other news, we recently returned from our annual winter retreat at Deerhurst with a very healthy sample of part-time and international students to boot! Join us next year! Finally, much thanks to Jennifer Kirner for setting up a fun wine-tasting event for Nadal students to start off the new year.

Did you know?

The GBC has many fun and worthwhile events planned in the upcoming months, including informal dinners, karaoke night, inter-business school events, and of course, the Formal. Stay tuned for more great events catered to part-time students. You can keep up to date by keeping in touch with me at www.KeithLoo.com or by joining the GBC Facebook Group.

Questions? Comments!

The Part-Timer is a newsletter delivered to all students registered in a part-time class. Contact GBC Director of Part-time Studies, Keith Loo, if you have any questions, suggestions, or to recommend someone to be profiled in the Part-Timer. 

The GBC is dedicated to improving the experience of all part-time students. Do let us know how we can better serve you.

Best regards,

Keith Loo
Director, Part-Time Student Affairs
Graduate Business Council
Schulich School of Business
www.KeithLoo.com / www.gbc.schulich.yorku.ca