Carolyn Elizabeth
Program: MBA (Full-time)
Term of entry: Fall 2018
Expected graduation term: Summer 2020
Hometown: Singapore and Kirksville, Missouri
Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, Greek
Most recent job: Currently a Project Management Officer/Consultant for MI-GSO|PCUBED. Formerly a Project Manager for an international non-profit
Why did you choose JMSB? I was looking to pursue an MBA in Quebec and, given my previous MSc in Operations and Project Management, I wanted a more generalist program. JMSB offers a well-regarded, English-language program at an affordable cost. The people I communicated with were friendly, helpful and prompt in responding to my inquiries. I also liked that the campus is in the heart of the city and shares its building with the undergraduate programs. It gives life to the day to day!
Focus of the program: I chose not to specialize since I already have a strong connection to Project/Program Management. I am particularly interested in topics around globalization and international business.
Highlights of Program: Helping to organize the annual spring John Molson Women in Business Club Conference; supporting a real client as part of a Management Consulting initiative; working on teams with a diverse background of industries, nationalities, education and interests.
Favourite place in Montreal? Any residential area where the buildings have tall staircases leading to the upper floors; for me that is typical, unique Montreal, especially in the winter when they are covered with snow! I also enjoy the view from my office in the heart of downtown (at the corner of Peel and Rene-Levesque).
Future aspirations: I would love to open my own wine tasting and pairing school and consultancy. I have been a certified Sommelier for a number of years and enjoy sharing about wine and wine culture with others.
What I wish I knew before coming to JMSB: 1) Montreal winters are longer than you think -- but this doesn't mean you can't still get out and explore the city or find a winter sport to get involved in. 2) Jump into classes / clubs / activities / case competitions / etc. ASAP -- by the time you are "settled" and "ready", you will be graduating! 3) Grading scales are not standardized across classes, so keep track! 4) Diversify the people you team up with in each class or you will be sick of each other by the end of semester. 5) If you don't pack a lunch, you will spend all your money at Tim Horton's, Subway and CocoBun!
