Anuj Anand

The curriculum has been exceptional. It strikes the perfect balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Why did you choose the MBA in Investment Management program at the John Molson School of Business?

Coming from a legal background with a Master of Laws from Fordham University and bar admissions in New York and India, I was looking for a program that would help me transition into finance and build a comprehensive understanding of investment management. The MBA in Investment Management at John Molson stood out for several reasons.

First, the program's integration with the CFA curriculum was a major draw. This alignment meant I could simultaneously work toward my MBA and prepare for the CFA exams, maximizing the value of my time in the program. Second, the program's emphasis on practical application, from portfolio management to financial modeling, aligned perfectly with my goal of becoming a well-rounded investment professional.

The decision proved to be the right one. I've been able to apply what I learned directly in my role at Inovestor Inc., where I've worked across three terms, progressing from a co-op student to an Investment Analyst.

What do you think about the curriculum, classroom experience, faculty and fellow students?

The curriculum has been exceptional. It strikes the perfect balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications. Courses cover everything from advanced financial modeling and quantitative analysis to portfolio management and investment strategy development.

The faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, which makes the learning incredibly relevant. They don't just teach concepts; they challenge you to apply them, whether through case studies, portfolio simulations, or market analysis. This hands-on approach has been invaluable in developing my analytical skills.

Can you talk about how the hybrid option has benefited you?

The hybrid format has been ideal for me as an international student. While my visa status didn't allow me to work full-time during my studies, the program's flexibility gave me the time and structure to pursue activities that significantly enhanced my education and career preparation.

The hybrid schedule gave me time to develop additional skills that are crucial for the Canadian market. I have been learning French, which is essential for working in Montreal and accessing opportunities in Quebec's financial sector. I also completed several professional certifications through Wall Street Prep, including courses on Leveraged Buyout modeling, Private Equity Deal Process, and M&A modeling, which complemented the MBA curriculum.

The flexibility allowed me to take on leadership roles like founding the Goodman MBA Investment Club and serving as a Teaching Assistant, where I developed and delivered workshops on Python for financial analysis. I couldn't have pursued all these enrichment activities with a traditional full-time program that demanded immediate workforce entry.

How do you balance work, life and studying? What advice would you give to prospective students?

As an international student, I have had to be very intentional about how I use my time. While I couldn't work full-time during the program due to visa restrictions, I focused on maximizing the value of my MBA experience through strategic involvement in high-impact activities.

I dedicated significant time to case competitions, which became my practical laboratory for applying classroom learning. I also invested in continuous learning beyond the curriculum, completing Wall Street Prep certifications, learning French to better integrate into Montreal's business community, and developing technical skills in Python and AI integration.

My advice to prospective students, especially international students, would be:

1. View your student status as an opportunity, not a limitation: Use the time to build skills that will differentiate you. Competitions, certifications, language learning, and technical skill development are investments that pay long-term dividends.
2. Be strategic about extracurriculars: I founded the investment club and became a TA because these roles allowed me to deepen my knowledge while contributing to the community. Choose activities that align with your career goals and genuinely interest you.
3. Maximize co-op and internship opportunities: These work terms are invaluable for international students. I worked three terms at Inovestor, progressively taking on more responsibility. Each term built on the previous one and gave me real-world experience to discuss in interviews.
4. Network intentionally: Build genuine relationships with classmates, faculty, and industry professionals. The MBA network is one of your most valuable assets, especially when navigating the job market as an international student.
5. Maintain balance: Whether it's basketball, cooking, or learning about new technologies, having outlets outside of academics is essential. These pursuits keep me balanced, creative, and help prevent burnout during intense periods like competition season or exam weeks.

Can you share an example of how your MBA skills or network have helped you in your career?

One of the most significant impacts has been my participation in case competitions, which directly resulted from the skills and network I built through the MBA program.

In February 2025, my team reached the top 10 finalist position in the Harvard Global Case Competition, competing against over 250 international teams. We analyzed Ferrari's potential acquisition of Pirelli, built detailed valuation and synergy models, and ultimately recommended acquiring Brembo instead. This achievement was only possible because of the valuation skills, strategic thinking, and financial modeling expertise I developed through the MBA curriculum.

Earlier, my team won the Best Presentation & Analysis Award at the McGill International Portfolio Challenge out of 99 teams. We designed a hybrid pension portfolio strategy that integrated global best practices and demographic forecasting – directly applying concepts from our portfolio management and investment strategy courses.

Beyond competitions, the Python skills I learned and later taught as a TA enabled me to develop an AI-powered financial data extraction workflow at Inovestor using Anthropic's LLM API. This project achieved cost reduction and improved operational efficiency, a perfect example of how the program's technical curriculum translates into real business value.

The faculty have also been generous with guidance and industry introductions, which has opened doors I wouldn't have accessed otherwise.

What would you say to someone considering an MBA in Investment Management at the John Molson School of Business?

If you are serious about building a career in investment management, this program is an excellent choice. Here's what makes it special:

• The CFA integration is a significant advantage because you are not just getting an MBA, you are building toward a globally recognized credential in investment management. The curriculum is rigorous and practical, focusing on the skills you will actually use: financial modeling, equity research, portfolio management, and quantitative analysis.
• The hybrid format offers flexibility that benefits different student situations. For international students like myself, it provided time to excel academically and maintain the highest CGPA throughout the program, participate in prestigious case competitions, develop additional skills through certifications, and learn French. The co-op and internship opportunities are particularly valuable for gaining Canadian work experience, which is crucial for career development here.
• The program also values and supports initiative. When I founded the investment club, the faculty and administration were incredibly supportive. This environment rewards students who take ownership of their learning and contribute to the community.

If you are passionate about investments, willing to work hard, and want a program that combines academic rigor with practical application, I highly recommend this program. It's been one of the best decisions I have made for my career.