Fernanda Berumen

"As an international student, I think the number one advantage of the MBA is the smooth transition into a new country, lifestyle, culture and language."

How did your MBA help you land your current job?

Before applying to the MBA program, I explored the professional landscape and quickly realized that recruiters often prefer candidates with local work experience or degrees.

As an international student without either, completing my MBA at a Canadian institution opened a wide range of professional opportunities for me.

While the job search process can be stressful and overwhelming, in my case, the John Molson School of Business’ Career Management Services team made a significant difference. Their guidance and encouragement ensured I was not alone, providing invaluable support throughout my journey.

Do you feel your MBA gave you a strong return on investment? If so, how?

The MBA program was instrumental in helping me achieve a specific goal: transitioning my professional career to this country without starting from an entry-level position. In that regard, the MBA provided exactly what I needed and proved to be a valuable investment.

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

As an international student, I think the number one advantage of the MBA is the smooth transition into a new country, lifestyle, culture and language. By working on simulated business problems with teams of individuals from diverse backgrounds, you develop the skills you'll later utilize in the professional world. The MBA provides a safe environment where you can make mistakes without consequences, learn from them and receive valuable feedback from peers and professors.

Regarding the social aspect, joining a business school such as John Molson where part-time and full-time students are mixed, allowed me to learn directly from people already integrated into the Canadian workforce.

Finally, it was easier to make personal connections and start friendships in school than it is at the workplace and securing a few good friends during my time at John Molson has been fundamental for my long-term wellbeing as a newcomer.

What advice would you give to someone about how to gain a strong ROI from their MBA?

I believe the most important step is to understand your goals and priorities. Why do you want to pursue an MBA? What are you hoping to achieve? It’s not just about the cost and potential savings: its about what you are seeking.

Once you have answered these questions, you can conduct a targeted search and find a program and school that align with your needs and objectives.

For instance, the John Molson School of Business was the perfect fit because it offered great value for my money. Their MBA is relatively affordable compared to other top universities, while maintaining a certain level of prestige.