Louis Donelle

I can now understand how stakeholders think, how their functions interact, and where their constraints lie. That makes me far more effective at identifying the real problem and applying the right analytical tools to solve it

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

I had the academic background to be competitive at many MBA programs, but I chose to apply only to John Molson. For me, it was the optimal cost–benefit decision. John Molson offers one of Canada’s top MBA programs, is conveniently located in downtown Montreal, and provides the flexibility of evening classes. As a publicly funded institution, it also makes a high-quality MBA far more accessible. I was able to earn a top-tier MBA without relocating, without leaving my job, and while benefiting from public funding. It was simply the smartest choice.

Can you tell us about your experience with the Concordia Small Business Consulting Bureau?

I first heard about the Concordia Small Business Consulting Bureau through a former consultant I met in another class. What immediately stood out was how unique the experience was. It’s almost an anomaly in an academic setting! The Bureau operates as a real consulting firm, charging real fees to real entrepreneurs to solve real business problems. Opportunities like that are incredibly rare in academia, and that authenticity is what made me want to get involved.

What was your most rewarding experience with the Bureau?

The Bureau operates on a 12-month mandate, with overlapping cohorts every six months. Within a single year, you go from learning the fundamentals to making hiring decisions and mentoring the next cohort. It feels like five to ten years of professional growth compressed into one intense, hands-on experience. Seeing the next cohort take ownership as you step away is incredibly rewarding.

What impact did it have on your professional skill set and career goals?

The value of the Bureau lies in the full, end-to-end client experience—from the initial meeting, to closing the deal, to delivering on the mandate. That kind of exposure is invaluable. It develops the soft skills needed to truly leverage everything else you learn during the MBA, and it reinforced my interest in client-facing, problem-solving roles where impact is tangible.

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

My core field is data science—using advanced quantitative methods to solve business problems. The MBA gave me fluency across disciplines like marketing, finance, accounting, HR, and project management. I can now understand how stakeholders think, how their functions interact, and where their constraints lie. That makes me far more effective at identifying the real problem and applying the right analytical tools to solve it.

Can you talk about your decision to pursue an MBA in English as a Francophone?

As a Francophone, I had the option to complete my MBA in either French or English—one of the advantages of being bilingual. I chose to pursue it in English because John Molson was simply the stronger option for what I was looking for. It remains that completing the MBA in English has strengthened my ability to operate comfortably in diverse and international professional settings, while still being firmly rooted in Montreal’s bilingual context.

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

The John Molson MBA offers a level of flexibility that is hard to find elsewhere. Nearly a third of the program can be personalized through electives, whether your focus is marketing, finance, analytics, or another area. Beyond the classroom, there are many experiential learning opportunities—from the Consulting Bureau to case competitions and community initiatives. You can also move between full-time and part-time studies or take evening classes. The program is designed to support your professional growth, not disrupt it.