Kenneth Ng

The program meets you where you are and helps you become who you’re trying to be

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

I chose the MBA in Investment Management because I had reached a moment in my career where I knew I needed to grow — not just technically, but in how I think. Coming from a Master in Philosophy, I learned the CFA curriculum on my own and was able to pass the CFA level 1 exam. I had built a solid foundation, but I wanted a deeper understanding of markets, valuation and long-term financial decision-making, which is exactly what this program offered.

What drew me to John Molson was how practical and grounded the program felt. It combines the CFA curriculum, real-world finance and a community of people who genuinely care about getting better. I didn’t expect to make the Dean’s List, but that experience showed me what can happen when you’re in the right environment and surrounded by the right people.

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

What I appreciate most about the program is the classroom experience. My fellow students come from many industries — banking, engineering, asset management — and the variety of perspectives forces you to think differently. You learn just as much from the discussions as from the lectures. The sense of community it creates between the students is one of the best outcomes of the program.

The faculty create a space where curiosity is welcomed. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about exploring, challenging ideas and growing. There’s a sense that we are all working toward something bigger than a grade.

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

The hybrid option was key in allowing me to pursue the program at a pace that felt sustainable. Working full-time in corporate finance can be unpredictable, and having the flexibility to join online when needed makes a real difference.

Having the option to log in remotely is what allowed me to stay fully engaged without compromising my responsibilities.

It’s the flexibility that made this journey possible for me — especially during the more intense periods of work and study.

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

Balance is something I’m still learning, but the key for me has been remembering why I’m doing this. I plan ahead, set boundaries, and make sure I protect my time with my family. However, finding this balance is not impossible as long as you constantly keep it a priority.

During the hardest moments, I remember thinking, “If I can get through this, I can get through anything.” It taught me that growth doesn’t come from perfect conditions — it comes from showing up, even on the difficult days.

My advice to prospective students is simple:

You don’t need to be perfect to succeed. You just need to stay consistent.

Ask for help, lean on your classmates, and most importantly, trust in yourself. The program meets you where you are and helps you become who you’re trying to be.

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

The impact has been very real. The financial tools I learned — modeling, valuation, strategic analysis — helped me perform at a higher level in my role. That growth contributed to being offered a path toward a Corporate Finance Associate role at BMO, a step I had been dreaming of when I first started the program.

But it’s not just the skills. The people I met through the program have been instrumental — insights from classmates, alumni who shared their career stories and professors who encouraged me to think bigger.

It reminded me that careers don’t move forward in isolation. It is the culmination of everything, even the one that doesn’t seem to be the most impactful at first.

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

I would say:

This MBA challenged me academically, helped me make the Dean’s List, strengthened my confidence at work and gave me a network I trust. But more importantly, it helped me discover new possibilities for myself and better understand the opportunities offered in the world of finance.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the willingness to learn and the courage to take the first step. The program will meet you there.