More and more business school candidates are looking to study an MBA in Canada. Attracted by the comparatively easy visa system and exciting job opportunities, 26% of MBA programs in Canada said they saw significant growth last year.
The one-year MBA program at the school packs all the MBA basics into just 12 months. It’s also cost-effective when compared to traditional two-year MBAs in the US—it costs CA$82,000 per year (US$63,000). The school also builds tactical Career Management courses into the curriculum, giving students a leg up with job preparation, resume and cover letter writing, and interview coaching.
Ivey is based in London, Ontario—just a couple of hours from Toronto, Canada's economic hub—and the MBA program was ranked the best in Canada by the Financial Times.
Both Alisha and Prateek say that the Ivey MBA is the reason they were able to accelerate their careers and land MBA jobs at Amazon after graduating. BusinessBecause caught up with them to find out more.
Alisha Gautam—Pathways Operations Manager, Amazon
Alisha started her business career with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Finance from Amity University in Noida, India. Afterwards, she established herself as a business analyst, spending almost five years at management consulting firm Kearney. In 2019, she took the plunge and enrolled onto the MBA at Ivey Business School, and now leads a team of over 150 associates as a pathways operations manager at Amazon in Calgary, Canada.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I was looking to accelerate my overall personality and multi-vertical skills development, among students and professors from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
Why the Ivey MBA?I chose to attend Ivey primarily for two reasons: the case-method and the Ivey network. The interactive and dynamic nature of the case-method is a great way to marry the theory with the practical. Additionally, networking with Ivey alumni during my pre-admissions research days made me realize how much they value the Ivey experience.
What stands out from your MBA experience at Ivey?
"Trust the process". This is one of those sayings that every Ivey graduate must have heard! For the longest time, I felt quite under-confident and thought of myself as an "admissions error". Securing the finalist position in the annual Ivey MBA Case Competition marked a personal milestone in my life—I learned to bet on myself and trust my analytical and leadership abilities. Today, I am a far more confident professional!
How did the job at Amazon come about?
I applied to Amazon through Ivey's internal careers site. The Ivey Career Management (CM) team was always just a call or email away and supported me in a variety of ways throughout my job search process. Through navigating the Canadian job market; understanding specific role requirements; mock behavioral interviews; feedback on improving leadership presence and interviewing skills; and salary negotiations. They are truly the unsung heroes behind my success, and I cannot thank them enough.
Would you be where you are today without the Ivey MBA?
On the personal side, Ivey proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime transformative experience. The program has not only helped me in honing my communication skills and business judgement but has also helped sharpen my leadership character. It has opened doors far and wide for me in the Canadian market and I'm confident I can rely on it to do the same in the future.
Prateek Chhikara—Operations Manager, Station Operations, Amazon
Prateekhas spent most of his career as a member of the Indian Armed Forces, a demanding role which saw him work in humanitarian aid in Lebanon and disaster management in North Punjab. However, after almost a decade serving his country, Prateek took the chance to transition out of the army and into a leadership opportunity in the business world. He now works as an operations manager for Amazon Logistics.
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I wanted to transition out of the Army and seek new leadership opportunities in the business world while maintaining more autonomy over my career and personal life. To achieve this goal, I needed to augment my experience with business strategy, financial planning, operations management, and marketing skills. An MBA program taught me how to think about business and helped me to adapt my military skills and experiences to a business context.
Why the Ivey MBA?
Going back to school for me went beyond just learning in the classroom, which is why Ivey’s case-based methodology was an important decision-making factor for me. The small class size also incentivized students to really get to know each other—this is something I value as I was not only looking to build a professional network but also strong personal relationships and friendships with my peers. Lastly, all of this packed into a one-year program provided an opportunity to live the full-time MBA experience and return to the workforce in a shorter time.
What stands out from your MBA experience at Ivey?
During my MBA, I led the Operations Club. The club allowed me to combine my passion for operations with knowledge from SMEs. Collaborating with some of the best minds at Ivey through this club has been an incredible experience.
How did the job at Amazon come about?
Amazon was always my top choice as an employer even before business school! The company was at the perfect intersection of my passion for operations and my interest in technology.
Ivey played an important role in helping me network with the right teams within Amazon. Once I knew exactly what role would be the best fit, I reached out to Ivey Alumni to help me prepare for the interview process. The school’s Career Management team was instrumental in providing all the coaching I needed to be successful in the recruitment process.
The Faculty of Information Media excels in not only introducing students to crucial angles and aspects of media and communication studies, but also listens carefully to students to teach them about the aspects of culture they interact with regularly, allowing students to apply their learned skills to their preferred field immediately. The University promotes the growth of different communities not only through vast course selection, but through extracurriculars and an active student body as well. The winters are harsh, but it's very easy to be kept busy.
Student
Verified
4/12/2023
On Campus
UWO
Western University in London, Ontario, excels with its exceptional academics, picturesque campus, and strong educational support. The university's blend of beautiful scenery and ample resources fosters a stimulating learning environment. Its diverse opportunities, from research to extracurriculars, prepare students for success in various fields. I recommend Western University for those seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
Aisha
Verified
6/10/2023
Blended
Western University: Fostering Growth and Diversity
I am currently in my fourth year at Western University, pursuing a unique combination of International Relations and Digital Communications. My time here has been nothing short of transformative, and I'd like to share a brief review of my university experience.
Western University has been a place of remarkable opportunities for me. The campus exudes a vibrant atmosphere that encourages students to get involved, and I've taken full advantage of this. From joining student organizations to participating in events and workshops, there's always something happening on campus that fosters personal growth and community engagement.
What truly sets my university apart is the exceptional International Relations program it offers. As one of only two schools in Canada providing this niche field, Western has allowed me to delve deeply into my passion. The program's hands-on approach, with group projects and simulations, has not only expanded my knowledge but also honed my practical skills, making me feel well-prepared for my future career.
Moreover, Western University's commitment to mental health and well-being is commendable. It's reassuring to be part of a university that prioritizes the mental health of its students, providing the necessary support systems and resources to ensure our well-being throughout our academic journey.
As a black student with ADHD, I've found Western to be exceptionally accommodating and accessible. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident, and I've felt welcomed and supported in every aspect of my university life!
Student
Verified
4/05/2023
On Campus
More academic support is needed
It’s a great university with great programs. Everything have worked out the way I expected university to be, but just a little bit more academic support would be great. The information regarding academic support is posted but for some classes, when I find it difficult because there is not sufficient level of support (understaffed)
Aleksandra
Verified
29/04/2023
On Campus
Great
I would definitely recommend UWO. It has a great student experience. Resources are always available to those who need them and their number one priority is students. One thing I dislike is they’re academic consideration system.
Yathu
Verified
29/04/2023
On Campus
Computer science
The computer science program at UWO offers a solid foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, and the program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. Overall, the program prepares students well for a variety of careers in technology. The computer science program at UWO offers a solid foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of computer science. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, and the program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. Overall, the program prepares students well for a variety of careers in technology.
Student
Verified
28/04/2023
On Campus
Life Balance
I have loved my first year at the University of Western Ontario. I am in Kinesiology and I am also on the varsity track and field team. Western has strong academics as well as great sports teams. The student athlete balance Western has provided me has taught me numerous skills that will help me in the future. I would definitely recommend Western to any student athlete looking to compete at the highest level while still getting a great education.
Student
Verified
24/04/2023
On Campus
Western: A Dream Come True
Western University is known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and vibrant campus life. With a wide range of programs, world-class facilities, and renowned professors, Western provides students with an education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. The campus is situated in London, Ontario, a city known for its cultural events, outdoor activities, and vibrant downtown. The university also offers a range of extracurricular activities and clubs, allowing students to pursue their passions and make meaningful connections with their peers. With all these features and more, it's no surprise that I love attending Western University.
Student
Verified
24/04/2023
On Campus
Personal Recommendation of University of Western
As a current student at University of Western Ontario, I can confidently say that my experience thus far has been nothing short of exceptional. When I was first looking into potential universities to attend, I was drawn to Western because of its reputation for academic excellence, as well as its strong sense of community.
Throughout my time here, I have found that this reputation is well-deserved. The professors are knowledgeable and engaging, and the coursework is challenging but rewarding. Additionally, there are a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs available to students, which has allowed me to explore my interests and meet new people.
One thing that I appreciate about Western is its commitment to student well-being. There are a variety of resources available to students, including mental health services and academic advising. This has made it easy for me to navigate any challenges that I have encountered during my time here.
In terms of the campus itself, I have found it to be well-maintained and easy to navigate. The facilities are modern and up-to-date, and there are plenty of places to study, socialize, and relax. Additionally, the university is located in a beautiful part of London, Ontario, which has allowed me to explore the city and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
Overall, I would highly recommend University of Western Ontario to anyone looking for a high-quality education in a supportive and vibrant community. The university has exceeded my expectations in every way, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful institution.
Student
Verified
19/02/2024
On Campus
MAC program
Western University is a one of a kind experience in Canada. It has a beautiful campus, and the student life is welcoming and extremely fun. The program i am in is Media and Communications, formerly Media, Information, and Technoculture. This degree provides me with theoretical understandings of media industries, as well as writing and project based learning.
Student
Verified
7/11/2024
On Campus
Great Academic
I have been absolutely loving my time here at Western University because of the welcoming campus life and close knit community. Signature events like Hoco and O-Week were so much fun and truly brought the student body together, creating a sense of unity and school pride. Also, Western is an excellent place to study and grow my academic capabilities as I feel like I'm learning something new everyday. The strong balance between academics and a fun student experience makes Western University an amazing institution to attend.
Alesha
Verified
27/11/2024
On Campus
My Western University Experience
Western University has a beautiful campus and a university bubble feel. It's located in a small charming city, London, Ontario and there are students everywhere you go. The residence experience is a particularly fond memory for me. Living in a traditional residence, I connected with many other students, created lasting friendships and got the dorm experience you see in movies. I would highly recommend Western's Ivey Business School. To get in you can take your first two years in a program of your choice and then apply at the end of the second year, completing your last two years in Ivey. With this 2 2 model, you complete university with an Honours Business Administration degree. Still, a dual degree program is offered, and a fifth year is required to finish the requirements of your prior program to graduate with both degrees. Learning from the intelligent students in your classroom is part of the experience, and seeing your sectionmates daily creates an environment to meet new people and make new friends. The main thing I want you to take away from this review is the ability to make friends at Western. The culture is inclusive, friendly and fun and it's a place where anyone can find their people!
