An MBA can unlock transformative career opportunities, but the right guidance is essential when it comes to making informed decisions about your future.
This is where mentorship plays a key role. A 2024 report identified that 89% of professionals cite mentorship as essential for career advancement, and employees with mentors are 130% more likely to hold leadership roles.
Mentorship can offer MBA students the support they need to navigate critical career decisions and maximize their professional potential.
This was true for Chike Enwezor, who moved from Nigeria to Canada to pursue an MBA in Sales. With over six years of experience in the banking sector, Chike leveraged the mentor-mentee scheme at business school to adapt to a new market and refine his career goals.
Here are three ways an MBA mentor can help you make the most of your business school experience.
1. Define your career goals with an MBA mentor
Success in business goes beyond technical know-how—a clear career trajectory and a strategic plan is essential to reach your goals. For Chike (pictured), mentorship from seasoned sales director Catherine Brun was a game-changer.
Back in Nigeria, it was Chike’s supervisors who encouraged him to pursue an MBA at the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNB Saint John). But once he arrived in Canada, he faced uncertainty about his post-graduation plans. His mentor provided the crucial guidance and advice that helped him make these important decisions.
“Early on, Catherine wanted to learn more about my plans—whether I was heading back to Nigeria, returning to the banking sector, or pivoting to another industry. I needed to understand how the banking system worked in Canada to decide if it was still for me.”
Through discussions with his mentor, Chike began to explore career paths beyond banking, including opportunities in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and healthcare—fields where his expertise in data analytics and business intelligence could make a strong impact.
As an international student, defining your post-MBA plans comes with challenges. Thanks to Catherine’s insights, Chike plans to build his career and life in Canada after graduation.
“Navigating a new country and a new job market isn’t always easy. Catherine’s advice and experience eased my concerns and gave me a better picture of what the future might hold, making my MBA experience much smoother.”
2. Enhance job market readiness and build a competitive profile
For MBA students, crafting a strong career strategy is crucial to making an impact in the job market.
This effort involves not only building a standout resume but also refining interview skills and understanding local professional expectations—an area where MBA mentors can provide tailored guidance.
Drawing on Catherine’s knowledge of the Canadian job market, Chike learned how to adapt his resume to align with local hiring standards.
“It was important to know what a strong resume looked like in Canada—Catherine took the time to go through mine and highlight areas that I could tweak,” he says.
Beyond resume preparation, Catherine shared practical job search strategies, sharing advice on how to effectively present his experience and skills in interviews and applications.
“Understanding New Brunswick’s job and economic landscape from someone who’s been active in business for over two decades gave me a solid foundation for my career plans.”
Catherine also helped Chike see the transferability of his skills—a key factor in broadening his career options.
“My MBA mentor showed me that the analytical and data skills I developed in Nigeria are transferable across industries. This gave me the confidence to pivot away from banking since my skill set would still be relevant and valuable in other sectors.”
3. Gain real-world insights through MBA mentorship
While in-class MBA learning equips students with essential business knowledge and skills, bridging the gap between theory and practice can be challenging, especially for those stepping into a new sector.
For Chike, whose MBA concentration in sales marked his first step into the sales industry, guidance from Catherine provided invaluable context into the sector.
“Catherine gave me a real understanding of the sales and banking industries here, which highlighted the differences between career opportunities in Nigeria and Canada,” he says.
Mentors not only draw from their own experiences but also open doors to broader professional networks, offering you the chance to gain close insight into industry expectations and real-world challenges.
“Having those one-on-one discussions with your mentor gives you the opportunity to ask questions that come up outside of class and hear from an industry professional about how the knowledge you’re learning fits in with their experiences or those of people in their network.
“Catherine has taught me so much, I can’t overstate how valuable her time and guidance has been,” he concludes.
"University of New Brunswick is fantastic! Professors are knowledgeable and supportive, campus life is vibrant, and the curriculum is challenging yet rewarding. The supportive community and abundance of resources have made my university experience unforgettable. Highly recommended!"
Mohsin
Verified
23/06/2023
On Campus
A quality program for a mechanical engineer
I would Highly recommend the university.
The oldest university of Canada with most affordable fee structure. That is why it is the heaven for foreign students who wish to accuire quality education with less fee.
Ali
Verified
20/06/2023
On Campus
Review for Unb
One of the cheapest university in canada. I have really enjoyed my time here. Professors are great. Really good future opportunities. Everyone is very welcoming to international students here. The province is super cheap while comparing to other provinces.
Student
Verified
20/06/2023
Blended
Unb Rating
One of the cheapest university in canada. Super welcoming to international students. Cheap province compared to other provinces. Plenty of part time job opportunities. Would highly recommend unb to all fellas out there
Student
Verified
8/06/2023
On Campus
My Program
The University is excellent in terms of infrastructure and wide variety of programs available. It has a beautiful campus with a lot of extracurricular activities going on in the campus. I would definitely recommend it to other prospective students looking forward to their undergrad and grad program.
Muhammad
Verified
7/06/2023
On Campus
Transformative Journey at UNB
I had the privilege of pursuing the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), and I am delighted to share my review of this transformative academic experience.
From the moment I stepped onto the UNB campus, I was impressed by the vibrant and inclusive learning environment. The faculty and staff members demonstrated unwavering support and commitment to the success of their students. Their expertise, coupled with their passion for teaching, created an engaging and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
One of the standout aspects of the program was its comprehensive and cutting-edge curriculum. The coursework covered a wide range of topics, including advanced electrical systems, renewable energy, power electronics, and control systems. Each course was meticulously designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation while incorporating practical applications and hands-on projects. This multidimensional approach greatly enhanced my understanding and prepared me for real-world challenges.
The research opportunities available within the program were exceptional. Collaborating with esteemed professors and industry partners, I had the privilege to work on groundbreaking projects that pushed the boundaries of electrical engineering. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and well-equipped labs provided the necessary resources to conduct experiments and delve deeper into my research interests.
The faculty members played an instrumental role in my academic and professional development. Their mentorship and guidance went beyond the classroom, as they encouraged critical thinking, fostered innovative ideas, and instilled a passion for lifelong learning. The professors' open-door policy and willingness to engage in thought-provoking discussions created a supportive and stimulating academic community.
Furthermore, UNB's emphasis on practical experience and industry collaboration enhanced the program's relevance to the professional world. Through co-op placements, internships, and networking events, I had numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals, gain practical insights, and build valuable relationships. These experiences not only bolstered my technical skills but also provided a platform to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The university's commitment to innovation and research excellence was evident through its involvement in cutting-edge projects and industry partnerships. UNB's reputation as a leading research institution in electrical engineering attracted industry leaders and experts, offering students unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities.
Lastly, the supportive and diverse community at UNB made my experience truly enriching. Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and cultures broadened my perspectives and fostered a collaborative learning environment. The university's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity created a welcoming space where all voices were valued and respected.
In conclusion, the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick surpassed my expectations in every aspect. The program's rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, dedicated faculty, practical experiences, and inclusive community have shaped me into a well-rounded and highly competent professional in the field. I am immensely grateful for the transformative educational journey and the countless opportunities for growth and success that UNB provided.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick to aspiring students who seek a world-class education, impactful research experiences, and a supportive academic community that nurtures personal and professional growth. UNB is a place where dreams turn into realities, and the possibilities are limitless.
Student
Verified
22/04/2023
On Campus
UNB Opinion
This university is fun and culturally diverse, with teachers who care about their student's well-being.
I like the activity options. I feel like there's a club/society for everyone. Personally, I enjoy the arts and crafts events and am a part of the African and Caribbean society. I also like that the school takes bullying and racism seriously.
The only thing I dislike about the school is the culturally limited food options. I believe that the school's diversity in people should translate into diversity in food as well.
Lastly, I'd recommend the school, especially to those who prefer a slow-paced and quiet life.
Student
Verified
15/04/2023
Blended
Worth the money
UNB is one of the best university in Canada that is pocket friendly and also allows all its students to do co-ops. University of New Brunswick is a highly respected institution that provides students with an exceptional academic experience and numerous opportunities for practical experience and personal growth. The university's commitment to research, innovation, and sustainability, combined with its vibrant campus community and location in one of Canada's most charming cities, makes it an excellent choice for prospective students seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
Student
Verified
11/04/2023
On Campus
World-class education in a beautiful city
The one-year MBA program offers a fast-paced and intensive learning experience that is divided into five modules. This exceptional opportunity is designed for seasoned professionals who possess a wealth of work experience and seek to expand their knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe. The small class sizes foster an interactive and engaging learning environment, allowing students to develop the necessary competencies to achieve career growth and advancement. With a focus on practical application and hands-on learning, the program equips students with the skills and expertise needed to excel in their chosen fields.
