Providing a combination of industry-specific skills, hands-on experiences and personalized career support and global learning experiences, UBC Sauder School of Business equips its students to thrive in diverse work environments across many different industries.
From data science roles in global tech firms to leadership positions in fast-growing industries such as FinTech and e-commerce, UBC Sauder prepares students for a career in global business by weaving an international lens into its programs.
At UBC Sauder School of Business, graduates of programs including the MBA, Master of Management (MM), and Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) embark on exciting careers around the world.
Take a closer look at some of the careers UBC Sauder alumni have launched.
1. Data scientist at Spotify
The field of data science has a growing demand for workers who can translate technical insights into business solutions—a challenge UBC Sauder’s MBAN program prepares students for.
After graduating from the UBC MBAN program, Ali Dunn (pictured below) joined Spotify’s Algorithmic Responsibility team, where she focuses on assessing the impact of algorithms on audio culture. She feels the program was well suited toward her chosen career path.
“What I’ve taken out of the program and what makes me a great data scientist is my ability to contextualize data problems and translate them into business problems,” she explains. “The UBC MBAN program is really special because it sits at the intersection of data and business and teaches you how to be the communicator between those two worlds.”
Ali also credits her involvement with the Data Feminism Network (DFN), a non-profit she founded during her time at UBC Sauder, with being instrumental in securing her role with Spotify.
DFN focuses on promoting equitable data practices, through live discussions on YouTube with feminist leaders and initiatives such as the book and movie club. Working with the network provided her with valuable leadership experience and opportunities to build connections.
“DFN is such a critical steppingstone in getting this [Spotify] job, and I believe it was the biggest reason I was selected for the position.”
2. Head of procurement strategy at Kraft Heinz
For Bryn Wilkinson (pictured below), pursuing an MBA at UBC Sauder was about positioning himself for a global leadership role.
A background in civil engineering gave Bryn technical expertise, but he realized that to transition into a strategic decision-making position at a multinational level in his career would require a strong foundation in business.
Bryn was drawn to UBC Sauder’s MBA program due to its emphasis on developing a global mindset and merging cultures, as well as the 90-person class size.
“The class size is a huge benefit because you end up with a group of friends from around the world who are all focusing on different streams–whether it be technology and analytics or innovation and entrepreneurship–you build strong relationships in a relatively short time together,” he says.
During his UBC MBA, Bryn developed core skills in finance and project management. He also gained experience leading initiatives as part of the MBA Society’s Executive Council, which helped refine his ability to plan strategically and manage high-level projects.
“That was an especially great experience,” he says. “It gave me new perspectives and helped strengthen skills that were applicable after the program, such as managerial skill sets, high-level planning and strategic thinking.”
After graduation, Bryn joined Kraft Heinz’s Global Procurement Excellence team in Amsterdam as senior manager of strategic projects. Today, his role involves leading transformation initiatives across markets spanning from the US to Australia.
Bryn credits the MBA’s focus on collaboration, leadership, and strategic thinking with preparing him to navigate the complexities of his role.
“Skills from project management to working with different stakeholders that I gained in my MBA I still use today,” he says.
3. Managing director of South Central General Construction
The UBC MM program provides students with a strong foundation in strategic thinking and leadership, skills that are essential for stepping into managerial roles.
Through practical learning, including the three-month Consulting Business Project, and a focus on real-world applications, the MM program prepares students to navigate the challenges of senior management with confidence while remaining adaptable.
For Angelino De Guzman, a UBC MM graduate, the program gave him the ability to upskill within a condensed, high-impact timeframe.
"I wanted a program that would help kickstart my career without the two-year time investment of an MBA,” he says. “The condensed schedule helped me commit myself to talk to professors, attend networking events and learn on the go.”
Mary Cowan, associate director of graduate careers at UBC Sauder, emphasizes the weight the careers team places on these events.
“Networking is central to career success. We facilitate alumni events, industry networking sessions, and direct connections with employers.”
Angelino particularly valued how UBC Sauder elevated his interpersonal skills. Courses such as Corporate Communications played a crucial role in developing his soft skills, positioning him to thrive in team-based environments and workplace settings.
Having worked in various leadership roles with teams at high-end hotel chains, Google and now at his family construction company, Angelino has used these skills to navigate the diverse personalities and dynamics he has encountered.
“What UBC Sauder enabled me to do was give me the confidence in presentation, the confidence in poise and confidence in my own views” he adds.
Whether it’s launching a career as a procurement manager in Amsterdam, working as a data scientist at a global tech giant, or stepping into a leadership role in management, UBC Sauder graduates are prepared to make their mark and the school supports students through career support, networking opportunities, and access to its broad business alumni community.
“Our 1:1 coaching sessions are tailored to help students align their career goals with actionable strategies,” says Mary.
“Our framework is centered around the goal of helping our students get to know themselves. We encourage them to tell their stories, learn through their program experience and explore career opportunities—with the goal that they may know themselves and find what they like or don’t like,” she adds.
