Ariel Gardner

Why DeGroote?

I choose DeGroote because of its tight-knit community and its supportive culture. Everyone you meet at DeGroote are always eager to provide support and cheer you on, whether it be the Student Experience team, your fellow students, professors, and even alumni. The collaborative environment paired with the applied learning style of the program sets you up for success and provides you with the tools needed to accomplish your goals.

Why an MBA?

I decided to pursue my MBA  to help strengthen my skill set and formally develop my business acumen to put me in a stronger position to achieve my future career goals. Coming from a Kinesiology background, I had very limited experience and knowledge within business. I knew that the MBA program at DeGroote was the next step to help close my knowledge gap and provide me with the opportunity to gain real world experience through the co-op opportunities.

What surprised you about DeGroote?

What surprised me most about DeGroote was the number of opportunities available to explore different career paths and industries, apart from the co-op experiences. DeGroote puts a tremendous amount of effort into organizing events to connect with industry leaders, hear from alumni and gain industry relevant skills.

What piece of advice would you give to anyone considering doing their MBA at DeGroote?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This is the time to try something new, pursue your interests, and challenge yourself.

What has been the highlight of your DeGroote experience so far?

As someone who loves to collaborate, being able to work with a variety of different teams throughout my courses has been my favourite part of the program.

Aside from being an MBA Student Ambassador, what other extra-curricular activities have you been involved with while at DeGroote?

• DeGroote MBA Students Instagram Team

Tell us one fun fact about you!

I love to roller blade and ice skate.