Joel MacPherson

Why DeGroote?

A resilient community that embraces change allows for the proper transformation to become the best leader you can be. DeGroote offered me the opportunity to challenge myself and take on new opportunities to expand my knowledge and meet individuals with diverse backgrounds that I had yet to work with.

Why an MBA?

I wanted to do my MBA to build on my experiences and open up more opportunities for career development. The knowledge gained from an MBA is priceless and the applications of my knowledge allows me take on any organizational issues and properly solve It using my gained education.

What surprised you about DeGroote?

The passion, dedication and resilience that all students and faculty show. The culture is very supportive and everyone is willing to help you to achieve your best.

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

Beginning a new journey is always hard, but once you’ve started it, you’ll be grateful you did. Don’t hold back from applying because the only person who is going to initiate change in your life – is you. Don’t keep waiting for change to come to you.

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

Along with meeting new lifelong friends and gaining the knowledge from many different facets of business that I was unaware of – in such a high level of academia, a large highlight has been working in the Pitching in for Charity case competition. Getting to work alongside with a charity and helping them find solutions to their current challenges speaks to the current issues that MBA students are posed with solving. This real, personalized experience has allowed me to implement a lot of my learnings to the challenge in hopes of winning the charity money to implement our ideas.

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

• Pitching in for Charity Competition

• DeGroote MBA Ambassador Program

• Peer mentor program

• General Member of Clubs

Tell us one fun fact about you!

I hope to open my own bakery one day!