Julia Westenberger

Why DeGroote?

I chose DeGroote because of its inclusive and supportive culture. From the first recruitment event I attended, I was excited about the opportunity to become part of the DeGroote Family. The location of the school, its reputation and the unique design of the co-op program made the decision for DeGroote an easy one.

Why an MBA?

I decided to do my MBA, because I wanted to grow my business knowledge, strengthen my leadership skills and gain real world work experience outside of the classroom through the co-op placements. The MBA program offers endless opportunities to not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also develop soft skills and learn from a diverse group of classmates.

What surprised you about DeGroote?

What surprised me most about DeGroote was experiencing the endless support of staff, faculty and fellow students first-hand. Everyone is extremely supportive and wants to see each other succeed. Knowing that there is always somebody available to support me on my MBA journey has been priceless and speaks to the unique culture at DeGroote!

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

Don’t question your ability to succeed in the program! No matter your background or prior experiences, the MBA at DeGroote supports the success of each student individually and every opinion matters. Your MBA experience is what you make of it, so use every chance to get to know your peers, professors and the DeGroote team and step out of your comfort zone!

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

The highlight of my DeGroote experience so far have been the incredible friends I have made. Moving to a foreign country to start a master’s degree comes with challenges, but the people I have met have made settling in easy and have become a family away from home. Additionally, collaborating with other students from a diverse range of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds has been a fantastic learning experience.

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

• Pitching in for Charity Competition

Tell us one fun fact about you!

I love traveling and going to concerts – combining the two is my favourite thing to do!