Basma Anabtawi
Program / Grad Year: Laurier MBA with Co-op 2010
Previous Education: BSc. Honours Biomedical Sciences, University of Waterloo ’08
Employment prior to the Laurier MBA: Quality Inspection, RIM
Current Employment: Business Analyst – Supply Chain & Customer Logistics, Johnson & Johnson
Coop Work Term Employer(s): Quality Product Manager, General Motors and Project Manager, Johnson & Johnson
Why did you choose Laurier for your MBA degree?
The School’s reputation, flexibility and environment were the key elements to my decision in choosing the Laurier MBA. Wilfrid Laurier has developed a reputation across Canada as an exceptional business school in leadership development. This reputation combined with the flexibility to offer in a variety of streams and specializations within the program were the key to my decision.
Lastly and most importantly for me was the fit. I was determined to attend a school that created an environment to foster growth and personal development. The Laurier administration team has been of the most incredible and supportive teams I have ever met. Their true dedication to bring out the best in every student, holds true from admissions to graduation.
How did the Laurier MBA help your career?
Laurier has allowed me to gain confidence in my abilities to tackle the biggest challenges. Knowing I have the core elements and background to deal with new situations is truly priceless.
From an educational point of view I was lacking business knowledge and this made me hesitant on my ability to succeed in the program. However, with the help of the professors at Laurier and the resources available, I was able to combine my analytical science background with the leadership skills I developed in the MBA. This has provided me with a well-rounded skill set that I am able to rely on, on a daily basis.
What opportunities has your MBA degree provided?
The MBA has given me numerous opportunities , but most importantly the opportunity to network in the classroom with a high calibre of men and women from many difference industries and levels of experience. I graduated knowing these are life long friends who will maintain the Laurier brand.
What did you like most about your Laurier experience?
The team development over my 20 month journey was one of the most memorable experiences for me. Learning to work as a team with people from a wide spectrum of academic backgrounds and cultures has been nothing short of incredible. The truth is, you never choose who you work with in the real world and learning to overcome personal differences is a lifelong skill that everyone must learn in order to succeed. The team-element of the Laurier MBA has definitely been a phenomenal experience in learning to manage expectations and focus on the big picture view.
What are your career aspirations?
My career aspirations are to gain entry into the Health Care Management industry in Canada. Having a background in Biomedical Sciences combined with the Strategic Management MBA, can open many doors for performance improvements and operations management within a hospital or pharmaceutical setting. Laurier has helped me in gaining a great start to my career aspirations with entry to an incredible and reputable pharmaceutical corporation, J&J. I know this is just the beginning for great opportunities in my future.