Leah Milne
Program / Grad Year: Laurier MBA with Co-op 2011
Previous Education: Honours Psychology, University of Waterloo
Coop Work Term Employer: Digital Marketing Intern, Smuckers Foods of Canada
How has the Laurier MBA help your career?
Through my first co-op work placement I have obtained so many opportunities that will open up my career. It was difficult to find a job when I graduated from my undergrad, especially in the midst of the recession. Although I established a job with a renowned insurance company, it was not the career path I wanted to follow. The MBA program has already opened up many potential long term employment prospects in a field about which I am truly passionate.
What opportunities has your MBA degree provided?
I could write a novel with all of the opportunities that the Laurier MBA degree has provided; however, I will highlight three of my favourites here.
One of the greatest opportunities was the integrated core. I had a limited background in business and the integrated core brought everyone on to the same page. It also gave students the opportunity to collaborate together in groups on real industry projects.
Another opportunity was the co-op program. My first co-op position has been one of the most positive work experiences I have ever had. I have been given the opportunity to work on critical digital decisions for the company. I make decisions that affect the strategies of multiple brands and have gained incomparable knowledge and understanding in the consumer packaged goods industry.
Finally, through the MBA I have been able to attend major conferences, seminars and case competitions. These seminars have afforded me the ability to add to my growing knowledge base in business, and apply this information to my courses and co-op placement.
What have you like most about your Laurier experience?
I truly enjoyed learning and working within a small class. This provided all of the students the opportunity to get to know one another and interact professionally with one another. One of the most celebrated aspects about this program is that every student has a unique background. Each student truly has something new to bring to the table and I feel that I was able to learn beyond the classroom in my interactions.
Laurier also has a fantastic faculty who truly have an open door policy. You are not just a student number; each of the professors learns your name and candidly welcomes discussions, questions and comments.
Finally, Laurier provided multiple ways of getting involved. The students’ association, conferences, clubs, groups, social events and case competitions are just a few of the opportunities that are offered to get the student body involved. There is a wide range of diverse activities or events for everyone, no matter what interests each student has.
What are your future career aspirations?
I’m interested in working within the marketing field, perhaps applying marketing and problem-solving skills within an analyst position. I would like to eventually be responsible for planning and implementing marketing and communications programs to support a large organization. I would like to undertake and oversee a range of functions to ensure all Business Development, Marketing, Communications, Brand Management, and Client and Partner Relations initiatives within an organization run efficiently and effectively.