Amanda Jones

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I realized that I wanted to leave the military almost 6 years before I was released, and started researching program options. I knew that I wanted to leave engineering behind and pursue a career that aligned with my passion for improving inclusion and accessibility. In the end, I decided that an MBA was the best route for me because it would open so many doors in the future. Unlike more specialized programs, an MBA would allow me to explore private and public sectors without committing to a particular career path right away (been there, done that!).

What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?

I've learned that there's more than one way to achieve your goals, and that help can come from some unexpected places.

What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?

A lot of alum and (at the time) current students I spoke to said that they came into Ivey with one plan, and left with a totally different career path in mind. Somehow I was still shocked that I have found myself considering the paths I explicitly said I wanted to avoid.

Describe the role you play professionally:

I was an Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, working on the CH146 Griffon and CH147F Chinook helicopters. I started my career in maintenance operations, then moved on to operational support, and in-service equipment support.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most difficult aspect of my job was navigating the politics and power plays of a homogenous organization focused on preserving tradition and public image. When I started my mental health journey and began uncovering the trauma I had buried earlier in my career, it became clear that I did not fit in with the organization. While I was very good at my job, my personal and professional traits were heavily scrutinized for not fitting the typical "straight while male" mould.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?

I don't know if this is my "biggest accomplishment", but it's certainly the coolest thing I've ever done!

My second major posting in the military was to the Air Division in Winnipeg, MB where I was assigned to an operational support role in the maintenance readiness section. I came in for our annual holiday party to find an urgent email that just said "CALL ME!"

The previous evening, a helicopter from one of the squadrons I supported had made an emergency landing in a field in northern Alberta so remote it could only be accessed by another helicopter.

While my colleagues partied I organized experts to make a plan to secure the aircraft over the holiday break, and a preliminary plan to recover the helicopter for review by the Air Force. When we came back in January, expert organizations were tagged to convene in Edmonton to plan how we would execute the recovery. I was selected to be the Division's representative on the ground, since I was the engineer who had led the initial response.

When I landed there were half a dozen groups doing their own thing, so I took up the role of coordinator for the project. Within a week we had designed and tested a hoisting rig, and gotten the engineering and operational approvals to proceed.

We ultimately executed a first-of-its-kind recovery, and a Canadian Chinook delivered the downed Griffon safely back to its home base. We then set about getting it repaired and back into service, which we accomplished before I was posted to my next job.

https://verticalmag.com/news/chinook-retrieves-damaged-griffon-from-remote-training-area/ 

What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?

I usually have at least 2 books on the go at any given time, but since starting school the list has gotten a little out of hand...

Books on my bedside table: The Goal (for operations class), Have You Eaten Grandma?, Designing Your Life, Building Social Business, Good Omens

Books on my e-reader: Interview with the Vampire, Development as Freedom, A World of Curiosities

Audiobooks: You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey, What If? 2, Pandora's Jar

How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc)?

My stress management activities vary based on my mental health on a given day, since my depression symptoms can keep me rooted to the couch.

I try to get some exercise daily, even if that's just walking to/from the bus stop. When I'm feeling good I like to go on longer walks and hikes, as well as taking classes at Hi Ignition Fitness because they have a wide range of workouts.

I've also gotten deep into crafting (autism special interest ftw!), so far I've picked up crochet, needle felting, embroidery, and cross-stitch. I'm planning to start blending these into larger craft displays when I have some spare time....maybe after grad!