Jon Bertulli

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I have wanted to come to Ivey for MBA since high school so it has always been part of my career goals. I decided to apply for the 2023 cohort because I had spent 3 years at my last company and I felt it was time for me to make a change and grow my career in a new direction.

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

Course related: I just finished the Data Management elective and, since I don't have a technical background, I learned a lot from that course!

Generally: that I'm more capable than I thought I was. I know everyone asks themselves "how did I get in" at once point or another but I still have those days so I have to keep reminding myself of all the really cool things I've had the opportunity to do here!

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

There are 2 pieces of Ivey advice most often given to students: a) the program is a lot of work and b) there's a method to the madness here

I cannot express how true both of these are and the second one really hit me after core 1 when I was having a conversation with someone outside the program and realized that I had learned more than I thought I did and that it had actually sunk in.

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

Atomic Habits by James Clear - I was late to the game on that one and funny enough I probably need it the most; I haven't made it a habit of reading it often enough so I've re-started it twice and never made it past the fourth chapter!