Jubin Alex

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I chose to pursue an MBA to transition from being a frontline healthcare worker to becoming deeply involved in key decision-making processes in any sector. My goal is to grow as a leader while enhancing my business acumen. I recognized that an MBA would challenge me to acquire new skills and knowledge that I might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, the program offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering both personal and professional growth.

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

At Ivey, the most significant thing I've learned is the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Coming from a nontraditional background, I found the courses demanding heavy quantitative analysis particularly challenging. I knew from the start that I would need to work even harder to keep up with my studies while managing other commitments.

This experience pushed me to sharpen my skills and become more adaptable. Despite the initial difficulties, I've grown more confident in my quantitative abilities, and it's an area I continue to work on. Additionally, working under pressure allowed me to bring my unique perspective to solving problems in class and actively contribute to the collective learning experience. The discussions and learnings from class has also given me new perspective in my daily life.

It's easy to feel "imposter syndrome" in such a rigorous program, but I've learned that every student brings unique strengths to the classroom. It's crucial to build on your weaknesses in this safe learning environment. Ivey has taught me that growth comes from facing challenges head-on and that perseverance and adaptability are key to success.

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

The most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey has been the diversity in the classroom, both in the people and the cases we study. I knew I’d learn a lot, but I didn’t expect just how much I’d gain from the experiences of my peers. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and when you mix those different backgrounds and perspectives in classroom discussions, it creates something special. It’s been eye-opening to see how much you can learn just by being around such a diverse and talented group of people. That’s been the biggest and most rewarding surprise for me.

Ivey in a few words:

Transformative, Collaborative, and Rigorous.