Smiley Bhayee

Where did you live before you joined Ivey?

Toronto, Canada

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I decided to pursue my MBA to pivot into a new career path and step outside of my comfort zone. Returning to school to gain new skills and knowledge was a key motivator for me. Since my undergrad, I have been interested in consulting as a potential career path but was uncertain about how to make the transition or if it was the right fit. After networking and conducting further research, I realized that an MBA would be the perfect stepping stone for individuals like me to successfully shift industries while exploring other opportunities. One of the most exciting aspects of the MBA is the chance to learn and grow alongside people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. As a continuous learner and aspiring consultant, I sought ways to challenge myself, meet new people, and advance my professional journey.

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

One of the most significant lessons I've learned at Ivey so far is the power of teamwork and knowledge sharing. At Ivey, we have the opportunity to work in teams in every class, and it has been an incredible experience collaborating with my classmates to generate innovative and influential ideas. The diversity of the cohort enables us to view topics from different perspectives, which has expanded my thinking in ways I hadn't anticipated. Different opinions, viewpoints, and ideas enhance our collective knowledge at Ivey, and this collaborative approach is something I look forward to bringing into my professional journey. Although we are all capable, smart, and creative individuals, our ideas and solutions become much more powerful when we work together.