Murtaza Nadeem

Where did you live before you joined Ivey?

Karachi, Pakistan

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I decided to pursue an MBA to broaden my business perspective through engaging discussions with classmates and faculty. As a new immigrant, I wanted to understand the financial sector and the economy of Canada and Ivey’s MBA program provided me with the opportunity to learn about the different industries and depth of the economy.

Ivey's case learning methodology provided a unique opportunity to learn in an applicative environment. Furthermore, I envisioned to pivot my career towards clean energy and Ivey’s MBA program would help facilitate my career transition toward the renewable energy industry and help me build a strong personal and professional network to enhance my career prospects.

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

One of the most significant things I have learned at Ivey is the importance of diversity and how it enhances quality. For the duration of core courses, we were assigned team members from different parts of the globe and various professional backgrounds, including engineering, consulting, finance, marketing, sales, supply chain, and technology etc. Each team member brought a unique, value-adding perspective that greatly enriched our collective thought process. This diversity not only improved our project outcomes but also highlighted the broader benefits of diverse teams in the workplace. Moreover, this also helped develop trust over class fellows and team members.

Through these experiences, I also learned how embracing diversity could lead to more innovative solutions, better decision-making, and a more inclusive environment, which are crucial for the success of any organization or society. Likewise, a diverse workforce would contribute significantly to the overall economy of Canada by fostering creativity, driving economic growth, and ensuring that various cultural and professional insights are leveraged to their fullest potential.

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

Discovering the importance of being organized has been one of the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey for me. The Ivey MBA program is demanding, with moments that require meticulous time management and prioritization. I've learned that being organized is crucial to navigating thorough the tough times. Effective use of time can help one to balance coursework, team projects, personal commitments and efforts towards recruitment. This is instrumental in managing the program's intensity and will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career.

Ivey in a few words:

An exhilarating journey of highs and lows—truly one of the most remarkable years of my life.