Smarth Narula

Where did you live before you joined Ivey?

Mississauga, Canada

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I decided to pursue an MBA because, at my core, I am a scientist. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of understanding the business operations side of science. Witnessing the rapid development, manufacturing, and distribution of vaccines, along with the market awareness, customer response, and supply chain challenges, made me realize there was a whole other side of science I had not explored.

An MBA serves as a bridge for me to fuse my scientific background with the business acumen I will gain, enabling me to better and more holistically understand the healthcare space. This program will enhance my problem-solving skills and equip me with the knowledge to drive innovation and improve healthcare delivery. By combining my scientific expertise with business insights, I aim to contribute to the advancement of healthcare in a comprehensive and impactful way.

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

The most significant thing I've learned at Ivey is that there isn't always a clear-cut solution to most of the case problems. Success often lies in the ability to back up your decisions with thoughtful and well-reasoned analysis.

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 incredible talent and diversity in the class. Engaging with experts from various fields, from Six Sigma to former healthcare workers, has made class discussions both fun and insightful.

Ivey in a few words:

Transformative and collaborative!