While completing her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Guelph in 2018, Kenzie Garton had the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from then Acting Dean, Mark Vandenbosch, about the early unveiling of the MSc Digital Management program.

“It was always a dream of mine to pursue a Master’s degree at Ivey Business School because I understood the significant value of the Ivey experience and the Alumni Network,” says Garton. Coming out of her undergraduate experience, Garton realized she wanted to take a unique approach to her career by combining business and technology.

Excited to be a part of the first cohort for the MSc Digital Management program, Garton came in with two goals in mind:

Goal 1

Connect and learn from my peers and professors to learn how to approach complex problems through various lenses

“In the classroom, there was so much diversity across backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and languages that all contributed to a rich learning environment and provided different perspectives to the case methodology.”

And, through Ivey’s celebrated student experience, Garton quickly developed friendships that would last a lifetime. “A special moment for me was being with all my classmates in person for the first convocation of the Digital Management program and the Ivey Pledge ceremony. The day was made even more special as I was recognized as an Ivey Scholar.”

Goal 2

Develop a robust resume and network to set the foundation for my career

“Coming into the Digital Management program, I recognized that my resume was limited when it came to work experience and extracurricular activities,” says Garton. “I knew Ivey would provide opportunities for me to join clubs, committees, and case competitions, and access to part-time positions that would enhance my resume and round out my skillsets.”

Some of Garton’s activities during her time at Ivey included:

• Hiring panel for a second Thompson Chair between Western Engineering and Ivey Business School;
• 1st place in the 2021 Digital Management Case Competition;
• 3rd place in the 2021 Rotman Design Challenge (MBA-Level);
• VP of Engagement for MSc Entrepreneurship Club; and,
• Part-time Marker for Design Driven Innovation course.

Upon completion of the Digital Management program, Garton was hired by Weight Watchers Canada as a Product Manager for the Chat and AI Chatbot team. The Ivey Alumni Network played a critical role in the recruitment and selection process, she says.

Garton now works as a Product Manager of the Enterprise Digital Strategy team with CIBC. Her team takes an enterprise lens that is focused on defining, driving, and delivering a unified and aligned digital future for the bank along with value-based outcomes.

“Through strategic alignment of business acumen and technological expertise, I've successfully secured a role that resides at the dynamic intersection of business, strategy, and technology, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of innovation and growth.”