When Sergio Gomes was considering MBA programs, he expected to head south of the border. Instead he found what he needed close to home.
The idea of attending a big-name school in the U.S. sounded appealing, but Gomes ultimately decided it would be more valuable for him to do an MBA at Ivey and join Ivey’s alumni network. During the program he expanded his network of contacts to include future leaders at almost every major Canadian company, and bonded with his classmates, who he also sees as valuable resources.
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“I have met some great people and developed friendships that will last a lifetime,” he said. “I work with top-notch classmates possessing diverse perspectives, skills and international experience.”
He also helped his classmates build a network of contacts. Gomes was co-president of the MBA Consulting Club and helped organize a series of events to help students prepare for careers in management consulting. One of these events was a “Super Saturday” mock-interview in Toronto. The event involved Ivey alumni from some of the top firms in the industry interviewing and providing feedback to current students.
“So far I have been amazed with the quality of the Ivey network,” he said. “Whenever I meet Ivey alums, I am impressed that they are consistently approachable and willing to give back – just like those before them have done.”
In addition to the Ivey network, Gomes was intrigued by Ivey’s Case-Method of Learning and said it was a great way for him to learn.
“The case method was a revelation for me. I believe it is the best way for talented people with great work experience to learn,” he said. “Each class feels like a management meeting where you identify a problem, break it down, and determine the actions you must take as a senior leader. You get a lot from your classmates.”
Gomes worked at BMO before deciding to take a leave of absence to pursue an MBA. After graduating, he will return to BMO as a senior manager. He said the Ivey MBA, particularly the Career Management program, greatly helped him to develop his career path.
“I now have a better understanding of the things I have done well and my developmental opportunities going forward. I also have a much clearer understanding of the type of career I want to have and what it takes to be a successful leader,” he said. “The Ivey MBA has armed me with the skills, network and leadership perspective that will allow me to grow with BMO. I’m ready to keep learning about the organization, execute changes where I can, and have a long career there.”
He also said the MBA program gave him a new perspective on leadership.
“My professors and classmates have helped me to recognize the standards necessary to be a successful professional manager. It’s about possessing drive, having integrity and the ability to ask tough questions and make difficult decisions,” he said. “I believe this perspective will allow me to make an impact on my organization throughout all the different phases of my career.”
