In the third part and the most sought after part of the interview with Imran Kanga, we discuss the Curriculum Structure and the Post-MBA opportunities at Schulich School of Business.
Schulich offers 18 specializations. Among them, which are the top 3 in popularity? When can students start their specialization?
Students choose their electives and specializations in the 2nd year of the program and have the opportunity to specialize in up to two areas. Many of our students combine Marketing with Strategy, or Finance and Strategy for example. Students are also able to combine functional specializations such as Marketing or Finance with one of our many industry specializations – everything from global mining and retail to health, entertainment or real estate and infrastructure. This ability to combine functional areas with industries helps differentiate our graduates. There is a lot of choice and flexibility given to students that allow them to customize the program to meet their individual needs.
The three most popular specializations are Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Management.
Finance/Accounting, Consulting, and Marketing seem to be the most popular post-MBA job function at Schulich. How does the curriculum help candidates find expertise in these functions?
I think this is a function of the world-class faculty that teaches at Schulich as well as our close relationships with industry. Our curriculum is constantly revamped and revised to ensure that it remains relevant to the current business environment. We are regularly adding new courses and programs in partnership with industry leaders and organizations while removing courses that are no longer relevant. Going beyond the classroom, students learn by going out into the industry and affecting change within organizations. (Strategic Field Study).
What role does the career service team play at finding post-MBA opportunities?
Our Career Development Centre (CDC) is responsible for helping students find jobs post-graduation. Throughout the two-year MBA program, the CDC organizes weekly on-campus recruitment and networking events where students get to interact closely with senior management, HR managers, and Schulich Alumni. The CDC is responsible for mentoring and coaching students through the entire recruitment life cycle, starting from building a resume to preparing for interviews and negotiating employment contracts and is instrumental in helping students find careers that suit their profiles and interests.
What percentage of Schulich international MBA candidates received job offers in Canada?
About 60% of IMBA graduates work in Canada, and 40% work globally, however, this varies from year to year based on student preference.
How should an International MBA candidate customize the curriculum to find opportunities in Canada post-MBA?
Year 2 of the IMBA program is the same as the MBA because students in either program pick their own courses and customize the curriculum based on their interests and career objectives.
What are some of the other post-MBA placement trends
On the Admissions front, a trend we see right now is a large increase in applications from international students due to the political climate in the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to Mr. Minoo Bhutani, Director of Schulich’s Career Development Centre, many companies, particularly in the IT sector, are also moving their operations to Canada and so Canada is seeing an increase in and technology roles for MBA graduates. This includes managerial roles in Banking, Fintech, Operations, Financial Services and increased employment in tech startups which are growing rapidly in Toronto.
Amazon, for example, began its Canadian operations 5 years ago and is now the top recruiter at Schulich. Salary levels are also rising as companies are competing for the top talent from Canadian business schools.
In terms of international mobility, Canada remains the destination of choice for most international students, given the post-graduation work opportunities as well as immigration pathways.
What percentage of the MBA Class successfully switched job functions? How can career switchers get maximum value out of Schulich MBA Curriculum?
About 50% of the students in the MBA program is looking to make a career shift, either in the industry, or function, or both. Students have an easier time switching functions within the same industry rather than switching industries. This is not an easy question to answer, and we do not track these numbers. However, I can say that students who can demonstrate that they have transferable skills or industry knowledge have found it easier to make this transition.
With all the resources available, starting from our career coaching and advising, to networking opportunities, alumni connections, live consulting projects, case competitions, student clubs as well as functional and industry specializations, students who graduate from the Schulich School of Business have been successful in making career transitions into diverse industries.
Reference
Schulich MBA Employment Report
Schulich MBA Curriculum
About Imran Kanga
After completing a BA (Hons) Business Economics from York University in 2006, Imran Kanga went on to pursue a career in Capital Markets and Private Equity in India for 3 years and then completed the International MBA program at the Schulich School of Business, York University in 2010.
Upon graduation Mr. Kanga began his career in Higher Education first as Associate Director of Schulich's MBA in India program and currently as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions for the MBA and IMBA program at the Schulich School of Business.