Archive for May, 2010
EPIC Vancouver – Sustainability Advice for MBA Students
Posted by: ryan-schmidt in MBA Experience, Sustainability on May 31st, 2010
Ethical. Progressive. Intelligent. Consumer. (Company).
EPIC is Western Canada’s largest sustainable living and working expo. In a city with a plethora of green space, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, and mountain ranges as the backdrop to beautiful ocean views, there’s no surprise that Vancouver has Canada’s strongest sustainability movement. The last weekend of May is witness to an expo that showcases both the new and the tried and true sustainable living strategies. This year it was easy to notice that the show is also integrating sustainability into the workplace.
MBA students with a desire to focus on sustainable business strategies should take notice. As a student of business in the 21st century ethical and sustainable business practices should be absolutely top of mind. As a result, SFU has indoctrinated a full credit ethics course and an equally weighed sustainability course as part of the mandatory curriculum for the SFU Full-Time MBA Program. These courses have been part of the MBA program for three years, and will continue to be a major focus in the one-year MBA degree. Further, sustainability and ethics teachings are making their way into the curriculum of the other core MBA courses. As this article will go on to explain, this idea of integrating sustainability into every-day business is something that the EPIC expo is starting to focus on. One key exhibitor, the David Suzuki Foundation, has a very interesting take on it all. Read the rest of this entry »
Vancouver Canary Derby – SFU MBA Community Engagement
Posted by: ryan-schmidt in Academic Survival on May 21st, 2010
Once the case studies, organizational analysis papers, and mock financial audits are completed, the primary goal for most MBA grads is the job hunt. Of course there are some students who choose to continue on with their education. SFU offers a highly reputed Business PhD Program, and many grads go to other institutions to complete high finance, accounting, economics, or law degrees. For those looking for an immediate career, Vancouver can be a fantastic place to be if the student knows the right people. The SFU MBA Program’s Career Centre rightly points out that the majority of job candidates graduating from an MBA program are hired, or at least interviewed, based on a recommendation to the hiring manager. These recommendations can be gained through simple networking and business community involvement. One extremely valuable networking opportunity, and a worthy charitable cause is the Vancouver Canary Derby. The Canary Derby brings together both large and small Vancouver-based technology companies to raise money for the early detection of cancer (thus the Canary). The companies form teams which fund-raise for the charity along with the construction of a soap-box car which they race against other teams. Anyone can get involved as a volunteer, which allows exposure to executives and hiring managers alike from these technology companies. Read the rest of this entry »
MBA Stress? Canadian Business has a Lot to Offer
Posted by: ryan-schmidt in Academic Survival on May 17th, 2010
In my opinion, Canadian MBA students and students in Vancouver are studying in one of the least stress conductive environments that exist in North America. I’d like to speak for global business and MBA students, however since I haven’t visited any schools outside of the US or Canada, I probably shouldn’t. The reason I speak so boldly about Vancouver has primarily to do with the breadth of healthy, outdoor, nature-based activities and programs. The city is a mecca of study-induced stress relief activities that allow for greater focus and dedication when the student goes back to reading that 50-page case study on the feasibility of a large enterprise takeover. For students at Simon Fraser University’s Graduate Business School, the ocean, hundreds of lakes, the world’s best ski resort, and the beautiful Pacific Northwest is at their doorstep. Read on to learn about some of the favorite activities that current SFU MBA students and Alumni like to enjoy. Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Sustainable Business Planning
Posted by: Jessica Oman in Sustainability on May 14th, 2010
More than just a buzzword, sustainable business is going to become the norm. It has to. Every business has a social, an environmental, and an economic impact. To remain profitable all companies have to focus on sustainability, however the choose to define it.
If your company is interested in being more sustainable, you must first choose what aspect of sustainability – social, environmental, or economic – is most important to the business. Then, choose a pathway that is realistic and achievable. Sustainability activities, like any business activity, should be carefully planned, appropriately implemented, and regularly assessed, or it won’t be successful. So, set goals, create deadlines, and stick to them to gain credibility in the eyes of both internal and external stakeholders. Read the rest of this entry »
SFU MBA Student Testimonial – Why SFU MBA Program
Posted by: Chelsea Guy in Tips on May 12th, 2010
I chose to apply to the Simon Fraser University (SFU), Master of Business Administration (MBA) program for a number of reasons. When I first attended the information session for the MBA Program, I felt instantly comfortable. I felt at ease in the state of the art classroom and I was very encouraged by the faculty that I met from the SFU MBA Program. Altogether, I felt a sense of confidence and warmth, and I was made to feel that I wanted to be a part of this MBA program. Read the rest of this entry »
Why Take a One-Year MBA?
Posted by: ryan-schmidt in Tips on May 5th, 2010
*Used with Permission
Why take a one-year MBA over a two-year or part-time program?
How will a one-year MBA help me gain success with my career goals?
These are all some of the most commonly asked question by students who are considering taking a condensed one-year MBA program over a more traditional program that lasts two years or longer.
There is a full gamut of MBA program choices in North America and Internationally. It’s important to evaluate a number of programs, especially with regard to their length and intensity, to find the one that best suits your profile and personal needs as a student. Read the rest of this entry »
SFU MBA Experience: A Day in the Life of a New Vancouver Entrepreneur
Posted by: Jessica Oman in Student Life on May 3rd, 2010
The routine of working 9-5 isn’t for everyone, and as a young entrepreneur, it certainly isn’t for me. I’ve launched my own business, Write Ahead editing & writing services. This path necessitates that I take what I’ve learned from my recently completed MBA from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, and help businesses write, improve, or revise their business communications. Here is a story about a typical day in my atypical life, and how the SFU MBA helped me develop the skills and confidence to be an entrepreneur in Vancouver. Read the rest of this entry »