One of Rotman’s mandates is to build women leaders. The Rotman Morning and Evening MBA is proud to showcase women like Nazleen Lobo – a Forte Fellowship recipient who works full-time as a a Research Associate and is currently a student of the Evening MBA program at Rotman. Nazleen shared her experience and gave us some insight about the program.

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at Rotman and what most appealed to you about the Evening MBA format?

After several years of scientific research-focused positions, I realized I wanted to enhance my existing skills with strategic and managerial skills in order to facilitate my progression into healthcare management. I networked extensively and researched a number of business schools to map out a path for myself. The Rotman Morning & Evening MBA program was the only program that would provide me with the opportunity to learn under the guidance of proven business leaders and strategists, and alongside an impressive and driven peer group of students, which would not only equip me with advanced leadership skills, but would also provide me a diverse personal network to tap into. 

The peer group, networking opportunities, top-tier instructors and resources available to us are incredibly valuable.

The Evening part-time format was most appealing to me since it would afford me the flexibility to continue my current role so that I could continue to gain the required work experience, and the opportunity to immediately apply and hone the skills and strategies I learn in a professional setting.

What is the hardest part of the degree? The most rewarding part?

The hardest part of the degree is trying to balance work, school and personal life, and being selective in the activities I participate in. While the obvious temptation is to participate in as much as we can, we must be mindful of the diminishing returns that can occur, which can be hard to recognize in the moment.

Rotman is a world-renowned institution which gives students tried-and-tested practical skills to use in the real world.

The most rewarding part is being encouraged to be introspective, which allows me to better understand my own strengths and weaknesses, and having the resources to tailor my learning experience to both, leverage these inherent strengths and improve upon the weaknesses, with the goal of reaching my full leadership potential.

Do you have any advice to other women who are considering their MBA at Rotman?

My advice is to find a mentor in a role you see yourself in, one who can help you sharpen the view of your ambitions in the context of the current landscape, give you a leader’s perspective on how to get there, and also advocate for you from the inside.

What’s your favorite part about being here at Rotman?

The peer group, networking opportunities, top-tier instructors and resources available to us are incredibly valuable. The opportunities for professional development are also highly engaging and informative. I have joined the Healthcare Management Association at Rotman and have been able to connect with leaders in my own professional organization here, ones I would not normally have the opportunity to interact with otherwise. Additionally, I have had opportunities to participate in case competitions and have been able to experience how our training can be applied to solve real-life business issues.

What do you think other people should know about Rotman?

Rotman is a world-renowned institution which gives students tried-and-tested practical skills to use in the real world. In addition, Rotman has fifteen different majors that students can specialize in and hosts public talks with thought leaders in politics, finance, business, healthcare and innovation. Rotman therefore provides abundant opportunities to tailor your curriculum to suit your interests, and to build your professional network, and rewards those who thoroughly engage with the program.

The Forté Foundation is a consortium of major corporations and top business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, opportunities, and a community of successful women. The Forté Fellows Program was created with the intention of increasing the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by offering fellowships to women. At Rotman over the previous 2 years, over 30 Forté Fellows have been awarded more than $1M in total scholarships. To be considered for a fellowship, you must submit an MBA application – no additional application is required.

To learn more about the Forté Fellowship and the Morning & Evening MBA, contact me-mba@rotman.utoronto.ca.

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