Alicia Riolino, Morning MBA ‘19
- Current job title: Principal Consultant, In Nova Consulting
- Previous job title: Director of Research, Diversio
- Previous education: MA, McMaster University
What was the highlight of your Rotman experience?
The highlight of my Rotman experience was finding out I was a recipient of an MBA Research Fellowship with the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE). This opportunity fulfilled one of my goals as an MBA student: contributing to the discourse on gender inequality in business.
What was your main reason for choosing Rotman?
I chose Rotman as I had the opportunity to work with a number of Rotman alumni and saw how integral their management education was to their success. I wanted a rigorous, deep, and meaningful management education; Rotman was clearly the best place for me.
Rotman is the perfect ecosystem for life-long learners to grow in. You are surrounded by some of business’ most innovative minds and colleagues with unparalleled drive and determination.
Do you have any tips for current students in the Morning MBA program?
I believe that it’s important to spend time reflecting. While working and studying at the same time can be challenging, you must stop to recharge in order to fully absorb everything that you are learning. This holds true for school and work. Reflection is a useful tool to ensure that you’re able to understand and directly apply classroom knowledge into the work you do. The same goes in learning from work experiences and applying that in projects and assignments.
How has Rotman’s career services been impactful?
The career services team at Rotman was incredibly helpful and provided critical advice as I was navigating career shifts and changes. The team acted as coaches, helping me elevate my CV and cover letters and infusing me with the confidence to go after my dreams.
How did you maximize your time as a working professional student at Rotman?
In the past 3 years of being a student at Rotman, I partook in a number of experiences that shaped me into the leader I am today. Some of my experiences include being an MBA Research Fellow with GATE, and holding a position as VP of Events for Access to Success-a coalition of graduate business students for supporting MBA students who have a disability. I was also a student leader with Project Affinity- an initiative to make Rotman a more diverse & inclusive place, both socially and culturally.
Take advantage of experiential opportunities like the Creative Destruction Lab and the Business Design Study Tour to New York City. Through Rotman, I was able to learn more about management and myself, and I am now a better leader because of it.
To learn more about the Morning & Evening MBA, visit the MEMBA program website for more information.