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 Student Name: Sean McAlpine
MBA, University of Saskatchewan
University previously attended: University of Saskatchewan
Degree obtained: BE in chemical engineering
Country of Origin: Canada
Career History
After receiving my engineering degree, I went to work for Weyerhaeuser Canada, Prince Albert Pulp and Paper as an environmental process engineer. This job entailed analysis, design, and control of the effluent treatment system and reporting to various government offices. After three years I moved into the pulp mill where I worked on the pulp finishing line and pulp quality. I later became the customer service manager for the pulp mill. My responsibilities expanded to supervision of the laboratory. I continued in this capacity until the mill was shut down due to market forces.
The MBA Decision
When I was laid off, I realized that my skill set was primarily technical in an industry that was contracting. I had to choose between moving my family and taking a chance with another pulp mill or making my skills more widely demanded. Because my interests and duties tended toward strategy and business improvement, I decided to base my upgrade on this foundation. It soon became clear that an MBA was the choice for me. I started looking at programs and registered for the GMAT. I chose the University of Saskatchewan for a number of reasons.
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Location: My wife is completing her Bachelor of Nursing in Prince Albert. The Saskatoon campus allowed me to keep my house and family while pursuing full-time studies.
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Schedule: The U of S MBA program takes 12 months to complete. This was a perfect fit for me, as it will allow me to re-enter the job market at the same time my wife was finishing her degree.
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Reputation: As an alumnus, I know the reputation of graduates of the University of Saskatchewan. They are known to be well trained and hard working. I used this as a factor in hiring decisions I have made in the past.
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Program design: The program uses "just-in-time" learning. This means that concepts are applied as soon as they are learned. This is how managers in the business environment learn. It is also integrated. The first semester integrates marketing, accounting, finance, and human resource management in one class. Instead of separating these subjects, professors teach them together to mirror the integrated nature of decisions that managers make and execute.
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Program specialization: The University of Saskatchewan offers program specialties in agribusiness, biotech, health services, indigenous management, and international business. In addition, the instructors are willing and able to customize content based on student needs.
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Network: The U of S provides access to business leaders in Saskatchewan, Canada, and worldwide. There are many networking opportunities and the faculty is able to connect students with any business they are interested in. The project in business research methodology is a great opportunity for students to work in an industry they may want to base their career in.
My Focus
My experience is in pulp and paper manufacturing in Saskatchewan. I realize the importance of exporting to our province and country. I also know the cost of wrong export decisions and the troubles caused by inappropriate international strategy. For these reasons I chose the international business management specialization. This specialization is a perfect fit for where I see my career going. It also provides skills that expand Canada's ability to create wealth through international trade.
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