Sophie Adams
Home Town/Home Country: New York (NY, USA)
Year of Graduation: 2012
IM Program Minor: International Relations
Second Concentration: Finance
IM Program Language: Italian
Other Languages: Spanish, French
International Learning Experience: Internship in Barcelona and exchange to ESADE (Barcelona, Spain)
Current Occupation: Analyst in Loan Syndications Capital Markets Group, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (New York, NY, USA)
Why the IM Program?
I chose the program for its international aspect, which includes international business study, a minor outside the faculty, and a requirement to study abroad. Perhaps the most important part of the IM program for me was the Experiential Learning component (internship and exchange). This is where theory and practice came together and what I had learned in the classroom was applied to real life experiences.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
The best part of my international experience was learning about new cultures, meeting new people from all over the world, being able to change my lifestyle and learn about someone else's, and practicing the language I've been learning.
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
The international experience and wide variety of courses taken at McGill helped enhance my CV. Recruiters found these two things very impressive.
Annaliese Behrens
Home Town/Home Country: Rossland (BC, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2011
IM Program Minor: Environmental Studies
IM Program Language: French
International Learning Experience: Internship at International Diabetes Foundation (Brussels, Belgium)
Current Occupation: Master of Public Policy student, University of Calgary (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Why the McGill IM Program?
The IM program gave me a very broad study base within my Commerce degree. I was able to study French as well as to pursue my interests by minoring in Environmental Studies and taking electives in International Development, while gaining an excellent Management education. The International Management Major provides more flexibility than some other majors because it allows students to take a broad range of courses from different departments.
What was the best aspect of your International Experience component?
The best aspect of my international learning experience was meeting new people while abroad. I was able to make lasting friendships and begin to network for future job opportunities. The opportunity to live and work in a different country was extremely rewarding.
How does the IM program help you with your current studies?
The business courses I did while completing my undergrad have proven to be especially helpful in my post graduate studies. I am studying Energy and Environmental Policy; thus, having a background in Environment is very helpful. I hope to focus my Capstone Project on International Development and will definitely apply the knowledge I acquired during my International Management Program.
Denise Chan
Home Town/Home Country: Vancouver (BC, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2011
IM Program Minor: Economics
Second Concentration: Finance
IM Program Language: French
Other Languages: Chinese/Cantonese
International Learning Experience: Internship at Femmes et Villes/Women in Cities (Montreal, QC, Canada) and exchange to IESEG Paris, France
Current Occupation: MSc in Local Economic Development student, London School of Economics (London, United Kingdom)
Why the IM Program?
The International Management Program provided flexibility in course choices. Not only did it give credits for taking a language as well as courses for a minor in the Arts department, but it also provided the opportunity to do internships and exchanges that count towards the degree.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
My internship broadened the scope for learning by providing me the opportunity to experience a real-life setting. During my studies at IESEG, I was able to engage with many international students from all around the world.
How does the IM program help you with your current studies?
Through my minor in Economics, I was able to take some courses in economic development, in addition to a strategy course named “Strategies in Developing Countries”. The courses opened my eyes to the field of economic development.
Erin Ferraris
Home Town/Home Country: Ottawa (ON, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2012
IM Program Minor: Political Science
IM Program Language: Spanish
Other Languages: French
International Learning Experience: Exchange to ESADE (Barcelona, Spain)
Current Occupation: Business Analyst in Management Consulting, McKinsey & Co. (Montreal, QC, Canada)
Why the IM Program?
I chose the Major in International Management mainly because I was looking for a university program that would be broad, stimulating, and interdisciplinary. The program gave me the flexibility to explore and connect a variety of areas of study, including philosophy, economics, language, politics, business strategy, and sustainability, while still allowing me to develop a framework of specialized skills to build my career.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
My exchange to ESADE in Barcelona gave me the chance to see how other universities view international business education. It allowed me to connect with an entirely new network of individuals and opportunities, and helped me discover where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do going forward. The exposure to new ideas and new courses was invaluable. Living in Barcelona was the opportunity of a lifetime! I loved travelling locally and across Europe and having this new playground of a city at my doorstep. I took the Easter break (10+ days in Spain) to cycle a portion of the Camino de Santiago - a trip I will never forget.
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
The IM program provides a great combination of practical business skills and general problem-solving and critical thinking development, all of which are necessary in management consulting.
Clothilde Goujard
Home Town/Home Country: Montreal (QC, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2013
IM Program Minor: Global Governance
IM Program Languages: Spanish and Arabic
Other Languages: French
International Learning Experience: Internship at the Washington Centre (Washington D.C., USA)
Current Occupation: Master of Arts in International Journalism student, City University London (London, UK)
Why the IM Program?
I chose the International Management Major because of its broad and diverse curriculum. I wanted to have some management knowledge while being able to practice and learn new languages. Additionally, it provided me with the opportunity to pursue courses in communications, sociology and political science. Furthermore, the open-mindedness and range of experiences of the international student body appealed to me since I love to learn from my professors as well as my peers.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
The best aspect of my international learning experiences was to be able to learn about myself. I discovered what I was good at, what I needed to improve, and most importantly, what I wanted to do with my life.
How does the IM program help you with your current studies?
The Major in International Management helps me with my studies in countless ways. I am able to have a much broader perspective. For instance, in a management class, I am able to use my political and sociological knowledge to think critically. It also helps to make choice in my life as a citizen. I am aware of the economic and managerial imperatives but I am also able to better envision the social and democratic consequences of these managerial actions.
Radhia Houidi
Home Town/Home Country: Morocco
Year of Graduation: 2012
IM Program Minor: Political Science
IM Program Language: Spanish
Other Languages: Arabic, French
International Learning Experience: Internship at World Bank (New York, NY, USA) and exchange to Sciences Po (Paris, France)
Current Occupation: Stock Analyst - Off Cycle Intern, Goldman Sachs (United Kingdom)
Why the IM Program?
I chose the program due to its diversity of courses and its international exchange and internship component. My experience at Sciences Po was particularly rewarding, since it provided an opportunity to study my minor, Political Science, at one of the most renowned universities in that discipline.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
The best part of my internship was learning in a real professional environment and building a network.
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
The Major in International Management is directly linked to my current position. My employer was looking for someone with previous exposure to different ways of thinking, as well as the ability to understand the economy in a holistic manner and to communicate efficiently in a cosmopolitan environment.
The diversity of the IM Program curriculum taught me to be adaptable in order to manage the different aspects of the program. This skill set has been invaluable to me in my work in Investment Banking.
Lauren Hutchison
Home Town/Home Country: North Berwick (Scotland, UK)
Year of Graduation: 2012
IM Program Minor: Economics
IM Program Languages: Spanish
Other Languages: Italian
International Learning Experience: Exchange to Bocconi University (Milan, Italy) and an International Research Project
Current Occupation: Graduate student in Law and Trainee Solicitor, Ashurst LLP (London, UK) - commencing September 2013
Why the IM program?
I chose the IM program because it was the most globally focused and holistic program available at McGill. The programme allowed me to pursue non-management topics that not only sparked my interest but also allowed me to develop into a more well-rounded candidate in preparation for future job opportunities. The promotion of language skills and international exchanges has had an immense impact on me and has prepared me for an internationally exciting career.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
My exchange year was one of the best years of my life. I was able to thoroughly explore Italy and many other corners of Europe. It also allowed me to build up a strong, international network of friends, faculty and professionals who have provided opportunities for internships following my graduation. It was whilst in Italy, under the tuition and guidance of a particular professor, that I decided on my career path and I am exceedingly appreciative for having had this opportunity.
How does the IM program help you with your current studies?
The IM program prepared me for a legal career by providing a framework emphasizing the balance between legal advice and commercial reality. The IM program allows you to become a more globally-conscious individual with a keen sense of problem-solving. It additionally equips you with the requisite communication skills to prosper in an international market.
Hugo Margoc
Home Town/Home Country: Banska Bystrica (Slovakia)
Year of Graduation: 2013
IM Program Minor: International Relations
IM Program Languages: French
Other Languages: English, German, Czech, Slovakian, and Spanish
International Learning Experience: Exchange to Paris Dauphine (Paris, France) and internship at MiC Custom Solutions, Austria
Current Occupation: Law student, McGill University (Montreal, Canada)
Why the IM program?
The IM Program provides students with the flexibility to explore various fields of study outside of the Faculty of Management. It also creates opportunities to take advantage of the full range of cultures within the University. Moreover, the exposure to different disciplines fosters multidimensional analytical thought, which was a useful tool for my further studies in law school.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
I really enjoyed meeting new people and making friends from all over the world on my exchange in France.
How does the IM program help you with your current studies?
I am benefiting from my sharpened analytical skills, acquired during my undergraduate studies at McGill.
Robert McDonald
Home Town/Home Country: Gormley (ON, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2013
IM Program Minor: East Asian Cultural Studies
IM Program Language: Mandarin
International Learning Experience: Exchange to Peking University (Beijing, China)
Currently Occupation: Seeking employment
Why the IM Program?
We live in an increasingly globalized business community of which East Asia is an integral part. I really wanted to go on exchange to study commerce in China - this was the most practical road. It also provided me with the opportunity to balance my management studies with some Liberal Arts.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
Going on exchange helped ground my East Asian Cultural studies in reality and gave color to new studies after returning; a chance to 'put the rubber to the road' so to speak. Cultural intelligence and sensitivity is a necessary foundation for the development of personal relationships, and personal relations are the cornerstone of business success, especially in China. I thought I had a good grasp on doing business in China before I went to China. I quickly realized how much I had to learn once I arrived. The personal development that grew out of the friendships, memories, and unforgettable life experiences in China is immeasurable.
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
A commerce degree is common. A commerce degree complimented by personalized exposure to a new language, culture, and business community is unique.
Michaella Munyuzangabo
Home Town/Home Country: Rwanda
Year of Graduation: 2012
IM Program Minor: International Development Studies
Second Concentration: Strategy
IM Program Language: French
Other Languages: Kinyarwanda
International Learning Experience: Internship at Cogito Media Group (Montreal, QC, Canada)
Currently Occupation: Business Analyst, Target Canada (Toronto, ON, Canada)
Why the IM Program?
I was not sure which field I wanted to work in. I felt a general major like the Major in International Management would keep my options open after graduation, while still preparing me for the job market.
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
My International experience gave me an insight into the corporate cultures. It gave me an idea of what kind of work culture I was looking for. This helped me for recruitment as for what companies I would fit in.
The flexibility of the IM program is demonstrated in my ability to apply the knowledge I gained through the program to my work here in Canada. Since I am working for a company that is currently in expansion, a knowledge of International Business is definitely an asset.
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
The IM program taught me how to think about the bigger picture. It helped me understand how my professional contribution fits into the company's overall strategy. Since international expansions and projects are usually for the long-term, it helps me put my work in perspective, and think about the long-term impact. Finally, it got me ready to consider the cultural diversity that I might encounter in the workplace, and how to best adapt to it.
Annie-Lou St-Amant
Home Town/Home Country: Trois-Rivières (Québec, Canada)
Year of Graduation: 2013
IM Program Minor: Psychology
IM Program Language: Spanish
Other Language: French
International Learning Experience: Exchange to ESADE (Barcelona, Spain)
Current Occupation: Business Analyst, McKinsey & Company (Montreal, Canada)
Why the IM Program?
I chose the IM because it allowed me to pursue a business degree with an international focus, to keep studying Spanish and to take courses outside the Faculty of Management. I wanted a program with an interdisciplinary approach, and that's exactly what the IM offered!
What was the best part of your International Experience component?
The best aspect of my exchange was meeting a number of absolutely amazing people. I truly enjoyed learning about the Catalan culture as it shares a lot of similarities with the Quebec culture. I also decided to stay in Europe for the summer and had the chance to do a few volunteer projects, to travel up to Lithuania and Latvia and to end my European stay with an 800km walk on the Camino de Santiago. This experience has been one of the most rewarding of my life!
How did the IM program help you attain this position and how is it helping you succeed at it?
The IM program allowed me to gain a strong business background and helped me develop my critical thinking and problem solving skills, all of which are extremely important in consulting. My exchange was an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, to push my limits and to learn much more than what can be taught in classrooms alone.
