Ian Bassford

"I wouldn't be where I am today without DeGroote," says MBA graduate Ian Bassford

DeGroote (Victoria Coates) | Hamilton, ON | July 12, 2011

With statistics that suggest that the youth unemployment rate is twice the national overall average at 14%, recent university graduates can no longer expect a seamless school-to-work transition. However, DeGroote graduate Ian Bassford didn't have to worry about such statistics. That's because he got hired while he was still in school.

After completing his undergraduate degree in commerce at the University of Guelph, Bassford decided to pursue an MBA in the accelerated program offered at the DeGroote School of Business that would allow him to complete his degree in just eight months.

Bassford specialized in finance and accounting during the program and credits the education he received with making him versatile in the workplace.

"One of the most important things I have taken away from my time at DeGroote is the opportunity I had to become well-rounded in the field of business," says Bassford. "I came into the program with a background in marketing and I was able to learn more about other areas by switching specializations to finance and accounting. I was also involved with the Gould Trading Floor where I learned a lot about capital markets which allowed me to further broaden my knowledge base."

Before completing the program, Bassford applied for a job he found on McMaster's Online Student Career and Recruitment site (OSCAR). He was hired as a cost analyst for McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a manufacturing facility owned by Johnson & Johnson. While holding the position, Bassford finished his degree as a part time student, graduating in December 2009. Last September he moved up in the company and accepted a new position as a financial analyst for Johnson & Johnson.

Bassford's degree really did turn out to be the promised ticket to a career.

"Without the opportunities this program created, I wouldn't have chosen my current career, and I wouldn't have been as prepared for it either," he says. "The DeGroote MBA really helped my career take off."

Bassford also stresses the value of networking opportunities in his educational experience.

"It was very beneficial to have companies and professionals come to DeGroote for discussions and events. It was a great forum for making contacts and learning about different careers and the real world of business," he says.

Now that Bassford is a DeGroote alumnus, he plans to be involved in such events. "I found these opportunities very valuable as a student, and that's something I would love to be a part of now," says Bassford. "I wouldn't be where I am today without DeGroote."