ALUMNI STRATEGIC PLAN | TEACHING AND LEARNING
Shweta Sapra: Class of 2023 MBA Valedictorian
June 16, 2024 ·
Contributed by: Shweta Sapra, 2023 Valedictorian
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Name: Shweta Sapra
Hometown: Ambala, Haryana, India
Program/degree: MBA (Business Analytics)
1. What’s the best advice you would give a first-year student?
My best advice to any first-year student is to take it slow and focus on learning one thing from each session. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information coming your way but taking it slow and absorbing one thought at a time will give you a better understanding of the information plus I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. College is a time of growth and exploration, so don’t be afraid to try new things, join clubs, and meet new people.
2. First year can be hard. Tell us about a challenge you overcame. What did you learn about yourself from it?
In my first year, I faced the challenge of managing my schedule and staying organized. Balancing the demands of the MBA program and being mindful of my finances required me to make honest assessments of my commitments and limitations. I learned the importance of consciously allocating my time and energy.
3. What’s next for you? How do you feel about it?
I have joined an organization that specializes in connecting people to clinical trials done for rare diseases in the US. I am reporting to the CEO and leading their digital marketing campaign. The MBA program played a key role in shaping my career and in developing my interest in it. It allowed me to explore a more creative side of my personality. I am excited about this opportunity to help grow the organization and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.
4. Share a good memory from your time at McMaster. What will you miss most?
There are so many good memories of my time here at McMaster. Leading the MBA Association as Student Relations Director and organizing MBAA Formal were humbling and rewarding experiences, allowing me to contribute to the vibrant student community. Another memorable moment was competing in the Canadian Marketing League where I had the privilege of representing McMaster alongside talented students from over 20 universities and achieving a place in top 10. The four unforgettable days of networking with industry professionals in Toronto during the competition will hold a special place in my heart. It will always remind me of the transformative opportunities McMaster provided.
When it comes to what I will miss, it is McMaster’s vibrant campus atmosphere, which gave me a strong sense of belonging. McMaster University played an instrumental role in shaping my journey, and the memories created there will always bring a smile to my face.
5. What’s your favorite course/elective you took that wasn’t a part of your degree? What did you like about it?
One elective course that stands out as my favourite among the valuable options I took during my degree was digital marketing by Professor Syed Shah. Although this elective was not directly related to my specialization, it provided priceless insights into practical applications to envision innovative strategies for driving business growth and effectively reaching target audiences through digital platforms.
I must also acknowledge the impact of a course I took in my first year, Managerial Accounting, taught by Professor Adil Merali. This course introduced me to the concept of opportunity cost, which proved to be transformative in developing my decision-making skills. By considering the long-term and short-term implications of important decisions, this concept can help one make well-informed choices that align with your long-term goals.
Getting an MBA degree in itself is a prestigious task…but when its is from a University like McMaster, It becomes all the more precious! It is an immense privilege and I know you will always be an asset as an alumnus of De Groot school of Business. Keep rising, keep shining and always strive to raise the standards of ethics and academics of your alma mater. all the best….