Laura Driscoll
Director, Strategy, Planning & Development, Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Director, Strategy, Planning & Development, Peterborough Regional Health Centre
BLPT
Class of 2021
Psychology
Social Sciences
Healthcare
Current job position
Strategy Director of Planning & Development at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Why did you decide to pursue your MBA?
I was looking to move my career forward. At the time I was applying, I was in a role that I knew I wasn’t going to stay in long term so I was looking to learn and absorb all that I could, but personally was looking to further my education and academic learnings. An MBA had been a lifelong goal of mine but tying it back to my professional development and future interests made it clear to me that it was the right time.
How has this program impacted your career?
Shortly after enrolling in the MBA program, I changed departments and took on a role that I otherwise would not have been considered for, however being enrolled in an MBA program and generally my commitment to continuous education made my application stand out. Since then, I have been fortunate to have my MBA advance my career exponentially where I am now a director at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
What was your favourite aspect about your experience at DeGroote?
My favourite aspect was the networking and relationships that I built over the three years. The program is structured in such a way where you move through the program as a cohort. This allows for strong relationships to be built with peers and I valued the peer support where we could talk about academics, but also juggling work and family with school. Now I have lifelong relationships with friends that have this common experience and where we can connect personally, and, given our shared academic experience, lean on each other for professional advice and support.
What surprised you about your experience at DeGroote?
The obvious answer is the COVID pandemic and the school’s quick pivot to remote learning. There wasn’t a disruption to our studies or our schedule which was so appreciated, especially working in healthcare, stability with the academic scheduling was so important for planning. More broadly, I was surprised how the class scheduling did not interfere with work. Evening and weekend class time allowed for good balance where I didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. The program is looking for working professionals where we can integrate our workplace learnings in the classroom, and the structure of the program allowed for me to manage this.
What would you tell anyone considering taking this program?
If you’re considering whether now is the right time, know that it is. Education is often a long term goal or a step in achieving your long term goals so invest in yourself and apply to the program. Your learnings will transform the way you think personally through time management, structured thinking and general perspective. Professionally, you will have new tools and strategies to tackle complex issues at work. DeGroote’s Blended Learning Part-Time MBA program allows for you to manage work, family and academics through the evening and weekend classes so if you are considering, know that you can do it and you will look back on this experience with gratitude that you chose to invest in yourself.
Psychology