Streaming out of Convocation Hall on Tuesday morning, hundreds of graduates could not contain their excited chatter as they exchanged congratulatory hugs.
“All the hard work has paid off,” said Richard McDougal (MBA ’17) — who was recently hired by Rogers Communications’ corporate strategy team — as he stood outside the hall, new degree in hand. “It’s so exciting to be here celebrating with everyone that I’ve spent the last two years with.”
For the Rotman School of Management’s 591 graduates, today’s convocation ceremony was a highly-anticipated occasion.
After many months immersed in rigorous programs at the School, these MBA, MFin, MFRM and PhD grads are looking forward to some well-deserved rest — and starting new full-time positions, in the coming weeks.
“My experience at Rotman has helped me progress at work. I’m looking forward to the future and what it has to offer.”
-Omar Karim (MFin ’17), Associate, TD Securities
Rotman graduates are heading off to start exciting positions at Amazon, Bain & Company, BMO Financial Group, Boston Consulting Group, CIBC, Ernst & Young Canada, McKinsey & Company, RBC and TD Securities — among other notable organizations. Meanwhile, others will be focusing on establishing their own companies or applying insights from the classroom in their current roles.
Honorary degree recipient John Cassaday (MBA ’81), a Rotman alumnus and founding President and CEO of Corus Entertainment Inc., reflected on his early-career experiences during his remarks at the ceremony, offering some advice for the new grads.
“Take chances and be courageous,” Cassaday said. “Your time at Rotman has prepared you to excel and to lead.”
Though many of these former students are excited about completing their programs, they will not be saying goodbye to Rotman for good. As members of the School’s alumni community, they can keep in touch with classmates and meet fellow alumni through the Rotman Connect online portal and popular alumni traditions, including the fall homecoming weekend, Reunite@Rotman.
Rachel Huckle (GEMBA ’17), senior vice president of health and wellness at Shoppers Drug Mart, definitely plans to stay connected to her classmates.
“It’s like having a personal advisory board. Whenever you need help, you can throw questions out to this group and you will get multiple perspectives,” she explains. “We care about each other professionally and personally.”
Ultimately, the consensus is that the long days and evenings devoted to classes and studying has been time well spent. For many, it’s a new beginning.
“It’s been months of a lot of work, but it’s been worth it,” said Omar Karim (MFin ’17), an associate at TD Securities. “My experience at Rotman has helped me progress at work. I’m looking forward to the future and what it has to offer.”