Carlos Lopez Sandoval

Full-Time Business Administration master's student in the Beedie School of Business

Hello! My name is Carlos Lopez and I'm a business professional from El Salvador, currently pursuing my MBA at the Beedie School of Business. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from John Brown University (Arkansas, USA). My professional experience involves work in youth entrepreneurship, project management (both social impact and sales-related project), marketing, sales, and business education. Prior to moving to Vancouver, I taught business courses at a college in El Salvador while I also helped to structure the marketing and branding position for a family foundation in my home country.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

When I did research for MBA programs, I was looking for a program that would not only equip me with the knowledge that would help me advance my career but also a program that offered opportunities to put in practice this knowledge, develop well-rounded professionals, and provide a global mindset. I chose SFU Beedie because the program offers a practical approach with their learning by doing methodology and the intentional business cases built into most courses that allow students to further putting in practice their newly acquired skills. The program also equips students with a social and cultural awareness through its academics and co-curricular activities such as Net Impact which I had the privilege to lead from 2020-2021. The MBA program offers a firm ground in business fundamentals, incorporates real-world business challenges, and explores relevant topics such as sustainability, new ventures and international business.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

When people ask me about the MBA program there are three aspects that always come out. The first one is the opportunity we get to work with people from all over the world, with different perspectives and industries which is an enriching experience in itself. The second aspect is that we get to study business from different angles by analyzing real life examples. Lastly - and this may be particular to my cohort - starting the program in the middle of a pandemic has taught me a lot in terms of flexibility, adaptability, and cross-cultural management.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

My favorite part about the MBA program is that despite the challenges of taking the program for the most part online , we have been able to develop significant friendships and bonds among our peers. I would also highlight the effort put in by our professors to try to make this the best experience possible despite limitations.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I was privileged to have received the Peter Legge Graduate Volunteer Leadership Award this year. Part of my giving back philosophy includes being involved in projects and organizations aligned to my passions - entrepreneurship, small business development, educational access for everyone, sustainable communities and youth empowerment. It is humbling to have received this award as a recognition to my volunteer work.

Contact : carlos_lopez_sandoval@sfu.ca

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