Arushi Parmar

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

Hello! My name is Arushi Parmar and I am an MBA candidate at the Beedie School of Business. Being academically inclined, I have pursued and successfully earned a Bachelor of Commerce with honors from Shri Ram College of Commerce (New Delhi, India) and a Master of Business Administration from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (Pune, India). My professional experience consists of 4 years of dynamic work in various facets of Human Resources and Project Management before moving to Canada in 2019. I then pursued a change in career and forayed into Product Management for the next 2 years. 
When not busy with school or work, I can be found hiking, indulging in water sports, reading, or traveling to historically significant landmarks.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Being at a sensitive time of a career change, it was vital for me to choose an institution based on an alignment of values and vision. Before commencing my research on the various MBA schools, I introspected on my priorities for my learning, development, and future aspirations. One such priority was to work in a diverse and collaborative environment which I knew to be true for SFU through my interactions with the past and current students. I especially liked the CAPSTONE and international applied project elements of the curriculum along with the other key business courses like Strategy, Managing Global Enterprises, and the opportunity to start a venture through the SFU innovation labs. While liaising with the admission officers and coordinators initially, I was blown away by how approachable, helpful, and humble everyone was. At the end, I was sure that the MBA program at SFU will not only equip me with the tools to become a future leader, but also provide me with a safe and conducive environment for enhancing my social, cultural, and interpersonal skills. 

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

Rigorous, vibrant, and fun! Since my family is not in Canada and has limited knowledge of the programs here, they are very inquisitive about mine. The way I describe my MBA program to them is, “Every day in class is a learning experience. The faculty members impart invaluable information, the cohort offers great experiential knowledge from their internationally varied experience, and the case-based discussions provide an elevated method of learning. Last, but not the least, having a bunch of incredibly fun-loving and diverse people with varied cultural backgrounds and perspectives is a bonus!”

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

As an individual with innate intellectual curiosity and a hunger to learn, I am certain that SFU was the right decision for me. With a diverse faculty possessing academic and professional expertise, an inclusive cohort, and practical, case-based pedagogy, SFU is endowing me with tremendous skills, knowledge, and abilities. You know you are at the right place when your school is as committed to your success as you are!

I also feel privileged to be appointed as the Vice President of The Graduate Women’s Council. This opportunity to become a student leader has given me a great platform to spearhead initiatives in equality, diversity, and inclusion that I am passionate about. Engaging in various co-curricular activities like the MBA games and case competitions has also helped me hone my business acumen along with interpersonal skills.

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 the recipient of the Beedie Family Graduate Scholarship in the Beedie School of Business. This award not only made me feel like a valued incoming MBA candidate but also gave a moral and financial boost to my academic endeavour. Having been bestowed this award right before starting my program, it felt great to be recognized by SFU and I honestly started with a positive, cheerful, and driven attitude.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

For those who want to pursue a wholesome MBA program at the heart of Vancouver that will help them successfully integrate into the social and professional culture of Canada, SFU is the right choice. For international students, SFU goes the extra mile to help them transition into their new lives with various programs and resources.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

I am very passionate about education and very cognizant of the disparity in various stratas of the society regarding access and quality. To address this cause, I volunteer with the Burnaby Neighbourhood House to teach ESL/ EAL to new immigrants who are trying to integrate into the Canadian society. I help equip them with tools to engage in conversations in their day-to-day lives. Being an ardent lover of theatre and cinema, I also volunteer with the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

Contact : arushi_parmar@sfu.ca

additional links 

• LinkedIn