Anjana Rajbanshi

MBA in the Beedie School of Business

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am Anjana, a Full-Time MBA Candidate at Beedie School of Business starting Fall 2023. I completed MA in Economics from Tokyo International University in Japan and worked in a real estate company for 3.5 years. Coming from an indigenous family in Nepal, I have a strong desire to uplift my community, especially women and children through financial education. My heritage, upbringing and my goal to be a community leader inspire me to learn and continue in this field.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I chose SFU because of its quality of education, opportunity for experiential learning, affordability and the fact that it is situated in the heart of Vancouver.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

SFU FT MBA program is a one-year rigorous learning path that will polish my managerial, entrepreneurial, and critical-thinking skills. It will not only help me land my dream job but also prepare me for the community project that I want to work on in 5 years. Besides, I will have a platform to make long-lasting connections with fellow MBAs and business personalities.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Intensive, Experiential & Network

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I have just begun my journey as a TA in Financial Accounting. I am VP of Communications for GBSA (Graduate Business Students' Association), 2023. The co-curricular and non-academic activities are an excellent way to build confidence, public speaking, communication, and networking 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

Yes, I feel fortunate to be a recipient of John Ellis Grad Entrance Schol Business award and Don & Pat Hudson Scholarship in International Business Relations. These awards have secured me with financial safety and encouraged me to focus on my studies. I am grateful to the nomination committee for their kind consideration.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

The most valuable lesson as a graduate student that I have learned is "Value relationships". We all have different goals but having a community to support and help us in need will make us and everyone around us stronger.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I am a people-person and welcome all kinds of connections in and outside of my academic community. I know that I can learn something from every person I meet. LinkedIn has been an excellent platform to connect to the people who inspire me.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Time management and having clear daily goals. Sometimes I struggle to keep the balance but there is always a reset button that we can push and start fresh. Taking a pause and resetting the priorities has helped me.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

I would dedicate my MBA to my parents and my partner who have always believed in me and supported me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A shout-out to my amazing cohort (FT MBA 2023) !! I have made lifelong friends in my cohort who inspire and encourage me each day. Thank you SFU for this opportunity.

Contact Anjana:ara156@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• LinkedIn