“The need for change is real, and the blueprints are already in process. One of the most distinctive blueprints being developed is at the Rotman School.” – Lane Wallace, The New York Times
The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management has staked a claim as one of Canada’s top-tier business schools with a diverse student population that reflects Toronto’s mélange of global cultures.
As a world-renowned institution that has cultivated business leaders since 1950, one might expect Rotman’s programs to have a rarefied air around them—keen to preserve the past at the expense of finding new ways to address today’s most pressing business challenges. Quite the contrary—Rotman is a hub for innovation that trains students how to take risks and think in terms of the big picture.
Rotman aims to equip its students with the skills and experiences they need to accelerate their careers as high-value decision makers and business leaders. Two cornerstones of the program are the Self-Development Lab, which helps student develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills, and the Flexible Internship program, which offers work placement opportunities for students to apply those skills during the second year of their MBAs.
Rotman has also cultivated a reputation as a school at the vanguard of diversity and inclusion in the field. The Behavioural Economics in Action at Rotman (BEAR) Center examines social and economic issues using a behavioral science lens, researching biases in order to develop better products, designs, and programs that benefit people. Rotman’s Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) seeks to advance student understanding of gender dynamics in the economy by training students to use gender analysis to identify opportunities in the field.
Rotman’s personalized approach has attracted candidates from across the world and its study abroad opportunities are an opportunity to return the favor. Rotman currently offers exchange programs at 24 partner universities in 17 countries, including China, Germany, and Switzerland.
Rotman seeks creativity and diversity in its applicants. Each year, the school requests applicant videos and asks candidates to share their “spike factor” or what have you done in your life that demonstrates Passion, Grit, Resilience, Innovation, Drive, Ambition and more.
There are 334 students who make up the Class of 2020, which is just a hair shy of the 350 in the Class of 2019. Fifty-one percent of the student body is comprised of international students who represent 39 countries and 23 different languages. One of the major selling points for international applicants is the fact that MBA graduates are eligible for three-year Canadian work visas. The student body is 36 percent female, which represents a four percent decline from the previous year.
In terms of preparation, the largest percentage of students—32 percent—previously studied engineering and applied science. Business/commerce was second in terms of undergraduate majors at 27 percent. The next three largest fields of previous study were economics at 12 percent, social sciences at 11 percent, and life sciences at nine percent.
Regarding professional experience, the average student in the Class of 2020 arrived at Rotman with 4.6 years of prior experience in their field. In terms of field, the largest percentage come from the financial services field. The next largest field is consulting at 10 percent.
Rotman students arrive primed for success, with plenty of real-world experience they can apply to their education. Rotman 2018 Employment Report shows 91 percent of Full-time MBA graduates were employed within six months of graduation, earning a mean base salary of $92,734. While every student has their own reasons for moving to Toronto, we got a chance to chat with five unique individuals from the Class of 2020 to learn about their “spike factor” and what led them to choose Rotman.
Sonakshi Bhattacharya, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: N.M College, Bachelor of Management Studies. Majored in Marketing.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry)
I worked for over seven years in the ad tech and digital monetization space for North American markets. I joined a tech start up in 2011 with less than 10 people in the team. My work involved tech sales, business development, heading revenue optimization for key accounts, and managing learning and development.
Why business school? Why now?
Though I was fortunate to have learned so much during my stint at work, I had no formal training in the business roles I undertook. About five years into my job, we witnessed a change in the digital advertising landscape, leading to an acquisition for $1 billion USD by a firm in China.
Through this time, I reflected and realized the gaps in my knowledge in terms of leadership and understanding market fluctuations in a time of flux in the business. I felt that a formal business degree would be the best accelerated learning path, as well as a life reset button, before I entered my next career stint.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was looking for a school that had a major in business design, had a culture that promoted empathy, and was located in a potential tech hub. I was also aware that I needed to build a professional network from scratch and explored schools that had a supportive career center with a strong network. Rotman was my top program choice by virtue of fitting each requirement.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I personally feel it is the perspective I bring by working in a start up from inception, as well as my industry background. I felt that I was able to leverage my previous learning and add value to my classmates who are toying with the idea of entrepreneurship, or a career switch in technology.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was a part-time musician for over a year. Before I moved from India, my band and I recorded our songs with an artist management company. It was the best farewell from Bombay I could have hoped for! Hopefully, I’ll pursue music on the side, post-school.
Post-MBA career interests?
In the short term, I aspire to move back into the technology industry in a project management role. In the long term, I plan to move into change management for technology start ups.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would speak to students in the first year, second year and an alum of a school. I realized perspectives of the same school are very different across students from different years. Through my application process, I realized I had more clarity on what to expect in each year of school, and for life after. This process helped me narrow in on the school that would be the best culture fit.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would focus on building a well-rounded profile from the start, rather than solely optimize for the GMAT. In complete transparency, I took the exam more than once. After my first attempt, I realized that I needed to have a balanced profile and the GMAT, though important, was not the sole determinant of my success at school.
I re-prioritized how I want to present myself and focused time equally on my professional growth and the GMAT in tandem—focusing on a good enough score, rather than a great score.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT! As challenging as I found the exam, I do understand that it is a good metric to test intellectual horsepower, and essential for the application process. I took up classes on weekends along with my job. The set schedule helped bring a sense of discipline and regular practice that is essential for doing well on the GMAT.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
The school, the professors and the student council work very hard to create a psychologically safe environment to promote a sense of culture and community. The first month of the orientation program encouraged us to be authentic and empathetic—an aspect I found unique to Rotman.
Your classmates and team members could be ex-nurses, script writers, investment bankers, marketers, and even teachers from all over the world. In addition to clubs and social events, the school has class courses and one-on-one sessions to help you feel a sense of belonging. In addition to culture and community, the school has fantastic personal career coaches and mentors to help you build a professional network in the country.
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
We have a lot of Drake fans! One of the things I loved most about Rotman is that it does not try to mould you into someone else. It helps you self-reflect on your strengths and helps you build your own unique brand.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Exam stress! It’s been almost 8 years since I’ve sat in a class room.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The opportunity to work closely with companies and solve actual problems through the program. In the first month of school, we worked with McKinsey and the city of Toronto to build a plan for constructing homes for the community—something I wouldn’t have had a chance to do had I not been in business school.
Leah Stemeroff, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: McGill University, Bachelor of Science, Major Biodiversity and Conservation
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years working in shared value consulting and clean energy in Zambia.
Why business school? Why now?
I have been very fortunate to have incredible opportunities in the social enterprise space that allowed me to learn business hands-on and in an industry I am passionate about. I loved the work I was doing with clean energy in Zambia.
As the work shifted to a larger focus on micro-finance to accomplish scaled distribution, I realized a new interest as well as how much I still had to learn. I chose an MBA over other master’s programs because it has the unique ability to provide a strong foundation in core skills, while building up soft skills and exposing you to networks you may never have considered before.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rotman stood out to me because they don’t shy away from embracing difference. As someone who thought an MBA was purely a finance and management consulting thing, this was a real paradigm shift.
I was looking for a program that would engage in the social impact/shared value/sustainable business space in a meaningful way, and Rotman is on the forefront of changing what an MBA means in Canada.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my unique value-add is being unafraid to try something that I may ‘fail’ at. The people that have inspired me most have been exceptionally learning-oriented. This was critical in the start-up scene in a rapidly changing environment like Zambia. I think it will be valuable within the MBA environment, where there is a lot of pressure to perform at 100 percent, to be able to stay focused on where the opportunities to learn are.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I camped out during a dust storm in the Tankwa Karoo National Park desert in South Africa.
Post-MBA career interests?
I want to stay in the shared value business space, but I am keen to get involved in the finance side of things. At the moment, I am trying to learn everything I can about impact investing in Toronto.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely introduce myself to the admissions team early again. I went to an MBA fair while I was still in the early stages of thinking through an MBA, and it not only gave me a lot of clarity about what Rotman had to offer in my interest areas, but it also gave me a chance to get to know the team before the official networking events.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend more time thinking through how to communicate my story. I took for granted how well I know my own story and hoped that it would somehow just come across well. Your story is asked of you often during the admissions process and beyond, so it’s worth spending time practicing how to communicate it.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The video recording interview part of the application process. It felt super awkward—I had never done anything like it before. I do not think I had ever been recorded speaking in front of a camera before.
Although it was significantly more awkward than an in-person introduction, the purpose was the same—a first impression to the members of the admissions team that I had not met yet. Focusing on that was a helpful reminder to just be myself and get it done.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
My first impression is how inclusive the Rotman community is. From the students to the faculty, it seems like everyone is doing things that genuinely interest them. The result is an environment where people are actually happy. This important because it looks there are a lot of long days on campus ahead!
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
I was surprised how engaged everyone is in the inclusive culture. I had expected a competitive energy, which there is, but it co-exists with the community focus on diversity and collaboration.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time management—I had been warned by current students and alumni that time management would be critical, but it’s week three and I can already see how seriously I underestimated this insight. Between meeting hundreds of new people, attending social events and club events, and coursework, there is already a lot going on so I am feeling the anxiety about managing it all.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am really looking forward to the case competitions. I am loving the classes, but I am keen to learn by doing in areas that I am passionate about. I am most excited about the two case competitions organized by the Net Impact club at Rotman, the Hult Competition and MIINT (The MBA Impact Investing Network & Training). The Hult competition tackles large-scale social issues and MIINT is focused on impact investing.
Rakiya Sambo, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Taraba State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA) University. Business Administration. Emphasis: Accounting
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
Nine years. For the first four-and-a-half years of my career, I worked at Deloitte, California, in the Audit division serving both public and private companies in the retail and manufacturing industry.
For the remaining four-and-a-half years of my career, I ran a small family-owned plastics manufacturing company in Kaduna, Nigeria, where we not only recycle plastic bags, but also use recycled material to produce plastic bags.
Why business school? Why now?
When I decided to run our family-owned business over four years ago, I set out to accomplish specific goals. I got to a point where I had achieved these goals and, through deep self-reflection and thorough research, I found that I had a passion for analyzing financial data and using it to solve complex problems.
I concluded that I would like to pursue a career in corporate finance with a multinational organization in the retail or CPG industry. While there are several ways to accomplish this, I truly believe that a quality MBA program with a specialization in financial reporting analysis would be vital in achieving my goal of starting a career in corporate finance.
An MBA would not only provide me with a broader and deeper knowledge of financial reporting and analysis, but also provide me with technical skills and network needed for me to succeed in my new endeavor.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There were several reasons why I wanted to be part of the Rotman MBA program. For the next stage of my career it was important that I took my problem-solving skills to the next level and the curriculum would do that by teaching me new analytical skills and how to combine that with emotional skills.
I also wanted to acquire skills that would help me to be an effective leader and the Rotman MBA program would help me achieve this. Rotman has created programs that places an emphasis on self-development as a leader by helping its students learn how to interact with others in stressful complex situations and still bring a successful outcome.
With the Rotman MBA program being one of the most diverse programs in Canada, I knew that I would be learning from individuals from different cultures and professional backgrounds.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my differentiating contribution would be my diverse work experience in both corporate and private companies and on two continents. I will be able to bring a unique perspective into our class discussions and with teammates, contributing to our class’s learning experience.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
My mother has 18 siblings and my love for cake cannot be quantified.
Post-MBA career interests?
Corporate Finance.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Do your research and make sure that the programs you are applying to are programs you truly want to be part of. Be as authentic as you can in your applications, particularly in the essay sections. I made sure to be as authentic in my applications and it helped the MBA application process a little easier.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Try to apply early. I didn’t apply early and that caused some stress. Not because the application process at Rotman is stressful, but because I had to balance my personal and work commitments with fulfilling requirements of the application in a tight deadline all due to the fact that I did not applied early.
The earlier you start your application, the more time you have to study for your GMAT and also give your best towards presenting your most authentic self in your applications.
–Part you would have skipped if you could — and what helped you get through it?
I was very anxious during the application process from start to finish. I would have skipped that if I could go back and do it again. I was fortunate to have my family supporting me throughout and they did their best to advise me to not be so anxious and instead focus on my goal of getting into Rotman and have a positive attitude while trying to achieve it.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the students is that they are all very smart. Every student has something that is unique about them. What impresses me most about the school’s culture is its unrelenting commitment to academic integrity.
It makes sure that its students and faculty understand that we are held accountable for our actions and to think critically about the decisions we make. Rotman also provides support to its students, in case we are ever faced with a dilemma regarding a situation that might compromise our integrity.
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
Rotman really wants its students to succeed and it is evident in programs and events that we as students have access to throughout the program. From learning strategists to career coaches, Rotman has truly created a community designed to help its students succeed during the program and after the program. And everyone, my classmates, second years, faculty, and alumni have made themselves available to provide help if needed.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about the change of pace. I have been in the private sector for the past four-and-a-half years and it is a different pace from Rotman’s rewarding rigorous MBA program. I am hoping to adjust quickly and thrive in this new environment.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to be challenged and to learn!
Sofia Gomez de Silva Sosa, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Tecnologico de Monterrey, B.S. in Business Informatics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3.5 years in Government/Pension Funds
Why business school? Why now?
After working in two large-scale technology projects in the Pension Industry, I recognized the potential of fintech to promote financial inclusion and restore trust of consumers in their financial institutions. However, I needed to gain some tools to make the transition from a government regulator of technology to a promoter of innovation; mainly by being surrounded by a community that enables learning, collaboration and innovation. Business school was the optimal choice.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Location was a decisive factor. Canada has had a long reputation of financial stability and Toronto is the commercial and financial capital of the country with headquarters of the largest banks; furthermore, Toronto has become a hub for top-of-the-art technology in big data, AI and mobility.
Due to my interest in fintech, all of this made it the ideal city to prototype fintech solutions, and Rotman was a natural choice, with initiatives like its Rotman FinHub and the Creative Destruction Lab both providing entrepreneurs and scholars the tools for collaboration in business technology ventures.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
In a section of 70 people, sometimes it takes one person to ask an odd question or offer a controversial opinion to start a lively discussion, and that has been my main contribution so far.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and this fact came out in my interview, to which the recruiter strongly argued I should have put it in my résumé. I dismissed the comment answering that I got it so long ago I didn’t think it was relevant. She disagreed and wrote it on her notes of my application.
Post-MBA career interests?
For now, I want to build financial technology in the banking industry; in the long term, I believe much work can be done using collaborative business models with blockchain technologies.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
You have to be authentic, whether you have a clear career path or you have no idea what you want to do, but truly believe a Rotman MBA is the way to go, you have to be authentic. You have to show it in your essays, in your video, and in your interview. So be sure to get to know yourself, don’t try to think about what Rotman wants; know who you are and that is what you can offer to the Rotman community.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
While I was awaiting my offer of admission, I talked to some students about their experience and I was extremely grateful that they would take time from their busy schedules to answer some of my questions about the program.
I wish I had talked with them more often, but I felt they were doing it as a favor to the recruitment team and had nothing to gain from it, so I would just be wasting their time. Yet, since day one, I’ve been hearing all around the Rotman building, second-years offering their contact information to help out first years in any questions they have no matter their busy schedule.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The video I prepared and prepared for every possible question I could be asked and, at the moment of recording, I was so focused on my facial expressions, tone of voice, keeping up with the time… now I can’t remember what was the question asked or even if I answered it or not.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
People will go out of their way to help out. When you ask for directions they don’t signal where to go, they will walk you there. Second-years and alumni will offer their contact information to a room of 350 people, and they truly hope that you will call them for a coffee chat.
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
I should have known it before, but I didn’t realized how important this was until I came to Rotman. This is not a ‘business school,’ it is a management school. This is a guiding value that you won’t find in the Rotman website, but it is immersive in every class, every lesson, and every interaction with the Rotman community.
I realized this in our orientation, where instead of a case competition, we had a case learning experience where, in collaboration with McKinsey & the city of Toronto, we came up with strategies to reduce poverty while working with non-profit clients.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting for internships. Companies are coming up so fast you feel like you are already behind from day one. But we have a great support team, from our classmates, second-years and coaches, everyone is there to make reassure you.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about the club events! We just started kick-off events, hearing about all the great activities the second-year students have planned for us including treks, panels, and case competitions. For the next two years, I think no two days will be the same!
Pablo Naze, Rotman MBA Class of 2020
Age: 25
Hometown: Belém, Pará (Brazil)
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of São Paulo (USP), Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3.5 years, tech start-up
Why business school? Why now?
I really wanted to have a rigorous business education. My background is in economics so I didn’t have exposure to managerial disciplines such as leadership or strategy, so I felt that was a gap that needed to be filled in my professional life.
I was also curious to understand how current business research and concepts apply to my past experiences. Finally, I also felt that it was a good personal moment to join school, as I enjoy studying and was ready to live abroad for the first time in my life.
Why Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Rotman has a rigorous academic program, a lot of opportunities to develop myself outside the classroom (the Self Development Lab and the Creative Destruction lab, for example) and a multi-diverse classroom. Lastly, it has a privileged location in Canada and in Toronto, a welcoming city for immigrants and a technology and artificial intelligence hub.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my background and past experiences can provide a lot of different perspectives to my colleagues. Coming from Brazil, being part of the LGBT community and seeing a start-up grow from almost inception to acquisition are all part of my identity and how I see the world, so I’m excited to share that with my classmates.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m a big opera fan: I usually buy tickets for the season and also attended Wagner’s Bayreuth festival in 2015.
Post-MBA career interests?
Being a Product Manager in a technology company. I’m particularly interested in the Artificial Intelligence sector.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Engage in self-knowledge. The application is a great, although busy, time to connect with yourself and understand the next steps in your life. Taking all the essay’s reflection questions seriously gave me the clarity and confidence necessary to put on a good application.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
A different study strategy for the GMAT. I believe each person learns differently so if studying by yourself is not giving the results you want, don’t be afraid to join a course or have private classes with a tutor.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting! It’s the hardest part because there’s nothing you can do about it! Trying to envision how my life would be different in a couple of months and keeping that vision alive really helped me to get through it.
What is your initial impression of Rotman’s students/culture/community?
We can feel from the beginning that Rotman has a strong community and inclusive culture, all my colleagues are approachable and eager to help each other, definitely an asset for the school and its students.
One thing you have learned about Rotman that has surprised you?
The amount of events and high profile speakers that come in every day. It’s amazing the opportunities you have to learn outside the classroom just from listening to these experienced executives and researchers that come to the school to share their knowledge with the community.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I consider myself mostly an introvert, so continuous participation in classroom discussions and the high amount of interactions with colleagues are going to be a challenge and a chance to grow.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited about the Self Development Lab. It is composed by a series of modules to help you improve your soft skills, such as giving presentations and interviewing.
Clear Admit Resources
Thank you for reading about Toronto Rotman’s Class of 2020! Before you start your Toronto / Rotman application, check out some of our Rotman resources:
- Toronto / Rotman Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Rotman
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Rotman
