When I think about my journey from the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA) to the full-time MBA at SFU’s Beedie School of Business, I see it as a well-planned adventure. It’s been a path filled with learning, growth, and challenges that have shaped me personally and professionally. This transition wasn’t just about getting another credential but taking my career and leadership skills to the next level.
The GDBA program was the perfect starting point for me. With its flexible, online format, I could balance working full-time while diving into core business topics like finance, marketing, and strategy. What stood out was how practical the learning was. It wasn’t just theory that I could apply what I learned in class directly to my job as a Customer Success Analyst in the SaaS space. For example, understanding organizational behaviour and strategy helped me better connect with clients and solve their pain points more effectively.
One thing I truly appreciated about the GDBA was the chance to collaborate with people from such diverse industries. Those group projects and case studies gave me fresh perspectives and showed me the power of teamwork. They also planted a seed in my mind: maybe it was time to push myself further and dive into a full-time MBA program.
When I started the MBA, I knew it would be a step up. The coursework is intense, and the expectations are high, but that’s exactly what I wanted. The program has been a chance to dig deep into strategic thinking and leadership. The cohort model has been a huge bonus—I’m constantly learning from my peers, who come from varous industries and backgrounds. Their experiences challenge me to think differently, and it’s made my MBA journey even more enriching.
So far, one of the best parts of the MBA has been the focus on real-world learning. Whether it’s through case competitions (shoutout to my BC MBA Games team!) or consulting projects, I’ve been able to work on problems that mirror what leaders face every day. As the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Beedie Consulting Club, I’ve had the chance to lead initiatives, sharpen my communication skills, and build meaningful connections.
Looking back, the transition from GDBA to MBA has been nothing short of transformative. It’s given me the skills and confidence to tackle new challenges, whether in the classroom, at work, or beyond. I’m excited about what’s next, knowing that this journey has laid a solid foundation for my future.
About the Author
Shoubhik Roy is currently pursuing an MBA at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. He holds a degree in Business Management with a Minor in Economics and has professional experience in both financial services and the SaaS industry. Shoubhik serves as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Beedie Consulting Club and recently competed in the BC MBA Games 2024, where his team secured second place in the take-home case competition. He is passionate about leadership and tech consultancy and enjoys staying actively involved in student initiatives to maximize his MBA experience.