In 1989, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in my pocket, I embarked on what was to become a lifelong career at Xerox.
In the decade that followed I held roles of increasing responsibility within the company’s Canadian operations.
At that point I decided to go back to university so that I could broaden my knowledge of business management and operations. I considered various programs, but McGill’s Desautels Faculty of Management stood out. Its focus on issues-driven learning, which allows seasoned executives to build on their managerial experience, was a perfect fit for me.
McGill’s program proved to be an excellent investment in my career. Its intimate format allowed me to get to know my fellow classmates and forge lasting relationships. Learning with and from executives across various industries was extremely enriching and allowed me to better understand my strengths and limitations.
I have always viewed ongoing learning and mentors as two critical factors in my success. I have never shied away from seeking the advice of my peers and those in senior positions. During the current pandemic, this has been more important than ever.
My McGill experience has helped to propel my career forward. I often encourage my staff to pursue a similar path once they have gained a solid foundation of work experience.