Exploring the UBC Sauder MBA Program Situated within the esteemed University of British Columbia, the UBC Sauder School of Business stands as a prominent faculty known for its exceptional research contributions. This renowned Canadian business school boasts global recognition and is strategically positioned at the heart of the Point Grey campus in Vancouver, Canada. Moreover, the UBC Robson Square, an additional facility, graces downtown Vancouver. This prime location is approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the Vancouver International Airport, offering convenience and accessibility.
What Sets Sauder School of Business Apart?
Sauder School of Business, UBC, stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Renowned for its world-class faculty and collaborative learning environment, Sauder’s MBA program prepares students for leadership roles in a dynamic business landscape.
The Full-time MBA Experience With consistent recognition from the Financial Times, which ranks UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School among the top 25 international business research institutions, the 16-month, full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Sauder caters to driven professionals aspiring to reach their utmost potential.
Notably, the UBC Sauder School of Business boasts a global alumni network, spanning over 40,000 graduates across 80 countries. As for the investment, the tuition fee for the entire MBA program amounts to CAD $90,000. For those seeking financial support, UBC Sauder provides an array of scholarships and awards, including:
- Scholarships for Women in Business Leadership
- Responsible Business & Community Spirit Scholarship
- Hoegg Family MBA Scholarship
- Michael & Sonja Koerner Indigenous Fellowship
- Dean’s Excellence in Diversity Award
- Ray Kruck & Jennifer Vancini Climate Action Leadership MBA Entrance Award
Class Composition
Diving into the composition of the full-time MBA class, it consists of 106 students with an average age of 30 and an average employment tenure of seven years. This diverse cohort includes 39% female students and 67% international students. The class achieves an average GMAT score of 670.
Delving into their educational backgrounds, 25% of students majored in business or commerce during their undergraduate studies. Meanwhile, 14% pursued degrees in computer science, and 38% in engineering. Additionally, 6% studied social or life sciences.
Curriculum Overview
The first two periods of the UBC full-time MBA program focus on core coursework, with elective courses introduced from the third to the seventh periods, aligning with students’ chosen career tracks. A pivotal global business experience is added in the form of a mandatory two-week international trip during the third period, enriching the program’s global perspective. The curriculum also integrates experiential learning, featuring a student internship and culminating in a Capstone project during the seventh period.
Foundational Learning
The foundation of the UBC Sauder full-time MBA encompasses key subjects such as Accounting, Introduction to Finance, Organizational Behavior, Fundamentals of Marketing, Operations Basics, and Managerial/Micro Economics.
Specialized Career Tracks
UBC’s MBA program offers a choice of four career tracks, each emphasizing a distinct discipline while deepening business understanding:
- Technology and Analytics Leadership
- Finance
- Product and Service Management
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Program Structure and Highlights
Sauder School of Business, UBC, offers a diverse range of MBA programs, including full-time, part-time, and executive options. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning, experiential projects, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
Hands-on Approach Full-time MBA students are immersed in practical learning through internships, the Global Immersion Experience, live case competitions, and in-depth case studies. The program also offers mentorship and training programs, including product management, case interview preparation, brand management, and strategy consulting mentorship.
UBC’s Global Reach UBC MBA students benefit from three global learning opportunities: International Business School Exchange, Global Network for Advanced Management, and the Global Immersion Experience.
Exceptional Faculty
At UBC Sauder, the faculty comprises world-class experts across various disciplines who actively shape the business landscape. These faculty members aren’t just academic leaders but also experienced business professionals, applying their sought-after insights to real-world scenarios.
Placement Statistics
The Sauder MBA program has a 94% employment rate within three months of graduation for the class of 2023. The salary range for the class of 2023 is between $48,000 – $150,000, with an average salary of $85,000. This is made possible with the help of Hari B. Varshney Business Career Centre (BCC) bridges the gap between UBC Sauder’s students and the business world. BCC helps the students in the following ways as well –
Career Coaching
Students are assigned their own professional career coach. The relationship begins at orientation, continues throughout your time at UBC Sauder, and carries into your future career. One will get one-on-one advice and support to develop their professional brand, explore career options and make powerful connections with employers.
Self-assessment tools
Sauder provides one with access to self-assessment tools that will help one clarify your career direction. Throughout the program, coaches help students develop and work through a personalized career development plan.
Admission Requirements
- Three or four-year Bachelor’s degree with a B+ average, or the recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
- GMAT/GRE
- English proficiency
- Two years of full-time work experience gained after graduation from your Bachelor’s degree.\
- For those who submit their comprehensive applications by March 12, 2024, you can expect to receive your admissions decision from the Sauder School of Business by April 26, 2024. Similarly, if you complete your application by May 7, 2024, you will receive your admissions decision by June 7, 2024. This process encompasses academic transcripts, official test scores, and degree certificates
Application Fees – CAD $143
Essay Analysis UBC Sauder :
Essay 1: What motivates your decision to pursue an MBA? (200 Words)
- Introduction (Approx. 30-40 words): Begin with a concise statement that captures the essence of your motivation to pursue an MBA. Hook the reader’s attention by showcasing your enthusiasm for business and the value an MBA holds for your career.
- Personal Motivation (Approx. 70-80 words): Discuss your personal background and experiences that have sparked your interest in the business world. Did any specific challenges or observations pique your curiosity? This could be a situation at work, a trend you noticed, or an aspect of leadership that intrigues you.
- Professional Goals (Approx. 70-80 words): Elaborate on your career aspirations. How do you see an MBA bridging the gap between your current skill set and the skills needed to achieve your goals? Highlight the roles or industries you aim to target post-MBA.
- Program Fit (Approx. 40-50 words): Explain why you believe the UBC MBA program is the right fit for you. Mention specific features of the program that align with your aspirations and learning style. Is it the faculty, the curriculum, the experiential learning opportunities, or something else?
- Unique Contributions (Approx. 40-50 words): Highlight what you bring to the MBA cohort. What unique experiences, perspectives, or skills will you contribute to the program’s collaborative environment? Emphasize how your presence will enrich the learning community.
- Conclusion (Approx. 20-30 words): Wrap up your essay by reiterating your excitement for joining the MBA program and how it’s a crucial step in your journey. Leave a lasting impression by reinforcing your commitment to making a meaningful impact
Remember, authenticity is key. Your essay should reflect your genuine passion, drive, and reasons for pursuing an MBA.
Essay 2: What excites you about the UBC MBA Program? Also, How do you plan to get the most out of this journey? (200 Words)
- Introduction (Approx. 30-40 words): Start by expressing your enthusiasm for the UBC MBA program. Capture the unique elements that have drawn you to this particular program.
- Excitement for UBC MBA Program (Approx. 70-80 words): Detail what specifically excites you about the UBC MBA program. This could be its renowned faculty, specialized concentrations, experiential learning opportunities, or any other features that resonate with you.
- Alignment with Goals (Approx. 40-50 words): Connect the program’s offerings to your personal and professional aspirations. How do the features that excite you align with your career goals? This demonstrates that you’ve thoroughly researched the program and identified ways it can help you achieve your objectives.
- Plan to Maximize the Journey (Approx. 40-50 words): Outline how you intend to make the most of your UBC MBA journey. Mention your proactive approach to learning, networking, and engaging with the program’s resources. Highlight your commitment to growth and skill development.
- Utilizing Resources (Approx. 40-50 words): Elaborate on the specific resources or opportunities you plan to leverage during your time in the program. This could involve internships, mentorships, workshops, or any other unique offerings the UBC MBA provides.
- Contributions to the Community (Approx. 40-50 words): Discuss how you aim to contribute to the UBC MBA community. This could be through sharing your experiences, collaborating with peers, or participating in extracurricular activities that enrich the learning environment.
- Conclusion (Approx. 20-30 words): Sum up your excitement for joining the UBC MBA program and your commitment to actively engage and extract maximum value from the experience.
Remember to be specific and genuine in your responses. Tailor your essay to showcase your understanding of the program and how it aligns with your goals. Craft a narrative that not only highlights your enthusiasm but also demonstrates how you’ll actively contribute and learn during your time at UBC.
Essay 3: Given the opportunity to provide 1-piece of advice; to the most important person in your life, personally or professionally what would that be? Why? (500 Words)
- Introduction (Approx. 50-60 words): Begin by introducing the person you would offer advice to and the context of your relationship with them. Explain the significance of this person in your life and why your advice would be valuable.
- Identify the Advice (Approx. 80-100 words): Clearly state the advice you would offer to this person. Be specific and succinct in presenting the core message you want to convey.
- Reasoning and Personal Experience (Approx. 120-140 words): Explain the rationale behind the advice you’re giving. Share personal experiences or observations that have led you to believe in the importance of this advice. Use anecdotes to illustrate the impact of following or not following this advice.
- Applicability to Their Situation (Approx. 120-140 words): Discuss how this advice directly relates to the person’s circumstances, whether personal or professional. Explain how implementing the advice could lead to positive outcomes or improvements in their life.
- Supporting Insights (Approx. 100-120 words): Provide additional insights, anecdotes, or relevant data that reinforce the importance of your advice. This could include examples from their life or broader societal trends.
- Anticipating Challenges (Approx. 60-80 words): Acknowledge any potential challenges or obstacles the person might face in following your advice. Suggest strategies to overcome these challenges and highlight the resilience and determination required.
- The Impact of Taking Your Advice (Approx. 60-80 words): Discuss the potential positive outcomes and changes that could result from following your advice. How could their life or situation improve? Paint a vivid picture of the benefits.
- Reflecting on the Relationship (Approx. 60-80 words): Reflect on how offering this advice reinforces the depth and significance of your relationship with this person. Express your care, support, and belief in their potential.
- Conclusion (Approx. 40-50 words): Summarize the key points you’ve made and reiterate the value of the advice you’re offering. End with a note of encouragement and reaffirmation of your commitment to their well-being.
Remember to craft your essay with sincerity, empathy, and a genuine desire to help the person you’re addressing. The personal anecdotes and insights you share will make your advice more relatable and impactful
Essay 4: The UBC MBA program prepares innovative and ethical leaders who understand the impact of business on society; and who seek to create value for the world. Please describe a situation in which you created value for an organization or group. What was the outcome and We encourage you to consider your contributions in both professional and community settings. (500 Words)
- Introduction (Approx. 50-60 words): Introduce the concept of creating value for an organization or group and how it aligns with the ethos of the UBC MBA program. State your intention to share a significant experience where you contributed positively.
- Situation Description (Approx. 120-140 words): Narrate the situation where you created value. Provide context for the organization or group involved, your role within it, and the challenges or goals you encountered.
- Contributions and Actions Taken (Approx. 120-140 words): Detail the specific actions you took to address the challenges or goals. Highlight your initiative, innovative thinking, and ethical considerations. Explain how your approach was guided by a desire to create meaningful value.
- Outcome and Impact (Approx. 120-140 words): Discuss the outcome of your contributions. Describe how your actions led to tangible improvements for the organization or group. Quantify the results if possible. Also, delve into the broader impact your actions had on stakeholders and the larger context.
- Reflection on Ethical Leadership (Approx. 80-100 words): Reflect on how your actions align with the UBC MBA’s emphasis on ethical leadership and understanding business’s impact on society. Discuss the ethical considerations you factored into your decisions and how this reflects your commitment to responsible leadership.
- Professional and Community Settings (Approx. 60-80 words): Highlight how this situation demonstrates your ability to create value in both professional and community contexts. Emphasize the transferability of your skills and mindset across different settings.
- Key Takeaways and Learning (Approx. 60-80 words): Summarize the key lessons you learned from this experience. Discuss how it has shaped your understanding of value creation, leadership, and the relationship between business and society.
- Connection to UBC MBA Program (Approx. 40-50 words): Explain how the values and skills that enabled you to create value in this situation align with the UBC MBA program’s emphasis on preparing innovative and ethical leaders.
- Conclusion (Approx. 40-50 words): Wrap up by reinforcing your commitment to creating value and making a positive impact. Express your eagerness to further develop these skills during your time in the UBC MBA program.
Remember to provide specific details and examples to make your essay compelling. Demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between your actions and the value created will showcase your abilities effectively.
Video Essay:
Please respond to the following question in a video format (60-90 seconds). And upload it to either YouTube or Vimeo and provide the video’s URL.
UBC Sauder business school students and alumni often describe their MBA experience as a transformational discovery of themselves.
What do you foresee as the biggest challenge with regards to the MBA journey you are about to embark?
- Introduction (10-15 seconds):
Begin with a warm greeting and introduce yourself. Briefly mention your excitement about the upcoming MBA journey.
- Identify the Challenge (20-25 seconds):
Clearly state the challenge you foresee in your MBA journey. Be specific and concise in explaining what this challenge is.
- Reasoning and Context (20-25 seconds):
Provide context for why you consider this challenge significant. Explain how it aligns with the rigor and demands of an MBA program. Briefly mention any relevant personal or professional experiences that led you to anticipate this challenge.
- Preparation and Strategy (20-25 seconds):
Discuss your approach to tackling this challenge. Highlight any steps you plan to take to mitigate its impact. This could include strategies like time management, seeking support from peers or mentors, or taking advantage of available resources.
- Connection to Personal Growth (10-15 seconds):
Explain how overcoming this challenge ties into your personal growth and development. Discuss how navigating this challenge will contribute to your skills, resilience, and adaptability – qualities an MBA program values.
- Conclusion (5-10 seconds):
Sum up your thoughts by expressing your anticipation of the MBA journey despite the challenges. Reiterate your eagerness to embrace this challenge as a valuable learning opportunity.
In a 90-second video essay, it’s crucial to be clear, focused, and engaging. Prepare a script to ensure that your points are succinctly and effectively conveyed within the time limit. Pay attention to your tone, body language, and background to create a professional and engaging presentation. Practice multiple times to ensure that you can smoothly deliver your message while maintaining a sense of confidence and authenticity.
How do you plan to overcome this challenge?
- Introduction (5-10 seconds): Begin with a brief recap of the challenge you identified in the previous video essay. Mention that you’re excited to share your strategy for overcoming it.
- Identify Your Strategy (15-20 seconds): Clearly state the strategy you plan to implement to overcome the challenge. This could be a combination of practical steps, mindset adjustments, or seeking support.
- Breakdown of Steps (20-25 seconds): Briefly outline the specific steps you’ll take to execute your strategy. Emphasize any proactive measures you’ll put in place to stay organized, manage your time, or develop relevant skills.
- Utilizing Resources (10-15 seconds): Mention any resources or support systems you plan to leverage. This could involve seeking guidance from professors, collaborating with peers, or using academic and career services.
- Adaptability and Learning (5-10 seconds): Discuss your willingness to adapt and learn as you navigate this challenge. Emphasize your openness to adjusting your approach based on feedback and experiences.
- Conclusion (5-10 seconds): Wrap up by expressing your confidence in your strategy and your determination to overcome the challenge. Reiterate your commitment to personal growth and succeeding in your MBA journey.
Similar to the previous video essay, practice is key to ensure you effectively communicate your strategy within the time frame. Focus on clarity, confidence, and a positive tone. Keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking not just at your strategy, but also your attitude towards overcoming challenges and your ability to articulate your plans concisely.
FAQs
Q. How competitive is the admission process?
A. The admission process is highly competitive, with a limited number of spots available. It’s essential to present a well-rounded application that showcases your academic achievements, leadership potential, and alignment with Sauder’s values.
Q. Can I apply for multiple MBA programs at Sauder?
A. Yes, you can apply for multiple MBA programs. However, each program requires a separate application and set of documents. Ensure you tailor your application to the specific program’s requirements.
Q. What makes a strong statement of intent?
A. A strong statement of intent highlights your career aspirations, why you’re drawn to Sauder’s MBA program, and how the program aligns with your goals. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Q. Is work experience mandatory?
A. While work experience is not mandatory, having a few years of professional experience can enhance your application’s competitiveness. It demonstrates your ability to contribute meaningfully to classroom discussions and group projects.
Q. Are there networking opportunities for MBA students?
A. Absolutely. Sauder School of Business provides ample networking opportunities, including interactions with industry professionals, alumni, and guest speakers. These connections can be invaluable for your career growth.
Q. What is the average duration of the MBA program?
A. The duration varies based on the program you choose. Full-time MBA programs typically last around 16-20 months, while part-time and executive programs can span over several years to accommodate working professionals.
Embarking on an MBA journey at Sauder School of Business, UBC, opens doors to transformative learning experiences and unparalleled career opportunities. Through a rigorous curriculum, collaborative environment, and emphasis on practical skills, graduates emerge as well-rounded business leaders. By following this comprehensive guide and understanding the nuances of the admissions process, you can confidently put your best foot forward in your application.
Remember, pursuing an MBA is not just about the destination but the growth and learning you experience along the way. So, take the first step towards your future by exploring the opportunities offered by Sauder School of Business, UBC.
