MBA Graduation

By Tariq Ahmed - June 3rd 2020

Yesterday was the University of Toronto’s commencement ceremony for the Rotman School of Business’ Global Executive MBA program, conferring upon my classmates and I the Master of Business Administration degree. I had dreamed of this day as a senior in high school, not fathoming what it entailed nor the impacts it would have on my life. The journey here has been much grander than I had imagined, and the development more profound than the skills I aimed to inculcate. Although graduating in this period of global turmoil makes one solemn about the realities of life, it also provides proof of the power we all have to inspire, adapt and contribute.

I know that my classmates and I are fortunate on the timing of our program's completion. I am cognizant of the challenges students are currently facing trying to make the most of their academic programs. The global nature of the Global Executive education program required us to travel throughout the world to explore and learn from business and thought leaders. Most of our cohort was fortunate to complete the program without disruption, but we missed those who faced delays due to personal circumstances or imposed travel restrictions.

With the aid of my professors and peers I not only learned skills and gained new tools but learned to see new viewpoints and gained appreciation for my blind-spots. I knew going into the MBA that I would gain knowledge and skills, but I have come out with so much more in mentors, friends, business partners, confidants, alumni network, and memories.

Although the virtual ceremony was not the expected culmination and celebration of our efforts it was fitting for the times. The challenges societal and business leaders face today of balancing life and livelihoods is not new but a magnification during this pandemic. These difficulties may have fostered disenchantment in some, yet others are finding opportunities to innovate and hopefully find more peaceful and sustainable ways to live.

Since I do not frequently post, I feel obligated to mention that I am supportive of the peaceful protests in support of justice. I would like to contribute a few quotes in encouragement to those peacefully creating positive action.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”, Martin L. King Jr.

“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.” and “Nonviolence is a weapon of the strong.”, Mahatma Gandhi