Meet The Ivey MBA Class of 2016

Victor Oreskovich 

Ivey Business School at University of Western Ontario

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Notre Dame, Finance

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Sun Life Financial – Sales Manager, Financial Advisor (2012-2014), Professional Hockey Player – Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks – 2010-2012

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Firstly, relax. Everyone will have a predisposition to either the verbal or the quant portion of the test. Try and focus on your weaknesses. Take a prep course as well. There are many that are offered online and have lessons in real time once or twice per week. I used Veritas Prep and it was quite helpful. I have also heard good things about Princeton Review, Oxford, etc.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? There are many factors to consider when choosing a school to complete your MBA. Consider the length of the program, location, alumni network, case method vs. lecture learning environment, and number of students in the class, I found it very helpful to visit the school on campus and sit in a class to get a feel for what the learning experience would be like.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? The process can be somewhat stressful, but try and relax. Schools look at a number of intangible skills outside of grades, GMAT scores, etc. Try and focus on what might make you unique. Be sincere and honest about your goals and what you are trying to get out of the process.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I wanted to further my education and immerse myself in a highly challenging learning environment with some of the brightest students in the world.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I am halfway through my MBA and I`d already consider it a huge success. I have met some amazing people from all over the world who will remain my lifelong friends. Prior to graduation, I`d like to have a firmer grasp on where exactly my passions lie, and how I can develop my skills to best fit those passions.