Meet The Rotman MBA Class Of 2018

Cheryl McConachie          

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Lover of all things outdoors, self-proclaimed sci-fi nerd, sports-obsessed

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have been skydiving twice – combined with my background as a ski racer, I think it’s safe to say I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

Undergraduate School and Major: Queen’s University, English Literature

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Canadian Tire Corporation, Seasonal Planning Consultant

Canadian Tire Corporation, Category Implementation Specialist

Craigleith Ski Club, Alpine Ski Racing Coach

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The biggest accomplishment in my career so far is definitely coaching and mentoring young athletes. I have had the opportunity to coach athletes who have gone on to excel at school, pursue varsity athletic careers, and even compete on the world stage. Knowing that I have had an impact on that is the most rewarding thing I have been able to do. I am a big believer that sport can have a profound and lasting effect on kids and I consider myself fortunate to be a part of that.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Give yourself lots of time and be prepared for the unexpected! With so much information out there, it’s easy to create expectations for yourself that may be unrealistic. An undergraduate degree in English Literature meant that the GMAT was a real challenge for me. I had to allocate more time to studying than I initially thought I would need. Although it was a struggle, it ended up being a really rewarding experience. Whether it’s the GMAT, selecting programs, or writing essays, there will probably be at least one aspect that has unforeseen obstacles. Everyone is different and will experience the application process in a different way. It’s important to give yourself the time you need to put together an application that you are proud of.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? The two key factors that led me to select Rotman are the strong academic platform and the internship program. Coming from a non-business undergrad, it was very important for me to find a program that emphasizes a strong foundation in business fundamentals. Choosing a program that has an internship was equally important as I wanted to ensure I have the opportunity to explore alternative career paths.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is one where I will be challenged on an ongoing basis with endless opportunities to adapt and learn. Given my background as a coach, personal development —and a strong coaching culture — are both very important to me. This is something that will absolutely be on my radar as I consider potential employers in the future.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program?    I hope that my peers will say that I am a hard worker, a great team member, and always keen to learn from my classmates!

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