Yzah Macalintal

Ivey Business School at Western University

“I’m energetic, curious, adaptable, a team-player, and a risk-taker.”

Hometown: Philippines/ Winnipeg, MB

Fun Fact About Yourself: I swam with crocodiles in Zimbabwe!

Undergraduate Graduate School and Major: UBC, Mining Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Copperleaf, Solutions Consultant

How has the case method enriched your learning?  The case method has allowed me to think on my feet when analyzing a business strategy and to build on my peers’ ideas to drive the case analysis forward. It’s also interesting to hear everyone’s perspective from such a diverse geographical, industry, and functional backgrounds.

Aside from classmates and cases, what part of the school’s MBA programming led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The admissions committee were incredibly supportive throughout the application stages. They provided valuable resources and helped me connect with fantastic alumni. I think the culture from the get-go resonated with me and this really transposed as I am going through the program right now. The Ivey community has amazing pay it forward mantra and it’s an honor to be part of it.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I championed the upgrade and automation of one of our plant’s bottlenecks and safety hazards. It was satisfying to see the elimination of a safety risk, resonating satisfaction from the operators, and the improvement in the process turnaround time.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: A month-and-a-half into the program, Kunle, Matt, Jac, and I competed in the Impact Investing challenge of International Finance Corporation. We pitched an innovative project to alleviate an environmental issue that had been exacerbated by the pandemic. Our team made it to the final 6 among 45 international teams and it was an awesome learning experience for me.

Where is your favorite hang-out in London (Ontario)? Why do you (or your classmates) gravitate there? Chuck’s Roadhouse. It’s a chill place with great daily specials. We’ve celebrated several birthdays and milestones here.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you enjoyed and would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? During the pandemic, I read Man’s Search for Meaning. It taught me resilience during difficult times and to be more purposeful when making decisions. Viktor Frankl’s attitude in some of the worst possible situations had been motivational. We may experience stress or nervousness during the process, but our attitude, in any given situation, is what makes the difference.

What did you do during the application process that enabled you to get accepted into Ivey? I brought my genuine personality in the application. Your passions beyond the classroom or the GMAT are truly what matters to enjoy the application process and the MBA journey.

DON’T MISS: MEET MORE STUDENTS IN IVEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2023 & LEARN WHAT MAKES THE IVEY MBA EXPERIENCE SPECIAL