Christopher (“C.J.”) Yoannou

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management (JD/MBA Student at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law & Rotman School of Management)

“I love philosophy, sports and reading and strive to live by the virtues of curiosity, competitiveness, and reflective awareness.”

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: Prior to attending the University of Toronto, I had the opportunity to play NCAA Varsity Baseball at DePauw University in the USA.

Undergraduate School and Major:

Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy – DePauw University

Master of Science, Philosophy and Public Policy – The London School of Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Summer Law Student at HGR Graham Partners LLP

Integrative thinking is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What does integrative thinking mean to you and how have you been able to apply it thus far? For me, integrative thinking means the synthesis of interdisciplinary tools and viewpoints. In particular, I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to analyze financial concepts from both a legal and management perspective.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? Growing up in Toronto, I have always appreciated the city’s cosmopolitan buzz and breadth of opportunity.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Pursuing the combined JD/MBA degree offers the unique opportunity to concurrently study subjects such as mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and insolvency, and capital markets at Rotman and the Faculty of Law.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman?  My favourite course at Rotman thus far has been Finance I: Global Capital Markets and Valuation.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: N/A

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? N/A

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My fondest memory is of the animated lunch-time debates I have shared with colleagues at the Exchange Café.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Toronto Rotman’s MBA program? I would encourage future applicants to check out books such as Barbarians at the Gate and authors like Michael Lewis. I think exposure to that genre of business journalism and storytelling provides a vital avenue to think creatively and imaginatively about how one might contribute to the professional world in the future.

DON’T MISS: MEET TORONTO ROTMAN’S MBA CLASS OF 2025