Seren Yazici

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“A lifelong learner with a curious mind.”

Hometown: Istanbul, Türkiye

Fun Fact About Yourself: I appeared in a commercial for one of my global brands, which was a brief but memorable moment of fame.

Undergraduate School and Major: Istanbul Technical University, Industrial Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Google, Product Marketing Manager

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? From the Change Management Analysis team assignment in the “Leading People in Organizations” course to incorporating sustainable investing in investment decisions in “Global Markets and Valuation in Finance”, Rotman’s team projects each term exemplify the practical application of integrative thinking, shaping my MBA journey significantly. For me, integrative thinking is particularly effective in navigating ambiguity because our world often involves incomplete information. This method empowers our academic team by fostering an openness to new possibilities, encouraging the exploration of diverse perspectives and the synthesis of opposing alternatives, ultimately leading to the creation of something better.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? Toronto: The city over 200 languages. For me, Toronto’s enchantment lies in its limitless opportunities to engage with people from almost all corners of the globe. This immerses one in a dynamic range of human stories, values, and expressions, discovering a vibrant mosaic of experiences. This is my favorite part of the city so far.

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? One of the distinguishing aspects of the Rotman School of Management is the Self-Development Lab—an integral part of Rotman’s curriculum that focuses on enhancing students’ personal and professional growth. This lab offers a range of activities, assessments, and coaching sessions designed to help students develop self-awareness, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement with the help of experts in psychological science. For me, utilizing the Self-Development Lab is about cultivating not only strong business acumen, but also fostering the qualities necessary for effective leadership in the global context.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? As a tech enthusiast, I am particularly drawn to the Business Technology Association’s (BTA) events. One recent event, the Product Management Workshop, was led by two Rotman alumni Product Managers in the Technology industry. It provided a valuable blend of industry knowledge, a systematic approach to business issues, and practical insights across diverse product disciplines—strategy, design, and analytics. I enjoyed this experience the most.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Google, I was fortunate to work on impactful cross-functional projects involving internal and external stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies. I was the team lead in establishing YouTube Programs for the first time in Türkiye during the uncertain times of the pandemic. My focus was the platform’s business recovery efforts, which involved defining new growth opportunities, challenging common norms in digital ads, and pivoting our ads marketing approach in response to the rapidly changing advertising landscape. These programs and our collective team efforts resulted in the highest-ever engagement scores among our targeted clients and maximized revenue opportunities.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? I am a firm believer in lifelong learning, recognizing that the most valuable growth opportunities often arise when we step out of our comfort zones. Having always aspired to pursue my MBA degree, the ideal timing has finally presented itself. Upon returning to education almost a decade later, I swiftly adapted to multiple changes in my professional aspirations and personal life within the dynamic context of Rotman and Toronto—over 8,000 kilometers from Istanbul, yet it has become a new home. Therefore, I describe my most significant accomplishment as an MBA student so far as “adaptability to change”.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory during my MBA so far is when my friends from my cohort and I visited a delightful Turkish restaurant in Toronto. Nearly 20 people gathered around one long table, representing over 10 different countries. In Türkiye, food goes beyond satisfying hunger; it expresses hospitality and fosters deeper social connections. Together, we shared stories, laughter, and, of course, delicious food accompanied by Turkish coffee and discovered numerous commonalities that exist despite our diversities.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Toronto Rotman’s MBA program? My three pieces of advice for potential applicants are as follows:

1) Prioritize the exploration of “WHY MBA?” and “WHY MBA at Rotman?”: A clear understanding of the “WHY” will serve as their guiding star and a key motivator along their personal and academic journey here at Rotman.

2) Take the initiative to immerse themselves in the Rotman community: Participating in admission events, exploring sample classes across various topics, and engaging with current students through the Ambassador Program will enable them to gain a rich tapestry of insights.

3) Demonstrate fit with Rotman culture throughout their application process: Articulating individual values and showcasing how these values align with Rotman’s core values will help prospective students define what makes them both relevant and unique in our community.

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