Peter Bello    

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“A curious soul; constantly searching for answers in this beautiful yet complex world.”

Hometown:  Edo, Nigeria

Fun fact about yourself: I funded my college education through an unconventional yet highly rewarding route: competing in and securing winnings from popular trivia TV shows. This action not only showcased my passion for knowledge but also turned it into a financial advantage, enabling me to pursue higher education without incurring a debt burden.

.Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Lagos, Nigeria (B.Sc. Electrical/Electronics Engineering.)

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? In my role as a Lead Facility Engineer at ExxonMobil, I was entrusted with the management of offshore hydrocarbon production facilities. I led initiatives aimed at optimizing operational efficiency and elevating safety standards, ensuring that both objectives aligned with the company’s high expectations and regulatory requirements.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Canada

Where will you be working after graduation? Currently evaluating multiple options.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• President, Rotman Management Consulting Association (Largest MBA student body)
• Entrance Scholarship Award Recipient
• FT MBA Career Rep
• 1st year MBA mentor
• Rotman Graduate Ambassador,
• Rotman FinHub Student Fellow

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Leading the Rotman Management Consulting Association (MCA), the most extensive MBA group on campus, has been a deeply rewarding chapter in my journey. In collaboration with an exceptional executive team, we embarked on a mission to enrich the association’s value for our members. We revitalized our branding to better resonate with modern expectations, ensuring it struck the perfect balance between professionalism and approachability. Recognizing the pivotal role of case studies in consulting, we thoroughly updated our preparation materials to arm our members with the latest and most effective resources, setting them up for success in the challenging consulting landscape. Moreover, by organizing Industry Nights and multiple informal networking sessions, we significantly deepened our connections with professionals in the field. These events not only provided our members with unparalleled insights into the consulting world, but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities – directly linking them with key industry professionals. This comprehensive approach not only enhanced our members’ MBA experience, but also allowed me to hone my skills in strategic planning, team collaboration, and industry networking.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? As the lead facility engineer at ExxonMobil, I spearheaded a transformative initiative to substitute a long-used hazardous chemical with a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly alternative. Through diligent research and persuasive advocacy, I highlighted the compelling advantages of this transition, ultimately convincing stakeholders to embrace change. This strategic shift not only resulted in considerable operational cost savings for the company, but also significantly enhanced both environmental and worker safety. This project underscored my capacity for innovation and leadership in driving positive change within a traditionally conservative industry.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Rotman for its global reputation and the unique opportunity to study in Canada, a country I had always been interested in exploring. Rotman’s innovative approach to business education and its emphasis on integrative thinking in particular drew me in. These attributes promised a holistic learning experience, blending rigorous academic exploration with practical, real-world application. I am happy to say that Rotman exceeded all expectations.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Professor Walid Hejazi, who led the Macroeconomics and International Business courses. What set him apart was his exceptional ability to bridge economic theories with practical, real-world scenarios. His engaging teaching style, underpinned by a profound understanding of global economic dynamics, truly enhanced my learning experience. Professor Hejazi is renowned not only for his extensive knowledge of economics, but also for his sharp wit and humor. This made each class and conversation not just informative, but also incredibly enjoyable and memorable.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course during the MBA was Effective Leadership, taught by Professor Gary Latham. This course stood out to me because it provided practical insights into navigating leadership challenges and mastering strategies for effective team management. Professor Latham’s teachings enriched my approach to leadership, equipping me with the skills and perspectives necessary to lead successfully in both professional and social contexts. The real-world applicability of the lessons I learned has been invaluable, shaping my leadership style and enhancing my ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving shared goals.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why?  Reflecting on my MBA journey, the one adjustment I’d make would be to dive into structured networking earlier on. Initially, my background left me somewhat hesitant and less familiar with the nuances of networking, causing a delayed start in this crucial area. However, as I began to appreciate the immense value of building meaningful connections, I recognized how starting sooner could have significantly enhanced my MBA experience. Engaging in networking activities from the outset would have not only broadened my perspective with diverse insights, but also opened up a wider array of opportunities, enriching my journey with invaluable interactions and learnings.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The prevalent myth that Rotman students are purely academically-driven was swiftly debunked after I joined. Far from being solely focused on studies, the student body at Rotman thrives on active engagement in a myriad of social and extracurricular pursuits, creating a dynamic and well-rounded MBA experience. My time was highlighted by memorable events such as the weekly Tipsy Tuesdays, spirited Karaoke nights, and intensely competitive soccer matches against students from other programs. These activities not only fostered a strong sense of community but also demonstrated the school’s commitment to nurturing diverse talents and interests beyond the classroom.

What surprised you the most about business school? What took me by surprise about business school, and Rotman in particular, was the sheer breadth and depth of opportunities available to students, far surpassing my initial expectations. Although I anticipated access to a range of experiences, I was astounded by the variety and magnitude of the programs on offer. There were engaging initiatives like the Creative Destruction Lab, which connects students with emerging entrepreneurs. There was also the Global Consulting Project, offering MBAs the chance to collaborate with promising Canadian firms on their path to global expansion. Both provided invaluable hands-on learning experiences that perfectly complemented our classroom studies. Moreover, the opportunity to travel globally, participate in international projects, and hone our expertise across different cities and cultures was simply remarkable. This array of opportunities not only broadened my academic and professional horizons but also deeply enriched my overall MBA journey.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I have immense admiration for my classmate, Kieran Grekul-Sommerville, particularly for his exceptional leadership and unwavering collaborative spirit. Kieran’s unique ability to juggle multiple roles with grace and maintain a composed demeanor under pressure was pivotal to the success of our collaborative initiatives. His exceptional leadership qualities shone through in how he guided his team through challenges, ensuring everyone’s voices were heard and valued. Kieran’s approach to leadership not only fostered a supportive and inclusive environment, but also inspired all of us to strive for excellence in our endeavors. His impact on the team and our MCA activities was profound, leaving a lasting impression on me.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? Firstly, I aspire to spearhead a significant project or initiative that propels innovation within my chosen industry. My aim is to be at the forefront of change, driving forward ideas that redefine standards and practices. Whether it involves pioneering a groundbreaking technology, launching a service that reshapes the market, or championing sustainable practices, my vision is to lead efforts that not only advance the industry but also inspire others to envision and pursue further innovations. I want my contributions to act as a beacon, illuminating the path for future advancements and demonstrating what is possible through creativity and perseverance.

Second, I am committed to dedicating a substantial part of my career to mentoring and fostering the growth of the next wave of industry professionals. To me, one of the most meaningful impacts I can make is through the knowledge and guidance I offer to those coming up behind me. By supporting the development of emerging talent, I aim to enhance individual capabilities and, by extension, elevate the entire profession. This endeavor extends beyond mere one-on-one mentoring; I envision myself creating or contributing to comprehensive programs that enhance educational opportunities, professional development, and leadership skills. In doing so, I hope to empower a new generation of professionals to not only succeed in their careers but also to contribute positively to their communities and industries at large.

What made Peter such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“During his time at Rotman, Peter committed himself to enriching the lives of his peers, focusing on both their academic success and personal growth.

Serving as the President of the Management Consulting Association, Peter orchestrated the activities of a nearly 500-member student organization, leading it with vision and effectiveness modernizing its branding and upgrading case prep materials for use by its members.  Furthermore, in his capacity as a mentor within the MCA, Peter played a pivotal role in guiding mentees through the intricate processes of preparing for and securing management consulting internships. He also didn’t hesitate to offer himself to causes that support his fellow MBAs or promote the Rotman brand in any capacity by taking up roles as a career representative for his class in the first year of the year and serving as a Rotman Graduate Ambassador in his second-year. The Ambassadors play a key role in providing candidates to the program with a first-hand student perspective on life as a Rotman MBA.

Outside of the classroom, he was a key member of the Rotman MBA soccer team, who won silver at the University of Toronto Intramurals —a testament to his commitment to teamwork and excellence.”

Maria Parente
Career Coach
Rotman School of Management

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024