Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Mackenzie Fulton, Ivey Business School by: Jeff Schmitt on October 07, 2024 | 180 Views October 7, 2024 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Mackenzie Fulton, M.Sc., P.Eng., DASM Ivey Business School at Western University “I’m a candidate for the Ivey MBA 2025 Cohort, and a Professional Engineer that loves large-scale infrastructure projects.” Hometown: Tisdale, Saskatchewan Fun Fact About Yourself: Despite being from the Northeast corner of Saskatchewan, I’ve been downhill skiing in the Rocky Mountains every winter since the age of three. There are very few Alberta or British Columbia ski hills I haven’t been to over the past 30 years! Undergraduate and Graduate School and Major: University of Saskatchewan, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering. University of Saskatchewan, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Formerly with the Water Security Agency as an Engineer, Major Maintenance. How has the case method enriched your learning? The case-based method of classroom instruction at Ivey is truly unique. I was first exposed to case-based learning through internal executive government training courses at the Government of Saskatchewan and was pleasantly surprised to find an MBA program that utilized this unique teaching style. Active discussion, geographically diverse viewpoints, and engaging debates all contribute to an enriching learning environment compared to the traditional lecture and assignment style I experienced in my Bachelor and Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering. 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 strength of the Ivey Alumni Network was a great draw for me while researching the program. Ivey graduates truly move to roles with significant impact in the global economy. Additionally, the large international component of the admitted cohort (i.e. many candidates from all over the globe) held great appeal. I wanted a new challenge and to expand my professional and personal viewpoints; what better way than to enter an MBA program with classmates from every corner of the earth! I believe for the 2025 cohort we are 65% international origin. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: To date, my greatest professional accomplishment as a professional engineer would be the extreme consequence dam control systems upgrade projects under my direct supervision from 2019 – 2024. It covered the entire province of Saskatchewan, over seven individual dam locations. I was dealing with extremely large-scale legacy infrastructure upgrades in challenging environments (both weather/remote location, and external/COVID related). It wasn’t always easy, but it was always rewarding to complete projects that ensure safe water supply for the future generations of Saskatchewan. Additionally, final commissioning and testing of the new control systems was always a blast with our experienced Operations teams on the different dam sites. Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment in the Ivey MBA program would have to be the friendships I’ve made along the way. I worked in team environments with strict deadlines (i.e. 24-Hour Reports!) with relatively little preparation or team bonding time is stressful, but it also leads to some memorable moments. I can confidently say my teammates make Ivey the memorable experience it is, and that I hope these bonds will last a lifetime. My partner and I currently have a large backlog of “double dates/dinners” to work our way through during electives. What has been your most memorable experience as an Ivey MBA thus far? To date, I would have to say the “Ivey Get Connected” event has been a standout highlight for me. Our world-recognized Career Management team hosts an “Ivey-only” networking event in downtown Toronto just prior to recruitment kick-off season each summer. This event was not only well-organized with delicious food and beverage (shoutout to the A+ breakfast smoothies), but it was also a blast! The true strength of Ivey is its people, and this event really showcased our current cohort and outstanding Alumni network strength. Where is your favorite hang-out in London (Ontario)? Why do you (or your classmates) gravitate there? London isn’t a huge city, but it does have some perks! There are some beautiful forested running trails around my apartment I try to hit up for longer runs on the weekend. A semi-regular group of us can also be found at the Western PAC/GYM in the early mornings before classes start. There’s even been some initial discussions of a possible Ivey Triathlon Club starting up following completion of the Core semester classes that I’m really looking forward to joining. What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? At this early point in the program, I still have my sights set on returning to the Public Sector and large-scale infrastructure projects; either as a professional Consultant or as a direct Professional Engineer/Project Manager. DON’T MISS: MEET IVEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2025