Oyinda Giwa

Ivey Business School at Western University

“Curious, creative thinker with a friendly, approachable demeanor, passionate about learning and enabling others’ success.”

Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love reading fiction, I read about 200 books each year.

Undergraduate School and Major: McMaster University, Chemical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Procter & Gamble – Quality Assurance Project Manager

How has the case method enriched your learning?  The case study method has been incredibly beneficial during my MBA. Learning from professors and classmates has provided insights into various industries. Engaging with diverse classmates and participating actively in class has sharpened my communication skills, enabling me to speak up and contribute concisely.

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? I chose Ivey Business School for its strong alumni network. When deciding on which MBA offer to accept, connecting with Ivey alumni was easy and insightful. This support extends to events like Ivey’s Get Connected and Industry Treks organized by the career management team. Additionally, the program’s one-year duration enables me to concentrate on learning without significant work interruptions.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous role, I had the opportunity to support campus recruiting events at various universities. I engaged in activities such as resume and cover letter training, panel discussions, and open networking sessions. It was fulfilling to assist students with career questions and guide them through the transition into full-time roles. Having once been in their shoes, I appreciate the support I received from visiting professionals at my school and now enjoy paying it forward.

Another achievement I’m particularly proud of occurred early in my career when I was promoted to Operations Manager at a third-party food manufacturing company. This role significantly enhanced my leadership and communication skills. I successfully gained buy-in from the CEO and senior management for major projects, one of which resulted in an annual cost savings of $1 million.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My most significant accomplishment has been securing the role of section representative. Just two weeks into the program, I campaigned to my cohort, outlining why I was the best candidate to lead our class and serve as the liaison between students and the program office. It’s been a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience.

What has been your most memorable experience as an Ivey MBA thus far?  My most memorable experience as an Ivey MBA so far has been attending the Get Connected event. It provided me with an invaluable opportunity to connect with alumni, gain insights into various industries and career paths, and receive valuable feedback on my application documents. The event underscored the strength of Ivey’s alumni network, which played a crucial role in my decision to choose Ivey for my MBA. The delicious food also added to the enjoyable and memorable experience. I look forward to the opportunity to give back as an alum at Get Connected and support future Ivey students with the knowledge and resources I’ve gained.

Where is your favorite hang-out in London (Ontario)? Why do you (or your classmates) gravitate there?  Since summer began, my favorite hangout spot has been Barney’s patio. I love the open and beautiful ambiance, coupled with great drinks, delicious food, and affordable prices. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the season.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I am passionate about applying digital tools to solve complex problems. With my background and MBA, I aim to contribute in operations consulting or the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry, leveraging my past experiences to drive innovative solutions.

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