Irem Atalay

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“Ambitious, athletic, resilient, multicultural, curious, driven, creative, adventurous, adaptable, empathetic, strategic, and innovative.”

Hometown: Ankara, Turkey

Fun Fact About Yourself: I spent 8 incredible years as a professional basketball player, an experience that shaped my discipline, resilience, and teamwork while deepening my love for sports. Additionally, I am deeply committed to advocating for women in sports by fostering opportunities, dismantling barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes to achieve their fullest potential. Alongside my athletic journey, I’ve developed a strong interest in the entertainment industry, where I find inspiration in storytelling and creative expression. More recently, I’ve ventured into modeling, a path that has allowed me to explore the dynamic world of fashion and entertainment. I’m excited to continue growing in this space, combining my passions for sports, creativity, and fashion as I explore new opportunities and carve out a unique path in these industries.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of British Columbia (UBC) Sauder School of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

P.S. I was the first Turkish Person to ever graduate from BUCS program

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: DYNE Technologies Inc. – Business Operations Coordinator

Personal and professional development is one of the cornerstones of the Rotman MBA experience. What have you learned about yourself so far and what do you hope to achieve? The Rotman MBA experience has been transformative in helping me reflect on who I am as a leader, a teammate, and an individual. One of the most significant things I’ve learned about myself is my ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. Moving to Canada at 18 to start a new life taught me resilience, but Rotman has further reinforced how adaptability and an open mindset can foster growth in challenging situations.

Professionally, I’ve discovered the value of balancing analytical thinking with creative problem-solving. My background in business and computer science instilled in me a strong technical foundation, but Rotman has pushed me to think more strategically and holistically. Whether it’s through case competitions, team projects, or class discussions, I’ve realized how much I enjoy tackling ambiguous problems and working collaboratively to create innovative solutions.

Personally, I’ve learned the importance of embracing vulnerability and seeking feedback. Rotman’s supportive environment has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, whether it’s speaking up in a large class or taking on leadership roles. This has not only built my confidence but also deepened my appreciation for the diverse perspectives around me.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing as a leader who inspires and empowers others. My goal is to leverage the skills and experiences from my MBA to excel in leadership roles and contribute to meaningful, impactful projects. I also aspire to mentor and uplift others, especially women in business and technology, as I advance in my career.

Rotman has already been a catalyst for growth, and I am excited to see how the remaining journey will shape both my personal and professional aspirations.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? What I love most about Toronto is its incredible energy and vibrant multiculturalism. The city is filled with creatives, young professionals, and dreamers from all over the world, each contributing to its dynamic and innovative spirit. This blend of ambition and cultural diversity makes Toronto feel like a place of endless opportunities, where you can connect with inspiring people, explore different traditions, and be part of a global community. It’s a city that constantly motivates you to grow, create, and embrace new perspectives.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the one key part of Toronto Rotman’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Rotman’s legacy of excellence and innovation in business education was a pivotal factor in my decision to join the program. The school’s commitment to developing leaders who think differently and solve complex problems is reflected in its groundbreaking accomplishments. One standout example is Rotman’s pioneering of Integrative Thinking, a framework developed by former dean Roger Martin, which has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in tackling multifaceted business challenges.

Building on this strong foundation, what truly drew me to Rotman was the way its curriculum seamlessly blends academic rigor with practical, hands-on opportunities. From experiential learning initiatives to robust connections with industry leaders, the program provides a unique platform for students to bridge theory with action, translating ideas into impactful solutions.

This focus on cultivating innovative thinking and leadership aligns with my aspirations to make a meaningful impact in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. I sought a program that not only imparts the fundamentals of business but also inspires students to think boldly, take risks, and drive transformative change. Rotman’s proven track record of producing successful, forward-thinking leaders assured me that this was the right place to achieve my goals and grow both personally and professionally.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at Rotman so far has been the Business Strategy course with Professor Kevin Bryan. The course wasn’t just about learning frameworks or theoretical concepts—it was about immersing myself in the minds of real-world business leaders and decision-makers. The case analyses were a highlight for me. Each one required me to step into the shoes of CEOs, strategists, and entrepreneurs, grappling with the same complex challenges they faced. It was exhilarating to think critically and make decisions as if I were in their position, balancing risks, opportunities, and long-term goals.

What I loved most was the process of thinking strategically. Professor Bryan’s delivery made every class feel like an intellectual puzzle, guiding us through structured yet highly interactive discussions. He had an incredible way of connecting theoretical strategy to practical, real-world applications, making each concept feel both relevant and transformative.

The interactive nature of the class pushed me to challenge my own assumptions, debate ideas with my peers, and explore solutions from multiple perspectives. This wasn’t just a course; it was a perspective-shifting experience that opened my eyes to the universal applicability of strategy. Whether it’s a small startup or a multinational corporation, the ability to think strategically is a fundamental tool for navigating today’s competitive business environment.

This course didn’t just teach me about strategy—it taught me how to think, analyze, and act like a strategist, making it an unforgettable and pivotal part of my MBA journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far? My biggest career accomplishment so far is not tied to a single role or project, but to my unyielding mindset and fearless approach to growth. I thrive on pushing myself outside of my comfort zone because I believe that’s where the most incredible lessons and opportunities for self-discovery lie.

Whether it was moving to a new country alone at 18 to start a completely new life, diving headfirst into unfamiliar industries, or stepping into roles that stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of, I’ve embraced each challenge wholeheartedly. These experiences have not only shaped me but have also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of taking risks.

I love the process of growth—the uncertainty, the struggle, and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with it. It’s this continuous pursuit of self-improvement, fueled by my willingness to embrace the unknown, that I consider my greatest achievement. It’s what drives me, defines me, and prepares me for whatever comes next

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? One of my proudest accomplishments as an MBA student has been earning first place in the You.com Case Competition. This achievement was a pivotal moment in my MBA journey at the Rotman School of Management and my involvement with the Rotman Business Technology Association (BTA).

The competition challenged me to develop a 30-60-90-day strategic plan to increase global usage of You.com, a cutting-edge AI platform known for its Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system and privacy-first approach. My team and I focused on creating actionable strategies to expand You.com’s presence in sectors like education, legal, and financial services, leveraging its unique ability to deliver personalized and secure AI solutions.

The experience was transformative, pushing me to think strategically, refine my problem-solving skills, and embrace innovative approaches. It was deeply rewarding to see our ideas come to life and be recognized as the top solution in such a competitive environment.

What made this accomplishment particularly meaningful was the alignment with my passion for technology’s potential to drive real-world impact. I’m especially inspired by the possibilities AI offers in addressing complex challenges, such as simplifying immigration processes to make opportunities more accessible.

This milestone not only highlights my commitment to innovation and strategic thinking but also serves as a reminder of why I’m pursuing this MBA journey—to make a lasting impact at the intersection of business and technology.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA so far has been experiencing the incredible sense of community and support that comes with being at Rotman. There truly is a group or club for everything you need, whether it’s professional development, networking, or simply connecting with others who share your passions and goals.

One standout moment for me was attending a panel hosted by the Women in Management Association (WIMA) in Toronto. It was an inspiring event where I had the privilege of listening to and engaging with accomplished women professionals from diverse industries. Hearing their stories of overcoming challenges, navigating their careers, and breaking through invisible barriers was both empowering and deeply motivating.

As someone who is passionate about learning from women leaders, I found immense value in the advice and experiences they shared. Beyond learning, the event also reinforced my commitment to giving back—sharing what I’ve learned and my own experiences with other women. Being part of a community where we uplift and empower one another, breaking down barriers together, is something I deeply value. That panel wasn’t just a moment of learning; it was a reminder of the importance of building bridges for others and paving the way forward.

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