Victoria Sypher

University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management

“A pocket-sized powerhouse who converts challenges into opportunities, builds meaningful connections and delivers what matters.”

Hometown: Toronto, Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: I do not drink coffee, ever.

Undergraduate School and Major: Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Senior Structural Engineer – Entuitive

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? I’ve learned that my leadership style is highly adaptable, and I naturally adjust to the dynamics of the group I’m working with. The Rotman MBA has emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability. Grad school is filled with challenges and high-pressure moments, and I’ve realized that I thrive in these environments, especially where both precision and efficiency are critical. Working in groups necessitates accommodating others, while meeting tight deadlines, and it’s not always easy to achieve balance. Moving forward, I hope to further refine my leadership skills – to appreciate when adaptable leadership is important and when it’s important to move into the realm of adaptive leadership to generate positive change. I hope to position myself as a leader who not only achieves results but also fosters growth in others and the world.

What has been your favorite part of Toronto so far? Why? Toronto is rich with cultural diversity and each neighborhood has its own unique rhythms. I grew up in midtown Toronto and moved downtown just before Grad school. I loved living in midtown – so much had become familiar to me – but it’s been a real joy to learn and integrate within a new community. I bike to school, visit local restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, and support our local shops. Toronto is a city that celebrates inclusion and multiculturalism. Experiencing these diverse cultures within Toronto and in my travels has shaped how I approach both my personal and professional relationships. I am especially thrilled our Class of 2026 reflects and embodies this variety of experiences.

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? The Self-Development Lab was a major factor in my decision to join Rotman. Its focus on both personal and professional growth aligns perfectly with my goal to continuously improve and adapt. The lab’s emphasis on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills equips students to become more effective leaders – traits I consider essential for a successful career and beyond.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Toronto Rotman? Surprisingly, I have enjoyed participating in networking events. I have realized how much my mindset has shifted. I’ve gone from feeling out of my depth and viewing networking as a transactional experience to genuinely enjoying conversations and building meaningful connections with second-year students and industry professionals. This growth has been a rewarding part of my MBA journey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my proudest moments in my engineering career was seeing a project I worked on from the start come to life – working on the initial designs of the 60+-story multi-unit residential tower. I worked closely with the contractors and developers during construction, solving hiccups and headaches along the way, and celebrating its completion, and occupancy by people who now consider it their home. Watching something I helped create turn into a tangible reality was incredibly exciting and reinforced my passion for seeing ideas transformed into impactful results.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Learning to focus on what I can control – prioritizing the fundamentals and adapting to what’s beyond my control while letting go when necessary. This mindset shift has been crucial in managing stress and staying productive, especially during busy periods filled with academic, networking, and recruiting activities.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? Participating in various case competitions with my fellow classmates. Looking back, they were intense but rewarding, with quick turnarounds and numerous presentations. Each competition was a valuable learning experience, where I had the chance to work with new teammates and gain new insights every time.