Convocation 2020: Josée Doucet, MBA

I chose AU because I like the two-phased approach for students who, like me, could apply based on managerial experience. The curriculum was appealing, and the school promised real flexibility with an online environment and the potential to be finished in three years.

My husband was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to follow my dream. He, and our teenagers were patient, supportive and understanding as my laptop was my constant companion, even on family trips. We all had to make sacrifices, like eating more pizza, but I was able to keep my promise that the laptop would be put away one full day a week!  My work team was equally supportive. The program challenged my way of thinking, and the construct allowed me to apply new-found insights at my workplace in real-time. Every course, every paper was an opportunity to creatively tackle existing problems within the organization and make positive changes

I made some incredible friends along the way. I am grateful that I was able to spend time with so many of them during the RDLD Developing Leaders course in Calgary. It was a personally transformative week; everyone was open, present and venerable as we shared stories and experiences.

Having a degree opened up an endless world of possibilities for me. More importantly though, I came to truly understand and appreciate the inherent value of my own experiences and crucibles as well as that of others.

I often travelled domestically and internationally for work. I studied and did assignments on trains, planes and automobiles – without that flexibility I would not have been able to deliver at work and stay on top of my schoolwork.

I am very proud to say I was recently appointed a senior director within the public service. I would not have felt confident or capable of applying for, and accepting this appointment had I not completed the MBA program. With this promotion, my hard work and my family’s support were rewarded in a very tangible way. I can’t wait to see what comes next!