Many MBA students pivot careers. We spoke to Leonardo José Baccaro, an MBA student at the Schulich School of Business, about his pursuit to switch roles within his current organization and his overall experience living in Canada.
It is not uncommon for MBA students to switch careers or roles. In fact, many students pursue an MBA with the goal of making a career change. In 2022, the majority of MBA students who intended to make a career change pre-MBA were successful in doing so post-graduation. Some MBA students even make the so-called “triple jump,” changing industry, role, and location.
For Leonardo, doing an MBA is central to helping him pivot from supply chain management to marketing at his current company. As a Supply Chain Professional at the pharmaceutical company Fresenius Kabi Canada, Leonardo oversees the entire supply chain process in the medical devices business unit. While supply chain management is important – glaringly evident during the global pandemic – Leonardo is set on a career in marketing.
“Even though I want to work for the marketing department. … To start working, I needed to leverage my experience in supply chain,” Leonardo explains. “So, the first move was to enter the pharmaceutical industry, but as a supply chain professional, I do much more things than I used to do in Brazil. … Which is good because I learned a lot of things that I didn’t know before.” (06:24)
Leonardo decided to move to Canada from his native Brazil with a very clear intention: to do an MBA and pivot his career. He is currently studying at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. “I moved [to] study, so I quit my job to go for the MBA,” he shares. “I was in the supply chain. I really think it’s an interesting field, but I always had the dream, and the goal to move to a marketing and sales role.” (02:29) Completing an MBA is the catalyst to make that switch.
Luckily for Leonardo, Schulich offers 18 specializations in its MBA program, including marketing. The specialization is designed to help students dive deep into marketing strategy, tactics, and principles. As part of the specialization, students can take electives such as Consumer Behaviour, Retail Analytics, and Brand Management.
When it comes to living and working in Canada, Leonardo couldn’t be happier. He loves the country and its diversity of cultures and – shockingly – the climate. “I really like the climate, so I know you can enjoy the winter as well. There are a lot of things to do. This is a learning experience as well – you can grow personally when you face those very harsh winters.” (04:19)
Leonardo also finds Canadian and Brazilian work cultures to be quite similar. He describes both as relational and approachable, with a strong focus on personal development.
Joining LABA, the Latin American Business Association at Schulich, made Leonardo’s experience living in Canada easier. With over 30 members, LABA aims to help Latin American students establish a network in Canada. Recently, the association invited Latin American professionals from Scotiabank, a Canadian multinational bank, to share their insights and advice with the students.
Leonardo adds, “We try to create these networking events to help the Latin Americans, but it’s not only restricted to Latin America. This is something very interesting – I have a Canadian friend, he joined the club because he was interested in the culture.” (12:12)
As we mentioned earlier, it is more than normal for MBA students to change careers or roles. However, it’s important to go into an MBA program with an open mind. Leonardo advises, “You should be open-minded because sometimes you come here with an idea, and then you can change your idea.” (14:36)
While Leonardo had his eyes on pivoting careers to marketing, he also considered moving to finance after taking a few classes at Schulich. However, the marketing classes reminded him of where his passion was.
“It’s good to have a goal, but if it changes, it’s not a problem,” he continues. “It’s good for you, so be open-minded for new opportunities and new challenges. This is something that I tell everyone because it happened with me.” (15:19)
Thinking about doing an MBA in order to switch roles or careers? Reach out directly to a current or past student at Schulich to learn more about their experience!
