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Jean Michel Coutu shares his MBA experiences from his course at Babson College.
1. What were you doing before your MBA?
Prior to pursuing an MBA, I worked for a chain of retail pharmacies. Initially, I worked as a Community Pharmacist at the store level and eventually took on additional responsibilities within the corporate Pharmacy Operations department. Specifically, I helped initiate a pharmacy inventory optimization program and worked closely with the MIS department in order to enhance the company's inventory management system. Additionally, I was on the board of the Rhode Island Pharmacy Association.
2. What were your main reasons for deciding to attend business school?
I had a strong scientific background but as I assumed more operational and managerial responsibilities I quickly realized that I needed additional business knowledge to reach my career objectives. I knew that my professional education and work experience complemented with an MBA could be a powerful combination, especially if it was the right MBA.
3. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?
At first, I used business journals and on-line forums. Once I had narrowed my selection, I requested catalogues from the schools. At this point, I visited the schools and talked to some of the current students.
4. What were the main criteria in your selection?
Throughout the application process, I sought the following characteristics: - dynamic student body, - school size - entrepreneurship/creativity
First of all, in an environment that stresses teamwork, the student body plays a critical role in the learning process. I wanted a program with dynamic students who brought a wide array of professional and cultural experiences.
Secondly, the school size was very important because I felt it would be directly correlated with professors commitment to the students learning.
Thirdly, I wanted a program that would force me to think "outside the box" (sorry for the clich). Babson emphasized an integrated program and a focus on entrepreneurship; clearly a unique and powerful combination.
5. Why did you decide to study either in your own country or overseas?
I was seeking a school with cultural diversity located in a business environment. Babson's location within the Boston metropolitan area provided a dynamic business environment and a fun living atmosphere. Additionally, the Babson student body consisted of over 30% international students, each bringing unique perspectives to the learning environment. I felt that the opportunity to learn and share experiences with individuals from other countries while being in a major American city would be invaluable.
6. How well do your think the MBA is regarded in your home country?
Babson is definitely growing in recognition within the Canadian business community.
7. Have you already been, or do you intend to become an entrepreneur?
The career path I intend on pursuing does not lead me down the typical entrepreneurial path; a start-up. I do intend to take the entrepreneurial spirit and energy that I've gained at Babson to the corporate environment.
8. Are there any well-known and/or successful entrepreneurs that are alumni of your school?
Yes, Arthur Blank, founder of Home Depot, Steve Spinelli, co-founder of Jiffy Lube and Bob Davis, founder of Lycos, to name a few.
9. How much do you expect to earn on graduation?
I'm confident that my yearly salary will increase by approximately 30%.
10. What do you expect to do on graduation and where do you expect to be based?
After graduation, I intend on pursuing a career in operations. More specifically, the Operations department of a Canadian based Pharmacy retailer.
11. Where do you see yourself in ten years time:
My ultimate objective is to become COO of a national retailer within the next 10 years. At this point, I hope to be on the path of becoming the next CEO/President.
12. How easy or difficult do you expect it to be to achieve these objectives?
As with everything else in business, it will require a lot of hard work but I'm confident that I will attain all my career objectives.
MBA Student Profile: Jean Michel Coutu, Babson College
By QS Contributor
Updated UpdatedJean Michel Coutu shares his MBA experiences from his course at Babson College.
1. What were you doing before your MBA?
Prior to pursuing an MBA, I worked for a chain of retail pharmacies. Initially, I worked as a Community Pharmacist at the store level and eventually took on additional responsibilities within the corporate Pharmacy Operations department. Specifically, I helped initiate a pharmacy inventory optimization program and worked closely with the MIS department in order to enhance the company's inventory management system. Additionally, I was on the board of the Rhode Island Pharmacy Association.
2. What were your main reasons for deciding to attend business school?
I had a strong scientific background but as I assumed more operational and managerial responsibilities I quickly realized that I needed additional business knowledge to reach my career objectives. I knew that my professional education and work experience complemented with an MBA could be a powerful combination, especially if it was the right MBA.
3. What research did you undertake in selecting your school?
At first, I used business journals and on-line forums. Once I had narrowed my selection, I requested catalogues from the schools. At this point, I visited the schools and talked to some of the current students.
4. What were the main criteria in your selection?
Throughout the application process, I sought the following characteristics:
- dynamic student body,
- school size
- entrepreneurship/creativity
First of all, in an environment that stresses teamwork, the student body plays a critical role in the learning process. I wanted a program with dynamic students who brought a wide array of professional and cultural experiences.
Secondly, the school size was very important because I felt it would be directly correlated with professors commitment to the students learning.
Thirdly, I wanted a program that would force me to think "outside the box" (sorry for the clich). Babson emphasized an integrated program and a focus on entrepreneurship; clearly a unique and powerful combination.
5. Why did you decide to study either in your own country or overseas?
I was seeking a school with cultural diversity located in a business environment. Babson's location within the Boston metropolitan area provided a dynamic business environment and a fun living atmosphere. Additionally, the Babson student body consisted of over 30% international students, each bringing unique perspectives to the learning environment. I felt that the opportunity to learn and share experiences with individuals from other countries while being in a major American city would be invaluable.
6. How well do your think the MBA is regarded in your home country?
Babson is definitely growing in recognition within the Canadian business community.
7. Have you already been, or do you intend to become an entrepreneur?
The career path I intend on pursuing does not lead me down the typical entrepreneurial path; a start-up. I do intend to take the entrepreneurial spirit and energy that I've gained at Babson to the corporate environment.
8. Are there any well-known and/or successful entrepreneurs that are alumni of your school?
Yes, Arthur Blank, founder of Home Depot, Steve Spinelli, co-founder of Jiffy Lube and Bob Davis, founder of Lycos, to name a few.
9. How much do you expect to earn on graduation?
I'm confident that my yearly salary will increase by approximately 30%.
10. What do you expect to do on graduation and where do you expect to be based?
After graduation, I intend on pursuing a career in operations. More specifically, the Operations department of a Canadian based Pharmacy retailer.
11. Where do you see yourself in ten years time:
My ultimate objective is to become COO of a national retailer within the next 10 years. At this point, I hope to be on the path of becoming the next CEO/President.
12. How easy or difficult do you expect it to be to achieve these objectives?
As with everything else in business, it will require a lot of hard work but I'm confident that I will attain all my career objectives.
This article was originally published in . It was last updated in
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