Valuable entrance scholarships aim to set tech-focused MBA grads up for success

Jan. 14, 2021

MBA candidates entering the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University who have a background in science or engineering, or who are working at a technology-based company, are eligible for either $10,000 or $20,000 in scholarships.

Candidates entering the Toronto-based, part-time, alternate weekend MBA program who currently work at a technology-based company are automatically considered for a $20,000 entrance scholarship.

Candidates entering either the part-time evenings, or full-time Waterloo-based MBA program who hold a high GPA in their previous science or engineering degree will be automatically considered for a $10,000 entrance scholarship.

The selection committee will consider a number of factors when assessing the scholarship recipients including grade point average from a previous degree, GMAT scores (if applicable), educational background, and work and volunteer experience.

“Students who are able to combine science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with an MBA are creating a powerful combination of skills and knowledge that will help them succeed in any number of fields,” says Lazaridis MBA Program Director, Mitali De. “It’s a career path that can be very rewarding.”

With campuses in Waterloo and Toronto, students in the Lazaridis MBA program quickly realize the benefits of learning business in the heart of Canada’s thriving tech corridor.

“We’ve designed our MBA to have as many experiential learning opportunities as possible through which candidates can gain exposure to the exciting tech-enabled ecosystem that is unique to Waterloo Region and the GTA,” explains De.

The STEM + MBA route’s popularity is no secret to industry watchers like Matt Hazenbush who writes for MBA.com and explains the inherent value of the combined skillset. “MBAs are perfect for STEM-focused candidates who envision themselves leading tech and data-driven teams in dynamic business environments.”

“Connecting an MBA to science, technology, engineering, and math builds a foundation in analytical tools and frameworks to better enable analysis and decision making in business,” explains Hazenbush.

The benefits of applying a STEM background to the Lazaridis MBA have been realized by a particularly high degree of Laurier graduates over the years, including MBA Class of 2015 alumna, Matty Mayakrishnan who joined the Waterloo program after completing her bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Waterloo.

“I loved mathematics as a subject when I was in high school and that was the main reason I pursued that field of study,” says Mayakrishnan. “But the MBA helped me to develop additional skills that have enabled me to be a strong leader in my organization. I will always credit my MBA for providing me with a strong skillset in project-management stakeholder management, public speaking, team management and much more.”

For a complete list of other Lazaridis MBA awards and scholarships, visit our website.