DeGroote Leaders
A DeGroote Leader (DL) is a senior MBA student who’s demonstrated strong leadership. DeGroote Leaders are volunteers who go through a comprehensive recruitment and training process.
Each leader is assigned a “DL group” of incoming students for the fall term (starting during Onboarding Week). Groups are assigned by the Student Experience team and usually have 7 or 8 students each. Your group’s DeGroote Leader is there to be a mentor, and to help make your MBA experience positive and memorable from the start. All the DLs are available to answer your questions and help you get started in the program.
As DLDP Program Coordinators, Narges and Anupam work with the Director of Student Experience to plan and execute recruitment of DLs, facilitate training sessions, and work with the Student Experience team to organize programming for Onboarding week.
The DeGroote community is here to support you.
Aakash Bhangale
Aakash Bhangale
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
Technology Operations Delivery Intern, TD Bank
Why I chose DeGroote:
The school’s renowned academic reputation and the caliber of its faculty played a significant role in shaping my decision. What stood out about the DeGroote MBA Program was its practical approach to learning, which placed equal emphasis on developing analytical skills, critical thinking, leadership, and effective communication abilities. This comprehensive approach aligned perfectly with my belief that it would equip me with a well-rounded skill set, preparing me to successfully navigate real-world business challenges.
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Prioritize time management and build strong relationships with peers, professors, and alumni.
Question 2:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
ZNMD
Question 3:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Riding Motorbikes and building RC Cars
Question 4:
What DeGroote club are you involved in?
Answer:
DMMA
Aastha Bhalla
Aastha Bhalla
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Finance Associate at THP
Finance Associate at THP
Analyst in Strategic Business Development at CAN Health Network
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Embrace diversity and collaboration
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Reading, Hot Yoga, Walks
Question 3:
The course that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
Pharma/Biotech Business Issues and Health Care Marketing for Managers
Question 4:
Two Industries/Sectors of Interest
Answer:
Healthcare and Finance
Abbey Boothe
Abbey Boothe
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Planning Analyst - TJX Canada (Marshalls Beauty)
Planning Analyst - TJX Canada (Homesense Big Ticket)
Brand Marketing Coordinator - Canadian Tire
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Get to know as many people as you can in the program! These connections help support you throughout your MBA journey.
Question 2:
Favourite movies:
Answer:
17 Again & Thor: Ragnarok
Question 3:
My 2 industries of interest
Answer:
Retail & Real Estate
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resource at DeGroote:
Answer:
Fun activities on campus during exams (snow cone machine & cotton candy machine last year!)
Akshay Sharma
Akshay Sharma
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInWhy I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Reading fiction
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Prioritize time management and seek help when needed.
Question 3:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
Feel the Beat, The School of Rock
Question 4:
The club that excited me most at DeGroote:
Answer:
I believe that DeGroote Operations Management Club is one of the clubs that pique my interest. Networking opportunities with industry professionals is the standout feature of the club's activity roster.
Anupam Menon
Anupam Menon
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – Strategic Marketing
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
DLDP coordinator at DeGroote School of Business
Why I chose DeGroote:
The customizable nature of the program and the strong sense of community
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Top two industries of interest
Answer:
CPG & Food/Restaurants, Technology
Question 2:
My favourite movies
Answer:
Big short, Interstellar & Tenet (big Nolan buff), Ford vs Ferrari, The Chef, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Question 3:
A quick tip for first-year students
Answer:
Speak to a lot of people, get to know them, come with an open mind and be ready to learn new things about almost everything and everyone.
Anurag Ghose
Anurag Ghose
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – Strategic Business Valuation
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
PMO Intern, Bombardier Aerospace
Academic Advisor, Leonnova
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Industries or sectors of interest
Answer:
Food and Agriculture, Aviation
Question 2:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
Really into DIY videos about wood working and crafting these days
Question 3:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Racquet sports, cooking, hiking
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
Just chatting with the extended DeGroote family helps me a lot and brings great perspective to the challenges I may face.
Avneet Bhasin
Avneet Bhasin
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Market Access Specialist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Market Access Specialist at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Marketing Associate at Abbott Laboratories
Why I chose DeGroote:
The DeGroote MBA was the most well-rounded program for me. It focused on helping students develop strong business acumen, practice real-life career skills through co-op, and fostered a diverse group of students who motivated each other to do better. I wanted to attend a school that focused on providing me an enriching experience both inside and outside the classroom, and DeGroote offered just that.
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Be open to new friendships and new experiences!
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
I am a full-time plant mom and hope to keep my collection growing!
Question 3:
Top two industries of interest?
Answer:
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Consulting
Question 4:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
Sharkboy and Lavagirl (it was the first movie I ever saw in theatres)
Dhruv Suri
Dhruv Suri
Specialization:
MBA, Full-Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
Data Analysis and Reporting Analyst at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
The Pursuit of Happyness
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Embrace proactive mindset, be open to new and different opportunities, and fearlessly challenge the status quo.
Question 3:
The course or club that excites me the most at DeGroote
Answer:
Course: Competing through Digital Transformation and Analytics. Club: DeGroote MBAs for Impact (DMI)
Question 4:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Travelling, Cooking, and Volunteering
Gayatri Sharma
Gayatri Sharma
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Business Analytics
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Scotiabank - Data Analyst
RBC Capital Markets - Data Analyst
Deloitte - M&A Analyst
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Embrace networking opportunities with enthusiasm and purpose. The relationships you build during your MBA can have a profound impact on your personal and professional growth!
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Traveling, Hiking, Working Out
Question 3:
The course that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
Business Application of Data Analytics and AI
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote:
Answer:
DeGroote often will host exciting de-stress events for students such as carnivals and other fun games around exam season which is always uplifting to be around!
Harsimran Sidhu
Harsimran Sidhu
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Business Analystics
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Global Continuous Improvement Specialist, TJX Canada
Assistant Marketing Manager, Whirlpool Canada
Business Analyst, Operations, Whirlpool Canada
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Embrace the opportunity to network and build relationships with your classmates, faculty, and industry professionals. Networking is a valuable aspect of the MBA experience that can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and lifelong connections.
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Cycling, squash and hiking
Question 3:
Favourite DeGroote activity:
Answer:
MBA Games
Question 4:
What led me to pursue an MBA and what I hope to do after graduation:
Answer:
After my engineering degree and 3 years of professional experience, I felt that I need to broaden my business acumen and network. Therefore an MBA at this stage of my lives made perfect sense to advance my career prospects, acquire specialized business knowledge, and develop leadership skills.
Julia Westenberger
Julia Westenberger
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Accounting and Financial Management Services
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Canadian Assurance Co-op at EY
Finance Analyst at TJX
Corporate Banking Analyst at Scotiabank
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Try not to get super overwhelmed with the first term, it is a lot to take in but you got accepted to this program for a reason and you have a great support network to fall back on!
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Spin, strength training, reading, concerts, traveling
Question 3:
The course that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
My favourite course so far has been Management Accounting for Strategic Development
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources at DeGroote:
Answer:
I love when we get free food and therapy dogs to get us through exam season!
Kelly Long
Kelly Long
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – HSM (Health Services Management)
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Public Affairs Intern - Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Quality Resident - Hamilton Health Sciences
Medical Affairs Intern - Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Get out of your comfort zone! Join a club, take a class that excites you, and meet new people. An MBA is an incredible opportunity to explore, learn and expand your horizons.
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Hiking, running, and laughing with friends!
Question 3:
Favourite DeGroote course, club and activity:
Answer:
Managerial Negotiations, MBA Games and Student Ambassador Activities
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
The stress relief events that are held around exams including the therapy dogs and carnival event.
Maddison Thompson
Maddison Thompson
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Accounting
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
External Auditor/Staff Accountant, EY
Financial Analyst, TJX Canada
Financial Auditor I (Internal Audit), TJX Canada
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Speak up if you need help or extra support - you are not the only one! And as challenging as it may feel at times, make sure to schedule breaks to recharge - it is so important.
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Reading, Knitting, Travelling, and Spin!
Question 3:
The course, club or activity that excites me most at DeGroote:
Answer:
Definitely not the most popular answer - but I can’t wait to take Audit & Assurance! DMI is such a fantastic club - the opportunity to get involved with your colleagues and give back to the community is incredible!
Question 4:
Top two industries of interest:
Answer:
Financial Accounting (Industry Based), Internal or External Audit
Miranda Sciberras
Miranda Sciberras
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Finance and Strategic Business Valuation
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Corporate Banking at Scotiabank
Corporate Banking at Scotiabank
Business Banking Analyst in Credit Risk at Scotiabank
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Hometown:
Answer:
Brampton
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Stay organized, network and be genuine
Question 3:
What are your top two industries of interest?
Answer:
Corporate Banking and Risk Management
Question 4:
What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation?
Answer:
Wanted to further my career and I am hoping to work in finance
Muhammed Manjang
Muhammed Manjang
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
KPMG - Management Consultant
BeiGene Canada - Commercialization Team Intern
BeiGene Canada - Commercialization Team Intern
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Hobbies:
Answer:
I love cooking, always exploring food from different countries. I'm also a huge soccer and UFC fan. I enjoy watching those with friends.
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Always be authentically yourself and maintain curiosity to keep learning about others. Relationships go a long way.
Question 3:
My top two industries of interest:
Answer:
Biotechnology and Banking
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote:
Answer:
Helping a student in Distress allows you to learn and recognize how to provide support to your peers as they navigate challenges.
Narges Karami
Narges Karami
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Project/Product Management at Scotiabank
Consulting at Deloitte
Strategy & Operations at Aritzia
Why I chose DeGroote:
The multiple co-op terms offered at DeGroote because it was a great opportunity to explore different industries and diversify my work experience.
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
What made you pursue MBA at this stage?
Answer:
After working in public health for a couple years, I wanted to pivot away from my career in healthcare, build my business acumen, and break into the private sector. I'm hoping to work in the consulting sector after graduation.
Question 2:
What are your favourite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote?
Answer:
The therapy dogs! And the CPD is always super accessible and ready to help with job applications and interview prep.
Question 3:
What MBA course excites you the most?
Answer:
Negotiations
Nathaniel Abogada
Nathaniel Abogada
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Retail Marketing Specialist - FedEx Express Canada
Communications Analyst - RBC Technology and Operations
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
It's okay not to know everything. Learn how to ask for help.
Question 2:
Favourite movies:
Answer:
Girl Interrupted, Memento, Begin Again, Your Name Engraved Herein
Question 3:
The activity that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
Case Competitions (prize money as cherry on top)
Question 4:
Top two industries of interest?
Answer:
Marketing and Strategy Enablement
Nivedita Uday Dighe
Nivedita Uday Dighe
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General/Accounting and Financial Management
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInWhy I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Relax, you got this! Take care of yourself and everything else will be taken care of.
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Dancing, travelling, cooking, trying out variety of cuisines, playing table tennis, spending time with dogs and the list goes on.
Question 3:
What course, club or activity excites you the most at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
Strategic business management, Being a DeGroote leader, and a student ambassador
Question 4:
What are your favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
Mental health wellness services, stress-free week hosted by student experience during exam period, therapy dogs visiting every other Tuesday.
Prabhat Kapoor
Prabhat Kapoor
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
Technology Delivery Operations Intern @TD
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
Shutter Island and Predestination
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Be ready to step out of your comfort zone
Question 3:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
Student Wellness Centre
Question 4:
The course, club or activity that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
Leadership and Management focused courses
Sarosh Karma
Sarosh Karma
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – General
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Marketing Intern at Siemens Healthineers
Administrative Resident at Agnew Peckham
Strategic Business Analyst at Shared Services West
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Favourite movies:
Answer:
Lean on Pete, Speed Racer (2008), Secretariat
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Throw yourself into opportunities that present themselves, and its ok to be a bit pushy to create your own!
Question 3:
The club that excites me the most at DeGroote:
Answer:
DeGroote DMI
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
My favorite student wellness resource is the private matters psychotherapy services. Having access to counselling services available to students is important to improve equity in mental health resource allocation.
Satyam Gupta
Satyam Gupta
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInWhy I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Sadma
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Cutting some slack to your team/mates goes a long way
Question 3:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Water sports, Food walks
Question 4:
What course, club or activity excites you the most at DeGroote MBA?
Answer:
MBA Association
Siddhanta Mukherjee
Siddhanta Mukherjee
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time - Finance & Business Analytics
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInSummer Placement
Senior Associate, Capital One
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Stay ahead of your assignments to manage workload and reduce stress.
Question 2:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
The Godfather
Question 3:
Top two industries of interest:
Answer:
Finance & E-Commerce
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote:
Answer:
Empower Me
Sophia Juras
Sophia Juras
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Accounting and Financial Management Services
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Scotiabank - Regulatory Data Analyst
RBC - Investigations Analyst, Forensic Accounting
RBC - Investigations Analyst, Forensic Accounting
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
Catch Me If You Can
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Don't be afraid to engage in discussions, ask questions, and reach out to other MBA students during your first year in the MBA!
Question 3:
Top two industries of interest:
Answer:
Banking and Accounting
Question 4:
Favorite student wellness resources and activities at DeGroote:
Answer:
Private Matters Psychotherapy and GSA benefits for mental health
Ujwal Jakhotiya
Ujwal Jakhotiya
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Finance
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Ontario Ministry of Education - Finance Analyst
Scotiabank - IB Finance - Portfolio Management (LATAM portfolio)
Scotiabank - IB Finance - Portfolio Management (LATAM portfolio)
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
MBA course that excites you the most:
Answer:
Negotiation and History of Finance
Question 2:
Favourite movie:
Answer:
ZNMD, LOTR, Casino Royale
Question 3:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
Your learning group is your most useful asset! Make them your core support system.
Question 4:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Hiking, swimming, trying out new food cuisines, books (mostly fiction!)
Varun Bhardwaj
Varun Bhardwaj
Specialization:
MBA, Co-op – Health Services Management
Type:
Co-op
Social Media:
LinkedInCo-op Work Term:
Equine Marketing - Boehringer Ingelheim
Why I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Quick tip for first-year students:
Answer:
Make a plan to network/apply to jobs proactively and set goals to work towards.
Question 2:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Climbing, playing chess
Question 3:
Two industries of interest
Answer:
Healthcare , Utilities
Question 4:
MBA course that excites you the most:
Answer:
History of Finance
Vidushi Mehta
Vidushi Mehta
Specialization:
MBA, Full Time – General
Type:
Full Time
Social Media:
LinkedInWhy I chose DeGroote:
Conversation Starter:
Question 1:
Hobbies:
Answer:
Reading books on psychology, playing tennis and squash
Question 2:
Quick tip for first year students:
Answer:
It's a long way ahead, sit tight!
Question 3:
Top 2 industries/sectors of interest:
Answer:
Banking, consulting
Question 4:
Favorite movie:
Answer:
Welcome