Bianca Tu
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration, Wilfrid Laurier University
Co-op or Internship Experience:
- Change Management Consultant Co-op with SunLife Financial
- Strategy & Enablement Co-op with RBC
- Business Operations Analyst, Process Optimization Home Equity with RBC
What are your top 2 industries: Consulting/Strategy and Operations
Are you part of any clubs or associations:
- President of DeGroote Consulting Association
- School Teams Lead of DeGroote Case Competition Organizing Committee
What made you pursue an MBA: I wanted to pursue an MBA to continue building on my business studies and develop a stronger skill set that would better prepare me for the workforce. I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge, strengthen my leadership and problem-solving abilities, and gain practical experience that I can apply in my career. The MBA also allows me to grow both professionally and personally while preparing me to take on more challenging opportunities in the future.
Why did you choose DeGroote: I chose the DeGroote MBA Program because of its co-op structure and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while completing my degree. The co-op program gives me the chance to explore different roles and industries, which will help me better prepare for my full-time career and understand where my strengths and interests align. I was also drawn to the program because it offers a strong balance of academic learning and real-world experience, allowing me to develop both professionally and personally.
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: My favourite part of the MBA experience so far has definitely been the community. Through the program and extracurricular activities, I’ve met so many close friends and built meaningful connections with people who are supportive, motivated, and inspiring. Having such a strong community has made the experience much more enjoyable, and it’s something that genuinely makes me look forward to showing up every day.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: One quick tip I would give to a first-year MBA student is to not rush the experience. Take your time to explore different opportunities, figure out what you like and don’t like, and focus on what’s best for you personally and professionally. Everyone’s path through the program looks different, so it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Also, take full advantage of everything the program offers, whether that’s networking events, extracurriculars, co-op opportunities, or connecting with your peers and professors.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: My favourite course at DeGroote has been O711: Predictive Modelling Analytics. I really enjoy how integrated the course is and how it goes beyond just teaching the tools by also explaining the reasoning and theory behind predictive modelling techniques. It’s been especially interesting to see how analytics can be applied to real business problems and decision-making. The course challenges me in a way I genuinely enjoy and really “scratches an itch” in my brain when it comes to problem-solving and analytical thinking.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: I will figure everything out as time goes on, and everything will be okay!!
What is one of your favourite weekend activities: I like playing rugby, reading, and playing chess.
Do you have a hidden talent: I can juggle for 5 seconds 🙂
What is your favourite TV show: The Office
What is your favourite podcast: Dateline
Email: tub5@mcmaster.ca