Harman Kaur Batra

Education: Bachelor of Commerce from Punjab University.

Co-op Experience: N/A

Reason for pursuing an MBA: I pursued an MBA to bridge the gap between strategic thinking and hands-on impact. With a background in finance and client advisory, I realized that to drive meaningful solutions, I needed a stronger foundation in cross-functional decision-making, marketing strategy, and operations. The MBA is not just about advancing my career; it’s about equipping myself with the tools to lead with clarity, navigate complexity, and bring a holistic perspective to every challenge.

Why DeGroote was chosen: I chose the DeGroote School of Business because of its strong reputation for experiential learning and its collaborative community. Before applying, I connected with several seniors over coffee chats who spoke highly of the program’s supportive culture, real-world case learning, and hands-on opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. I was especially drawn to the emphasis on case studies and the school’s active involvement in case competitions, which provide a platform to apply strategic thinking in dynamic, high-pressure environments. DeGroote felt like the right place to sharpen both my analytical and leadership skills while being part of a network that genuinely supports growth.

Favorite MBA experience: One of the most rewarding experiences of my MBA so far has been working on the Advance Ontario Project with Minoa Homes. It was one of a kind where I got exposure with hands-on opportunity to consult on a real marketing challenge, right from conducting preliminary research and stakeholder analysis to crafting and executing a strategic campaign. The experience helped me connect theory with practice and taught me how to navigate ambiguity, manage deadlines, and deliver results in a client-facing environment. It reaffirmed my interest in solving real-world business problems through a mix of data, empathy, and strategy.

Tip for first-year students: Build genuine relationships early on; your peers are one of the most valuable parts of the MBA experience. Don’t just engross yourself in academics, have real conversations, collaborate on projects, and get out of your comfort zone. You’ll learn just as much from them as you do from the classroom.

Industries of interest: Consumer Marketing and Education.

Club involvement: Yes, DeGroote Women in Management Association.

Weekend activities: Sleeping and Going on Trails.

Favorite course: Marketing and Organizational Behavior.

Fun facts/hobbies: I am a good public speaker and I enjoy painting.

Favorite book/movie/podcast: The Theory of Everything.