Hibbah Butt
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Commerce, McMaster University
Co-op or Internship Experience:
- Project Management and Channel Operations Intern with Tangerine
- Video Production Intern with Scotiabank
What are your top 2 industries: Luxury Beauty, CPG
Are you part of any clubs or associations: President of Women in Management Association
What made you pursue an MBA: Honestly, after my undergrad, I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I was not entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. I had always been interested in pursuing an MBA because I genuinely enjoyed studying business during undergrad and wanted to dive deeper into areas like strategy, leadership, and marketing. What really stood out to me was discovering that DeGroote had a program designed for students coming directly from undergrad, because I did not realize that kind of MBA pathway existed. Once I found it, everything felt really aligned with where I saw myself going.
Why did you choose DeGroote: A big reason was because I completed my undergrad at McMaster, and I genuinely loved my experience there. The community, environment, and people made such a positive impact on me that continuing at DeGroote felt like a natural next step. I also loved that the MBA program felt collaborative and community-oriented while still giving students so many opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: One of my favourite parts has definitely been taking on leadership roles and collaborating with such amazing people. Through student clubs and events, I’ve had the opportunity to help plan and execute some really meaningful and creative initiatives, and I’m so grateful for those experiences. Seeing ideas come to life while working alongside motivated people has been incredibly rewarding.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first. Join clubs, attend events, introduce yourself to people, and put yourself out there early. The MBA experience goes by so fast, and a lot of the best opportunities come from simply being involved and building relationships.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: One of my favourite courses has been Marketing Strategy because it felt very hands-on and applicable to real-world business problems. I enjoyed working through case studies, understanding consumer behaviour, and developing strategic recommendations that combined both creativity and analytical thinking.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: You do not need to have everything figured out right away. Everyone comes into the MBA with different backgrounds and experiences, and growth happens so quickly once you start getting involved, meeting people, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
What is one of your favourite weekend activities: Exploring new cafés and restaurants with friends, especially finding hidden gems around the GTA. I also love working on creative projects, hosting community events, and spending time in spaces that feel inspiring and meaningful!
Who is your favourite author: I do not really have one specific favourite author, but I’ve always loved reading books that focus on mindset, growth, and human relationships. One book that really stood out to me was The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani because of how differently it makes you think about success and personal growth. On the fiction side, I’ve always had a soft spot for books by Nicholas Sparks because they’re emotional, comforting, and easy to get invested in.
What would be your “walk-on song”: Probably Unwritten by Unwritten. It just feels very optimistic, nostalgic, and main-character-energy in the best way.
Do you have a hidden talent: I used to do henna professionally for many years!
What is your favourite TV show: Definitely Friends. I love wholesome, comfort shows with great characters and humour. The Mindy Project and Jane the Virgin are right up there too.
What is your favourite podcast: The Diary Of A CEO
Email: butth9@mcmaster.ca