Israel Regassa
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University
Co-op or Internship Experience:
- Analyst co-op, Strategic insights and company support with CAN Health Network: Oakville, Canada
- Accounting co-op, Global Finance, Real Estate Department with The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
What are your top 2 industries: Professional Services / Management Consulting and Technology
Are you part of any clubs or associations: President of MBA Operations Club
What made you pursue an MBA: I wanted to pivot from architecture and tech into strategic consulting and organizational transformation. I quickly recognized gaps in my business acumen: I needed the frameworks, credibility, and network to build the capabilities required for the work I want to do at scale.
Why did you choose DeGroote: The co-op structure was essential. I needed practical experience to bridge theory with real-world application. DeGroote’s emphasis on experiential learning and operations focus aligned perfectly with building foundational consulting capabilities.
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: The DeGroote community. From Day 1 orientation to alumni who are now partners at firms: people who will pick up the phone, connect you to opportunities, and open doors just because you’re part of DeGroote. That web of support has been instrumental in navigating not just my professional life but also my personal one. Being part of DeGroote is having a web of support system that will guarantee you to succeed holistically.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: Play to your strengths to get your foot in the door. Whatever’s in your arsenal, use it. Despite wanting to pivot from Architecture, that background is what got me into Scotiabank. You get where you want to go by getting in first, then pivoting from the inside.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: Entrepreneurship with Professor Marvin Ryder. His real-world insights and case-based approach made business building tangible rather than theoretical, and his energy made every class engaging. He was invested and operated in Mastery and Excellence that made us strive for that too.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: Your network is only as good as your follow-up. It’s not who you know, it’s who will pick up the phone when you need them. Get that second coffee, that third lunch. Build those relationships deliberately.
What is one of your favourite weekend activities: Going to Limeridge Mall: window shopping, trying new styles, getting Chatime (best location I’ve found), exploring new Bath & Body Works scents. Just wandering solo or with friends, taking in new textures, trends, and letting myself get lost in the experience.
Who is your favourite author: Dale Carnegie. His work on influence, relationships, and human psychology fundamentally shaped how I think about leadership and building genuine connections with people.
What would be your “walk-on song”: Kanye West – Stronger
What is your favourite TV show: Scandal
What is your favourite podcast: FYI: For your Innovation
Email: regassai@mcmaster.ca