Samantha Daniel

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration –  St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bangalore, India.

Co-op Experience: 3 Co-ops, one in Scotiabank and two terms in RBC.

Reason for pursuing an MBA: After working for three years in banking, I felt it was the right time to upskill and take the next step in my career. I had always wanted to pursue my master’s abroad, and the MBA co-op program was the perfect fit. It offered the ideal balance of academics and practical work experience.

Why DeGroote was chosen: I wanted to pursue an MBA to gain global exposure and broaden my perspective before settling into a long-term career path. With three years of work experience, I felt it was the right time to enhance my skills, expand my network, and prepare for the next stage of my professional journey.

Favorite MBA experience: What I’ve enjoyed most about the MBA experience is the rich variety of courses and the engaging mix of learning style from case studies to TED-style presentations. The opportunity to learn alongside a diverse group of students and professors has made the experience even more insightful and inspiring.

Tip for first-year students: A quick tip for first-year MBA students: Don’t limit yourself to familiar circles. Make an effort to build connections with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and always be curious, ask questions and stay open to new perspectives.

Industries of interest:  Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) & Consulting.

Club involvement: No.

Weekend activities: My favorite way to spend a weekend is to start with a good walk and then head to a new brunch spot – it’s the perfect mix of fresh air, exploration, and great food.

Favorite course: My favorite course at DeGroote was Corporate Reputation & Brand Management. It offered a fascinating look into how companies build, manage, and protect their brand image, and I really enjoyed the real-world case studies and strategic insights it provided.

Fun facts/hobbies: A fun fact about me—I had the chance to be an extra in a Malayalam movie! It was a great experience to be on set and watch the behind-the-scenes process of film production up close.

Favorite book/movie/podcast: I’d say my favorite show is How to Get Away with Murder, starring Viola Davis. The storyline is incredibly gripping, and her performance is absolutely phenomental.