Ubah Ahmed
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University
Co-op or Internship Experience:
- Strategy Management Associate with Trillium Health Partners
- Junior Analyst with Government of Canada
- PM Business Analyst with Trillium Health Partners
What are your top 2 industries: Healthcare and Consulting
Are you part of any clubs or associations:
- Co-chair of Sponsorships of DeGroote Case Competition (DCC)
- VP Sponsorships of DeGroote Interprofessional Health Leader Conference (DIHLC)
- DeGroote Student Ambassador
What made you pursue an MBA: Coming from a healthcare background, particularly in the public health space, my initial focus was on exploring the wide range of career paths available after completing my undergraduate degree. As I navigated different opportunities within healthcare, I was exposed to the business side of the industry and began to understand how strategy, operations, and leadership play a critical role in shaping healthcare systems and outcomes. That exposure shifted my perspective significantly. While I value the clinical and scientific foundations of healthcare, I found myself far more drawn to the strategic and organizational aspects that drive innovation, efficiency, and broader impact. Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step because it would allow me to build the business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to the evolving healthcare landscape.
Why did you choose DeGroote: What really drew me to DeGroote was its co-op program and the unique opportunity it offers to combine academic learning with meaningful, real-world experience. The ability to explore diverse career paths, build practical skills, and gain hands-on industry exposure while completing my degree strongly aligned with the kind of education I’m looking for. After speaking with a current student over coffee, I gained valuable insight into how the program truly operates beyond what’s outlined online. Hearing firsthand about their experiences, growth, and opportunities gave me a clearer understanding of what DeGroote could offer and reinforced my confidence that it is the ideal place for me to grow both personally and professionally.
What has been your favourite part about the MBA: My favorite part of the MBA experience so far has been the opportunity to step outside of my healthcare background and gain exposure to new areas of business. Coming from public health, much of my previous experience was centered around healthcare systems, but the MBA has allowed me to broaden my perspective by exploring subjects like finance, strategy, marketing, and operations. I’ve really enjoyed learning how these different disciplines intersect and how they can be applied across industries, including healthcare. It has been great to challenge myself in unfamiliar areas, develop a more well-rounded business mindset, and connect concepts from different fields in ways I hadn’t considered before. That broader learning experience has not only expanded my knowledge, but has also helped me grow both professionally and personally.
What is one quick tip you have for a first-year MBA student: One quick tip I’d give to a first-year MBA student is to stay open to learning as much as possible. You’ll be exposed to so many different subjects, perspectives, and experiences, some of which may feel completely outside your comfort zone or previous background. Approach each opportunity with curiosity, ask questions, and take genuine interest in topics you may not have considered before.
What has been your favourite course at DeGroote, and why: My favorite course at DeGroote so far has been Essential Business Skills. I really appreciated how it provided a strong foundation for learning how to approach and analyze business cases effectively. It has been incredibly helpful during my co-op experiences and in case competitions, as it’s given me more confidence when tackling real-world business challenges. I also had a wonderful professor in this course, Professor Melina Head.
What I wish I knew on Day 1: The MBA program will be challenging at times, but nothing you can’t handle.
What is your favourite TV show: New girl
Email: Ahmedu5@mcmaster.ca