Jennifer Killam
EMBA
Telus
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
“The wisdom, talent and energy of the cohort was inspiring. I learned so much from each person in the cohort, and they have all become lifetime connections.”
A gifted communicator, Jennifer is curious, analytical, hardworking, and strategic. She’s also not one to shy away from a challenge. Like tackling two life-altering experiences at once—graduate school and motherhood.
My experience at SFU Beedie
Throughout the Executive MBA program, I was constantly stimulated by the diversity of skills, perspectives, and experiences of my classmates. My learning was fueled not only by the academic components of the program, but also by my classmates’ varied approaches to problem-solving.
Upon graduating, we all stayed connected. It's safe to say that my classmates have become meaningful lifetime connections.
My Journey
When I started the Executive MBA program in 2016, I was a senior communications leader at one of Western Canada’s largest health research institutes. The program pushed me to a new strategic level that I hadn't anticipated.
Throughout the program, I also received so much support from faculty, staff, and classmates in my motherhood journey. In the late stages of my pregnancy, faculty helped me get ahead in my assignments so that I would have a six-week grace period after giving birth to adjust to life as a new mom.
When I returned to class, I brought my son with me. Rooms were booked to accommodate my mother and husband so that they could provide onsite childcare while I was in class. This way, I was able to nurse and comfort my baby on demand. SFU is truly amazing at accommodating the realities of being a working professional who is seeking advancement.
Highlights
One big thing I took away from the program was a deeper understanding of business issues, organizational needs and practical solutions. As a result, I have become far more agile and strategic in my role as a communicator.
Where I am today
I've joined Telus as the Senior Marketing Communications Manager, focusing on the Home Solutions portfolio. I'm very happy to be part of an award-winning, leading Canadian company. My role also allows me to grow my marketing skills while delving into leading technologies.