Oliver Zihlmann’s choice to pursue a graduate degree was rooted in a desire for the diversity of experiences, skills, and knowledge needed to become a well-rounded leader. He believed an MBA offered a broad education applicable in any industry and would provide valuable insights into business practices and standards he could apply to his work in the non-for-profit sector.

The ability to continue working was critical while studying for Oliver, and the flexibility of the SFU Beedie Part-Time MBA program meant he could still grow his career while laying the foundation for future growth.

My experience at SFU Beedie

“I like to have a broad set of skills and experiences, and the SFU Beedie MBA played into those interests. When thinking about the next stages of my career, I knew I needed and wanted practice in other areas.”

“I’m still learning about all the benefits of the MBA program and am curious to see how I will continue to benefit five years, even ten years, out as my career progresses. I feel like the full benefits of the program are still to be revealed.”

My Journey

“You take everyone with you on your MBA journey. Whether it’s your parent, your children, friends, colleagues, four-legged friends—everyone comes with you on the journey in one form or another.”

“It’s a total mind-body experience. It was challenging, and you have to be real with yourself about how it is going to impact every area of your life. You have to have a sense of purpose.”

Highlights

“In 2017 I ran for the Board of Governors as the Graduate Student representative for SFU. I gained a 360 picture of Simon Fraser University and all of its activities at a BOG level, which was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience that I wouldn’t otherwise have had.”

“A program highlight was my entrepreneurship class, taught by Andrew Harries. It put me out of my comfort zone and drew me into a different kind of thinking and learning. Entrepreneurship is like an MBA every day of your life – in terms of all the learning and adapting it involves. The course overall was challenging and inspiring.”

Where I am today

An experienced fundraising and development professional, Oliver currently works for the University of British Columbia as the Director, Development and Alumni Engagement, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.