My Journey

I am a project manager with Esri Canada. Esri is the leader in digitizing the geography of the world using geographic information systems (GIS). We collect data to visualize different layers of information to help users navigate an increasingly complex landscape and make informed decisions.

I am a lifelong learner. Shortly after I graduated from SFU’s EMBA program, I became a mom and had some time to continue learning. I chose the DTL program because I wanted to understand change management. In my previous role, I was in operations management, so I was an expert in championing implementation, but I wanted to learn how companies arrived at decisions and navigated digital transformation.

My Experience at SFU Beedie

I chose the program because of its practicality. I liked that you had to meet with your cohort weekly and produce a deliverable. One of the first things I learned is that digital transformation has no finish line. The technology we adopt today will quickly become obsolete, so we should always be looking ahead, learning, and adapting. "There is no finish line” is now my mantra, which I use in all aspects of my life.

My cohort had 50 participants from the banking industry, telecommunication, healthcare, port authorities, etc. Everyone came with an open mind. I made many friends through that program — we collaborated on everything during our weekly sessions. People would talk about their challenges and others would offer advice and help solve the problem.

Highlights

Road map for change: One of our key deliverables in the program. The change had to be specific, detailed and applicable to my organization. That was the biggest takeaway, because at the end of the course, I had a very well-designed presentation — logical and structured — and I was confident I could present it to the VP of my company and advocate for the change that I think my organization needs.

Thinking tools, frameworks & strategies: The program gave me a great collection of tools, frameworks and strategies that allowed me to change industries and remain confident in my abilities. I was in my previous industry for 15 years, but when a new opportunity presented itself, I was able to change clients, products, and industries while keeping my confidence.

Networking: One of the highlights for me is meeting colleagues from different industries and working together on projects. At Simon Fraser University, building a strong community is a point of pride, and this program is no exception. Even after the program ended, I have stayed in touch with some of my colleagues. We aim to support each other in our careers while embracing digitalization.

Advice for future students

For anyone who is reading this and hesitating or wondering if it's their path, I would say, don't hesitate, do it. You will experience a fantastic program. You will meet colleagues from different industries who are just as passionate as you are about learning. You don't know what doors will open. This program was a turning point in my career. After 15 years in hotel management, I joined a new industry, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for me.

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