Annie Chipman, Rotman MBA Class of 2024
Age: 27
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of North Dakota – Bachelor of Business & Public Administration with a major in Marketing; Bachelor of Arts & Sciences with a major in Communications
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Sports + Entertainment
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I felt that I had reached a ceiling in terms of my career projection and was lacking some general business skills that would allow me to become a more effective manager. I always knew that I wanted to go back to business school and the pandemic allowed me time to study for the GMAT and focus on my applications, so it felt like the right time.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Having attended my undergrad in the United States, I knew that I wanted to say in Canada for my MBA. Additionally, I knew that the economic and financial classes would be more tailored to Canadian markets and thus more applicable in my future.
I chose Rotman because of its highly touted reputation. I told myself I’d apply to the top school first and if I didn’t get in, I’d keep moving down my list. Luckily, I didn’t have to.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I think that my work experience in professional sports gives me a unique perspective to business cases.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to draw and paint.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’d like to stay in the professional sports industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Focus on leadership skills and what makes you an integral team member.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wouldn’t have been so hard on myself about getting a top GMAT score.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Looking at and half-completing applications from schools I didn’t really want to attend.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
I had the pleasure of visiting the campus early when I was admitted and was impressed with my experience. I was paired with a couple of current students and got to sit in on a class and meet an alumnus in a related field of work. One thing I noticed right away when I attended a class was how friendly everyone was and how they all got along.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
I have been impressed with the focus on sustainability within the Rotman building.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Grades and being able to keep up with the coursework. I know that I am surrounded by incredibly intelligent people and that it will not be easy to receive top marks in the class.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Joining student clubs and becoming more involved in industry-related case competitions.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Yes. My industry was almost entirely shut down during the pandemic, which gave me time to study for the GMAT and work on my applications.
