Brianna Morrison, Rotman MBA Class of 2024
Age: 23 Years old
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Alberta, Political Science Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Two years experience in the legal industry (Pro Bono Human Rights Clinic), 3 years in the Food & Beverage Industry (Server at Private Golf Course)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I aspire to one day serve as in-house legal counsel for a healthcare institute, a profession that requires a strong background in business management and health law. An in-house lawyer is uniquely positioned within a hospital to provide advice for managing and regulating healthcare delivery systems. In this role, I can advocate for patients’ needs and support greater patients’ access to care by actively promoting healthcare reform that prioritizes patient values.
The skill set of an in-house lawyer requires extensive legal expertise and the business savvy for planning and developing long-term strategic goals. An MBA provides me with the resources to strengthen my management abilities, gain exposure to the corporate industry, and build on my leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills from a business perspective. With my Rotman MBA, I am confident I will gain the expertise to deliver proactive solutions in a field that is constantly evolving.
As for ‘why now’, during my first year of law school, I became increasingly interested in how the law informs and interacts with the business world. One case we read, Eldridge v British Columbia, particularly interested me as it dealt with a violation of patients’ equality rights due to a budgetary decision made by BC hospitals. Once I learned that the University of Toronto was offering a combined JD/MBA degree, I decided to apply.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Rotman because its innovative curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to capitalize on career and networking opportunities. Factors that figured prominently in my decision included the course selection and internship opportunities at Rotman. I was especially impressed with the number of Health-Related courses offered and the possibility of becoming a Fellow in Health Sector Management.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2024 is my perspective on leadership given my cultural background as a Métis Cree woman.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I have lived in three cities, Edmonton, Montréal, and Toronto.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA career interests include Indigenous Law, Healthcare Management, and Corporate Finance.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to an Admission Advisor early in the application process and ask about potential scholarship/fellowship opportunities. When connecting with an admission advisor, I expressed my interest in the Forté Fellowship and she noted it in my application file.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently? 
I would have reached out to potential references earlier in the application process. I contacted my second professional reference a week before my application was due which created a lot of unnecessary stress.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was quite nervous for the Video Essay interview but was pleasantly surprised by how relaxed it was. The Video Essays are an opportunity for Rotman to get to know you personally, so I imagined I was being asked the questions by a friend over Facetime and acted how I would when talking to them.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
There is an incredible sense of collegiality within the Rotman Community. Students and Professors alike are eager to get to know you and support you in your academic and professional journey.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is Rotman’s emphasis on character and leadership development. In addition to receiving a business education, Rotman provides students with multiple opportunities to develop their leadership skills through the Self Development Laboratory.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about how fast-paced the first year of the MBA is. Each term only spans seven weeks and there is a lot of content to take in, so creating a routine and schedule is vital.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Participating in a case competition. I really enjoyed mooting during my first year of law and heard it’s a similar experience doing a case competition. The possibility of getting to travel is also very exciting.
