Ali Ramadan, Rotman MBA Class of 2025
Ali Ramadan, Rotman MBA Class of 2025Age: 32
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon / Kuwait City, Kuwait
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Lebanese American University, BSc Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Manager – Capital Markets, Kuwait Financial Centre / 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to pursue an MBA because I am at a stage in my career where I want to work more on developing my leadership and managerial skills. I reached a managerial position at my previous employer, and I thought the time was suitable to attend a business school to expand on my skillset. I also chose to pursue an MBA now because I felt I reached a learning plateau in my professional career, and going back to school would be a way for me to challenge myself all over again.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Rotman because I felt the school had a strong focus on developing leadership and management skills. I was particularly looking to take advantage of Rotman’s Self-Development Lab, which provides students with a lot of resources that they can utilise towards becoming better leaders, decision-makers, presenters, and communicators.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I am only one of two students that lived in the Arab Gulf – so I would probably say that is my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2025. I would also say my background in Investment Banking is another differentiating contribution to the class. I try to help my classmates, as much as I can, learn about the industry and the different functions and roles within Investment Banking.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to play billiards (and some other cue sports). Many do not see it as such, but it is a very strategic game that requires you to always think ahead with the options you have on the table. I also enjoy travelling to and exploring new countries by going on hikes and treks.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am still very much interested in finance and would like to remain in the industry.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to as many current and alumni students as you possibly can, especially those that come from a similar professional or academic background to you. It was tough for me to decide where I wanted to end up for the MBA programme and reaching out to students who attended the school made my decision easier.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Preparing for my application earlier. It takes time and effort to prepare your application and shortlist the schools you think would be the best fit for you in terms of what you are looking to gain from the MBA programme.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wouldn’t really skip any part of it, including sitting for the GMAT again. The whole process makes you really think about what it is you really want and what you are looking for, and the way the application process is structured is a way for you to discover exactly that.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
The Rotman community is quite large and collaborative, and the students come from all sorts of backgrounds, both culturally and professionally. The campus is also very beautiful, with a lot of green spaces around, and is located in the heart of downtown Toronto.
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
Although I already knew this before arriving to Rotman, I was still surprised at the emphasis the school has on teaching management. One professor I have taken a managerial course with refuses to call Rotman a business school – it’s a management school.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Probably maintaining a high GPA! Recruiting for finance roles usually requires having a strong GPA to have a strong application.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Networking and participating in industry-related case competitions. I recently participated in a stock pitch competition, and although it was a lot of work, it was an incredible learning experience for me to present in front of judges who work in Equity Research.
