The
other day I was at Rotman for an event hosted by the Rotman Finance
Association. Several first-year students mentioned to me that they found my
blog very helpful in deciding to study at Rotman. Their comments were very
humbling, especially since the primary purpose of my blog was to help people
learn more about the school and ease their decision-making by chronicling my own experiences.
It
also occurred to me that I never did write a wrap-up post after I graduated. The first-year students’ comments inspired me to do so. Plus, I was feeling a little nostalgic. C'mon! The student life is ideal, in so many ways!
Since list-based articles and blog posts are racking up the views these days
(e.g., 19 ways to tell you’re an MBA student, 41 things that millennials need to
learn before entering the work force, 30 things I wish I’d known when I was in
my 20s, etc), I thought I’d capture your attention and title this blog post
similarly.
And
so, ladies and gentlemen, here it is: The
8 things you MUST DO as a Rotman student.
1.
Attend a SABA
Party:
There’s no doubt: The South Asian Business Association (SABA) knows how to
throw down! At SABA’s 2013 end of year party, the DJ was amazing, the food and
drink were delicious, and the dancing lasted all night long. If you’re not
busy, go to a SABA party. Even if you are very busy, go to a SABA party.
2.
Go to (or
better yet, participate in) No Talent Night: This is by far one
of the biggest and most enjoyed nights of the year, but I may be biased. In
first year, two of my classmates and I performed a beat-boxed and Rotmanized
version of “Drinking in LA”, which won us the night’s first prize. And in
second year, our encore performance won us first prize again. To my knowledge,
the same performers have never won first prize two years in a row. And if it
ever happens again, you will want to be there to witness it.
 |
| Temi Kolarinwa, pictured in the middle, is now pursuing a career as a rapper. His first music video can be seen here. See? You can do ANYTHING with a Rotman MBA! |
3.
Volunteer
at Orientation Camp: As I mentioned before in one of my first
posts, camp is not to be missed as a first-year student. It is the origin of
many friendships, laughter and legendary stories. And if you have the chance,
go to camp as a second-year volunteer. You will be in charge of some small
aspect of camp, such as security or organizing an activity, and some of this
may involve some sort of preparation ahead of time. It is a really fun way to
reunite with your Rotman pals and meet the incoming class. It’s definitely not
all work! Many 2013 grads (including myself) will tell you that camp was more
fun as a volunteer. If you don’t believe us, you will have to see for yourself!
 |
| Rotman's 2012 Orientation Camp volunteers before the full moon party. |
4.
Run around
Toronto in the Rotman Amazing Race: Running. Costumes. Smartphones. Running.
Asking strangers to take pictures and videos of your team acting like fools. Making
obscure demands of fast food employees. Running. Applying for jobs at local
businesses that may or may not exist. And some more running. This full day
event accounts for some very hilarious pictures and stories. And yes, maybe a
very sore body the next day, but it is worth it. Find some friends who can run,
whip up a costume and team name, and have fun!
 |
| The Rainbow Pandas! |
5.
Play
dodgeball with Outreach Dodgeball: Why would you pass up the
opportunity to play dodgeball against your professors? Seek some revenge!
6.
Participate
in at least one case competition: Everyone will do a case competition
as part of the core strategy course in first year. I would recommend stepping
out of your comfort zone a little bit and participating in at least one more.
No, they are not always “fun”, but you will learn a lot, work with like-minded
students and meet many people who work in your industries of interest.
7.
Join the
Rotman Dragon Boat Team: During the summer between first and second
year, a number of us joined the Rotman Dragon Boat Team. I think only one
person on the team had ever rowed competitively before, so nearly everyone was
a complete beginner. This didn’t stop us from having tons of fun though! Our
season consisted of 5 or 6 practices on Sunday mornings and one weekend-long
regatta on Toronto Island. Sure, we weren’t the best team there, but we had
consistent improvements to our race time and enjoyed being out in the sun all
day. Make sure this happens, even if you have to be the one to organize it!
 |
| Still smiling, even after a grueling race! |
8.
Be a
member of the MBA Games team: This is the biggest gathering of MBA
students in the country, with inter-school athletic, academic and spirit
competitions held all weekend long. Try not to miss out on this. Get on
Rotman’s team by impressing the executive with your superior athletic
abilities, case competition inclined brain or unmatched Rotman spirit. You will
not regret the experience, especially since only a select few from Rotman
participate. BONUS: You get lots of Rotman swag – t-shirts, hoodies, sweat
pants, bags, and, if you’re lucky, sunglasses.
 |
| The Rotman MBA Games dodgeball team has been undefeated for two years in a row now. Will there be a three-peat in 2014? GO ROTMAN GO! |
There is
no doubt that I sincerely enjoyed my days at Rotman. I am so grateful to have
had this opportunity - to have studied with some of the best business
professors in the world, to have developed personally and professionally, and
to have met some life-long friends.
This will officially conclude
"Adventures at the Rotman School of Management" blog. I hope you have
all enjoyed reading, as much as I have enjoyed writing. I wish you all the
best, whatever your future endeavours! If you have questions about being a
Rotman student, feel free to reach out to me! I am always happy to help!
