From tactical management to holistic leadership
When Nina was just one year into her career at STEMCELL Technologies, she sensed there might be a limitation to her career trajectory based on her current business skill set.
She was making tactical decisions and managing a small team, but wanted to contribute to the organization’s efforts into cancer research in a more beneficial way.
Nina knew that to realize her goal of becoming a valued member of the senior leadership team she would need to hone her knowledge of the business landscape. She began researching how she could achieve her goals—without having to compromise her current full-time position.
She decided that the Part-Time MBA (PTMBA) program at UBC Sauder (now the Professional MBA) provided the right balance for her life and career plans, with accommodative weekend work, and short, intensive on-site residencies.
Nina hoped this new path would help her rise through the ranks of her organization, but she couldn't have guessed just how quickly.
A quick look at the UBC PMBA
- The UBC PMBA is a 24-month program that has been built to fit around a full-time work schedule.
- The program typically starts in January with classes every two to three weekends.
- 90% of UBC PMBA graduates in 2021 enhanced their career through promotion or career change.
Meet Nina Bagri
"The fact that I would be learning from experts in their field, with different professional backgrounds from me, was a big draw."
Nina began the program in January 2013, and by May of that same year she was promoted to a more senior Sales Management position. She was now leading a large, national sales team—an opportunity she would have expected within a few years, not months.
Nina attributes this fast ascent to the experience and knowledge gained during her time at UBC Sauder. She was absorbing diverse perspectives from her classmates and professors, and applying new principles to her job in real-time. In addition to a solid foundation in business strategy, Nina was deepening her understanding of the human side of business. Professors Daniel Skarlicki and Jim Southcott were fundamental to her success as a leader—helping to hone Nina’s creative and critical thinking skills, which allowed her to unlock this same potential within her own team.
Nina also took advantage of the option to study abroad and her time at ESSEC Business School in France gave her the opportunity to get a more global perspective on the business landscape.
Throughout all of this professional development, Nina continued to learn and push her boundaries—a work ethic that continues to serve her well even today.
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