Canadian Brochure - Saint Mary's University

The Sobey School of Business
Saint Mary’s University
MBA Program

A brief introduction to the Sobey School of Business
The Sobey School of Business, at Saint Mary’s University, is the largest and
most respected business school in Atlantic Canada. As the most comprehensive
business school in the region, it attracts students from across Atlantic Canada,
but also from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, lending the campus a strong
international flavour.
Founded in 1802, Saint Mary’s University is one of Canada’s oldest
universities, and its business school has an equally long heritage. The Faculty
of Commerce – as it was then called – was created in 1934 and was one of the
first business programs in the country. In 1992 the University paid tribute to
one of Canada’s premier business leaders by naming its Faculty of Commerce
in honour of the late Frank H. Sobey, founder of Empire Company Limited,
of Stellarton, Nova Scotia. The Sobey School of Business has enjoyed its rank
among the top business schools ever since.
A strategically
positioned education
The Sobey School of Business is located in
the heart of the historic city of Halifax, on
the east coast of Canada. As the capital city
of Nova Scotia, Halifax has some 390,000
residents and is home to seven universities
and colleges. An established gateway for
international trade, the city enjoys one of
the most skilled workforces in the country,
and an exciting emerging financial services
sector. Saint Mary’s University, the home of
the Sobey School of Business, is located in
the beautiful tree-lined south end of the city.
World-class facilities
The state-of-the-art Sobey Building – home to the Sobey School of Business
and opened in 1998 – is located on the lush, historical campus of Saint Mary’s
University. The adjacent Loyola Building underwent extensive renovations in
1998. Together, these two buildings represent an investment in the creation of
a bright, open, high-tech learning environment for our students.

The Sobey MBA: a program for leaders
As an executive or entrepreneur you have to be able to acquire, evaluate and
act on information faster then ever. You must be able to think strategically,
attract resources and mobilize people to get desired results.
The Sobey MBA Program is a dynamic and challenging
program that will equip you with the concepts and
tools to be an effective leader in today’s global economy.
World class faculty, a network of high caliber classmates
and a strong connection to the business community will
enrich your learning experience. The program provides
you with a solid academic foundation, applied learning
opportunities and a variety of student-to-business events
for a deeper appreciation of the business context.
The program begins with an intensive week of
orientation and is capped off by a retreat at a local
seaside venue. This experience helps students get to
know each other in a relaxed, yet academically rigorous
atmosphere. It sets the tone for the program and ensures
you have the skills required to succeed in the program.
The Sobey Full-time MBA
This program consists of 20 courses and normally
takes 16-20 months of study. First year courses include
foundational work in Leadership, Business Statistics,
Managerial Economics, Financial Reporting, Information
Systems, and functional courses in Marketing, Finance
and Operations. Most of the second year of the program
consists of student-chosen electives and the completion
of either an applied MBA Consulting Project or an
academic research based Masters Research Project.
The Sobey Accelerated MBA
This program is designed for those students with a solid
4 year undergraduate academic background in Business
Administration or Commerce. A 12-month program
consisting of 13 courses, it includes required courses in
Leadership, Strategy and Integration, with advanced
electives in student-chosen areas of study. Students
also complete either the MBA Consulting Project or
Masters Research Project as part of the requirements
of this program. The accelerated program can be
completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
The Sobey Part-time MBA
This program is 20 courses in length and normally takes
4 years of part-time study to complete, with courses
offered in the evenings or day-long and weekend sessions.
Core courses include foundational work in Leadership,
Business Statistics, Managerial Economics, Financial
Reporting, and Information Systems. Functional courses
include Marketing, Finance and Operations. Then
students move on to advanced level courses which largely
consist of student-chosen electives, and the completion
of either an applied MBA Consulting Project or an
academic research-based Masters Research Project.
The Sobey MBA-CMA
A joint program with CMA-NS, the Sobey MBA-CMA
combines the broad business skills of the MBA degree
with the accounting expertise and professional skills of
the Certified Management Accountant designation.
The program is 13 courses in length and is designed
for students with a strong background in accounting,
including relevant work experience, as students will
pursue their Certified Management Accountant
designation. Students entering the program typically
have four or more years of work experience. Tailored
for individuals who are working, courses are delivered
through weekend classroom sessions supported
by Internet applications. This format ensures that
individuals from areas outside of metro Halifax can
complete the program. After passing the CMA National
Entrance Exam, the MBA-CMA Program can be
completed within 24 months.

(l-r)
Greg Poirier - Senior Director, Marketing, Titan File Inc.
Lin Ge - Fund Accountant, Citco Canada Inc.
Arup Ganguly - Associate, Scotia Capital-Atlantic
Robyn Hines - Department of National Defence, Government of Canada
Success
The Secret of my
What’s the Sobey MBA program really like? What will you learn besides what’s stipulated
in the curriculum? What’s it like to live and work in Halifax? Four successful grads of
the program reminisce about their experiences during the program, and discuss their
impressions now that they’re in the workforce. Let’s listen in.
Lin: I mostly decided to come to the Sobey MBA
program because of the prestige and academic
reputation that Saint Mary’s University has. It’s one
of the best business schools in Canada.
Arup: Oh yeah. It’s a rigorous program, with a stellar
faculty and above all, for me, an impressive track record
for career placement.
Greg: I was also attracted by the program’s focus on the
interconnectivity of disciplines, you know, through
special programs and classes and the MBA Consulting
Project. The program’s focus on strategically designed
courses ensures students learn leadership qualities right
from the beginning.
Arup: I agree, Greg, and also with Lin. The Sobey
School of Business simply has one of the best MBA
programs in Canada. The MBA program provided me
with both an academic focus and the practicality of a
business program.
Robyn: Since finishing the MBA program, I find that
I’m not intimidated by newer challenges in life. I think
the program gave me the ability to learn from any
situation I find myself in.
Lin: I learned so much, the whole time I was there.
Qualities like teamwork, an ability to perform under
pressure, leadership, and seeing through a clutter and
coming out with an innovative solution. I also liked
how the small size of the program allowed me to forge
strong bonds with other students. For me, the Sobey
MBA experience has enabled me to find life-long
friends, who belong to different countries and cultures.
Arup: I thought the caliber of the students was
sometimes intimidating! I’m not exaggerating when
I say that I learned more from interacting with my
classmates than I did from reading the prescribed books!
Robyn: Yeah, I’d even say that it’s probably the
interaction with exceptional students and faculty that
differentiates the Sobey MBA program.
Greg: That’s my experience, especially regarding the
professors. I found them to be truly concerned about
your development as a student, and as an individual.
Arup: The great thing is the way they created a learning
community that encourages positive social interaction,
active engagement, and self-regulation for the students.

Since finishing the MBA program, I find that
I’m not intimidated by newer challenges in life.
I think the program gave me the ability to
learn from any situation I find myself in.
Robyn Hines
Your fellow students in the
Sobey MBA Program
Sobey MBA students come from across Canada
and around the world. Their academic and work
experience is equally diverse, and this diversity
enriches the program experience for everyone. In
our small classes, and student-centred learning
environment, our students often find they learn a
great deal from each other.
Student Profile
• Male: Female - 1.6:1
• Average Work Experience - 4.5 years
• Average GMAT - 590
• Average GPA - 3.3
• International Students - 35%
Top Industries of Employment
• 38% Other (HR, Accounting, Operations,
Marketing, Consulting)
• 15% Banking
• 13% Government / Public Administration
• 5% Legal Services
• 5% Telecommunications Provider
• 3% Architectural, Engineering
• 3% Advertising, Public Relations
Employment Status
• 95% Full-time
• 5% Student pursuing additional education
Greg: I thought the learning was very collegial and
very experiential based. A great example of this is the
MBA Consulting Project, which I took in my second
year. This course matches teams of students with local
organizations in need of consulting services. These
organizations have real problems that need real solutions.
Lin: I loved how the classroom studies were always
complemented with experiential learning like the career
development speaker series and the business case studies.
This methodology transforms Sobey School of Business
into a vibrant, collaborative workplace where students
and teachers don’t mind meeting to share ideas or
brainstorm new projects.
Robyn: I totally agree. Because of the program’s
experiential nature, it not only allowed me to acquire
the necessary expertise rapidly, but it also manages to
simulate the future working environment closely. Which
is so valuable.
Lin: And what did you guys think about the career services?
Arup: For me, it was through career services that I was
able to land a job at Scotia Capital, which has been
ranked the best Investment/Corporate bank of Canada
for the last three years. I don’t know if I would have
gotten that elsewhere.
Lin: …the mentors from related industries… career
development workshops… job-hunting tactics…
Greg: Oh, it was all invaluable. You know, I’ve had the
benefit of meeting MBAs from schools across Canada
and the Sobey program always stacks up as being the
best overall experience including quality of life, courses,
professors and learning opportunities. So to answer your
earlier question, Arup, I don’t think you would have
landed a job like that elsewhere.
Lin: After my two years’ experience at Sobey School of
Business, all I can say is that I am glad that I chose Sobey
for my MBA studies. I mean, just the fact that it’s in
Halifax is a huge benefit, especially for finance. Citco
Group, Butterfield Fund Services, Olympia Capital,
Marsh, and West End Capital Management have all
opened offices in Halifax. These firms include the largest
hedge fund administration company, and the largest risk
management/reinsurance firm in the world.
Robyn: I agree, and also found that Halifax provides an
environment that encourages collaboration between the
business and education.
Greg: Halifax, in particular the area that Saint Mary’s
University is located in, is a beautiful, vibrant community.
Besides being so close to Point Pleasant Park, Saint Mary’s
University is also near the heart of historical downtown
Halifax. The bustling business district, stunning
waterfront and a myriad of shops, restaurants, clubs…
Robyn: (laughs) Yeah, as much as I loved the program
for setting me up in an incredible career, you gotta also
love that. It’s just a great place to live. And work. It’s all
about balance.
Lin: I second, or third, that!

A path to the right career
The Sobey MBA Program is committed to the career
development of our students. The Sobey Career Services
Office offers a comprehensive career development package
to assist you finding fulfilling employment. They will also
help you identify the right career path to meet your longterm
goals and challenge you to make full use of your skills.
Through professional development offerings students will be
introduced to recognized leaders in the business community
so they can learn from them and develop their network of
contacts. The mission of Career Services is to prepare you to
make the most of those opportunities and become strategic
career managers for life.
One of the strengths of the Sobey MBA program is the
individual attention you receive from the Career Servicers
Office. Take advantage of the following offerings and make
the most of your professional education.
• Professional development – panel discussions, guest
speakers and workshops
• Professional career assessment, interview and
resumé coaching
• Networking events and business receptions
• Corporate presentation and on-site company visits
• Internships
• Mentorship program
• International Job Search Resources
Experiential Learning –
for real life skills
Becoming confident decision-makers requires practice.
The use of case analysis, course projects for local
businesses, the MCP and IMPACT Fund, provide
hands on experience that assist in learning. Students
leave our program, not just with a toolbox of concepts
but also as confident problem solvers and decisionmakers.
Sobey MBA students cite the program’s
experiential learning initiatives, like the MCP and
IMPACT Fund (opposite), in addition to a variety of
individual course projects, as being incredibly valuable.

Admission Requirements
Please note the following
requirements for the Sobey
MBA application:
• An undergraduate degree from a
recognized university
• GMAT: 550 total; not less than
30 on verbal; not less than 5.0 on
the essay
• TOEFL: 580 (paper) 237 (computer)
100 (Internet); not less than 5.0 on
the essay
• IELTS: 7.0 with no mark below 6.5
• Two reference forms and
accompanying letters either from
your former professors or from
work supervisors. These are
sent from the referee to Saint
Mary’s University directly
• Work experience is not required
but is preferred
• The completed application forms
and application fee
To apply visit sobey.smu.ca today.
MBA Consulting Project (MCP)
The MCP benefits students by providing practical,
hands-on business experience through interaction with
an actual client or company. The course allows students
to gain an overall, integrated understanding of business
rather than focusing on one particular component. The
experience helps students develop valuable teamwork
skills, build stronger resumes, or complement current
employment backgrounds.
Students are introduced to a client and their project, and
then work directly with that client and their business
to provide these business leaders with quality business
solutions. Throughout, the supervising consultant
guides the student, providing direction, suggestions, and
possible sources of information. Students also receive
feedback throughout the term from a Faculty Board,
each member of which has strengths and expertise in
different areas, providing the students with helpful tips
and additional sources of information.
IMPACT Fund
Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the
Sobey School of Business has been able to establish the
Investment Management of Portfolios in Atlantic Canada
Training (IMPACT) Fund. In keeping with our mandate
to help students become leaders, the program provides
an elite group of students from the Sobey School of
Business with practical, real world experience in money
management. In their first year, students are designated
Research Associates (RAs). Their duties involve providing
assistance – in the form of asset allocation decisions,
security selection and preparation and presentation of
professional reports – to the more senior Fund Managers
(FMs). Each FM is assigned to one or more economic
sectors for which they act as primary analyst. They make
investment decisions as a team with the guidance of
industry mentors with the same types of constraints
regarding asset allocation and security selection decisions
as those faced by real world money managers.
Where do Sobey MBA grads find work?
Here is just a sample of the high-profile companies, in various industries, where Sobey MBA grads have secured rewarding careers.
Consulting
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
(IBM)
Grant Thornton
KPMG
Bristol Group
Deloitte Touche
Ernst and Young
Gartner Group
Consumer
Products/Services
Ocean Nutrition
Irving
Labatts
Chrysler Canada
Empire Group
McCains
Procter & Gamble
Molson Canada
Financial Services
Citco Canada
Butterfield Fund Services
(Canada) Limited
Meridian Fund Services
Olympia
RBC Financial Group
TD Securities
Scotiabank
Scotia Capital
CIBC World Markets
NBF Securities
Macquarie Group
Flagstone Management
Services (Halifax) Ltd
Marsh Canada
Maritime Life
Canada Life
Wells Fargo
Technology
Research in Motion
IBM
Nortel
Aliant
Microsoft
Innovatia
Celestica
Transport
CN
Canadian Pacific Railway
Air Canada
IMP Group
Public Sector
Defense Research
Development of Canada
Canada Customs and
Revenue Agency
Province of Nova Scotia
Finance Canada
Bank of Canada
Foreign Affairs Canada
Energy
Fortis
Emera Group
Petro Canada
Exxon Mobil
Imperial Oil
Pharmaceuticals
Merck Frost Canada
GlaxoSmithKline

Halifax · Nova Scotia · Canada
smu.ca/mba
Accredited by the
AACSB International
MBA Office, Sobey 203
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3H 3C3
t: 902-420-5002
f: 902-420-5038
e: mba@smu.ca
/SobeyMBA