Growing across borders: An international MBA student experience
MBA Diaries | International Students
Ibrahim Syed, ‘25 MBA
Workforce Analytics Specialist at McElhanney
We’re highlighting MBA graduates who brought global perspectives into the Alberta School of Business MBA classroom and carried that experience into their careers across Canada and beyond. Ibrahim Syed’s journey reflects what makes the international student experience so impactful: adapting across cultures, leading in diverse teams and translating global experience into meaningful organizational influence.
What perspectives or experiences did you bring with you into the MBA classroom?
I come from a family with a strong legacy in public service, and I’m the first in three generations of police officers to pursue a business career. Before the MBA, I worked with Amazon and Google in India, primarily in talent management, recruitment and talent acquisition. Those roles gave me strong exposure to people, systems and organizational decision-making, but I wanted to create more tangible impact and be involved in shaping decisions rather than just executing them. I saw the MBA as a catalyst to expand that influence and build a broader, more strategic lens.
How has your background shaped the way you think about leadership, teamwork, or decision-making?
My experience has taught me that leadership needs to shift based on the situation and the team. It is not one-dimensional. Sometimes leadership means directing and strategizing, and other times it means listening, supporting or simply observing what the team needs in that moment. I strongly believe in being versatile and stepping into different roles as tasks evolve, recognizing that effective leadership is an ongoing, adaptive process rather than a fixed style.
What was it like learning alongside classmates from different countries and professional backgrounds?
It was the first time I worked so closely with such a globally diverse group of people, and it challenged me in the best way. Everyone brought different expectations, personalities and working styles. My biggest early learning was the importance of clear and intentional communication. Over time, I learned to slow down, understand individual expectations and accommodations, clearly define roles, and set shared expectations early. That clarity made collaboration far more effective and meaningful.
What was it like coming to Canada and to Edmonton specifically for your MBA? What surprised you most?
Personally, I had the time of my life during the MBA. I was not able to fully experience my undergraduate years due to personal circumstances, so I made it a priority to make the most of this opportunity. I got deeply involved in student life, leading the Inclusion and Diversity Club, serving as VP External for the MBA Association, participating in case competitions, and engaging in various extracurriculars. That is where I truly thrived and built lifelong friendships and memories.
Coming to Canada and Edmonton was a major cultural transition. It involved unlearning what I knew, adapting to new social and professional norms, and figuring out how to stay authentic while adjusting, especially around humour, networking and communication. It felt like starting life from scratch, and even three years later, I am still learning. It has not been easy, but it has been deeply transformative.
What drew you to the Alberta School of Business for your MBA?
During my research, Alberta stood out as a place of growth and opportunity. At the time, the province was seeing an influx of people, new ventures, and entrepreneurial momentum. Compared to more saturated markets, Alberta felt like a place where I could build something meaningful and see a long-term future. What ultimately confirmed my decision were the conversations during the interview process. I was drawn to the flexibility and customizability of the MBA program, the focus on career pathing, and the genuine interest ASB showed in my goals and experiences.
What advice would you give to prospective international students considering an MBA at the Alberta School of Business?
I am sure there are commonalities across MBA experiences, such as the courses, structure and campus, but beyond that, every MBA journey is different. What matters most is what you choose to make of it. Do not overthink it, and do not come in with preconceived notions. The MBA is intensive, especially as an international student navigating life in a new country, but the learning extends far beyond the classroom through clubs, competitions, friendships and simply figuring life out. Looking back, it is an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I am proud of myself for fully leaning into it.
Since graduating, how has your MBA experience continued to shape your career?
Post MBA, my work feels like a continuous case competition. You are given a real organizational problem or opportunity and asked to analyze it, identify the right approach and develop practical recommendations. I currently work as a Workforce Analytics Specialist at McElhanney in Vancouver, where I focus on people analytics, employee listening and employee voice. My role involves connecting people data into dashboards, analyzing engagement and workforce trends, and building a clear narrative for leaders outlining what we are hearing, what it means, and what actions we should take. The MBA shaped how I approach this work by strengthening my structured thinking, storytelling with data, and ability to balance strategy with human impact.
The Alberta School of Business MBA is home to a globally diverse cohort, with international students making up half of the full-time class. If you’re considering bringing your experience — and your perspective — to the Alberta School of Business, applications for Fall 2026 intake are open until March 15. Learn more here.