When business meets lived reality

MBA Diaries | Business on the Frontlines

Jamie Hunwick, ‘25 MBA

Staff Service Advisor, University of Alberta

As part of our MBA Diaries series, we’re highlighting graduates who took their MBA beyond the classroom through the Business on the Frontlines program. Jamie Hunwick shares how her experiences brought business frameworks face to face with lived realities, reshaping how she understands strategy and leadership.

Can you share a stand out moment or highlight from your time in the Business on the Frontlines (BOTFL) program?

One of the most defining moments of my BOTFL program was conducting field interviews in the rural Philippines. There is a specific kind of humility that comes from discussing financial resources with people who navigate daily life with a fraction of the safety nets we take for granted in Canada. It forced me to confront my own biases about what a functioning economy looks like. Those conversations taught me that high-level consulting is hollow if it doesn’t account for the human spirit and the local realities of the people involved. It wasn't just a project; it was a lesson in global empathy that I’ll carry into every organization/situation I enter.

Is there something that surprised you, or that you didn't expect, with the BOTFL program?

What surprised me most about the BOTFL program wasn't the complexity of the fieldwork, but the significant weight World Vision Philippines placed on our consultations. I went in expecting a typical 'student-partner' dynamic, but I quickly realized we were viewed as strategic collaborators. Seeing how genuinely the organization valued our recommendations, treating our analytical frameworks and field observations as vital inputs for their operations strategies, was a profound realization. It underscored the high level of respect our program commands globally and highlighted the tangible value we bring to external partners.

Are there any skills or insights you learned from your time in the BOTFL program that are still applicable for you today?

The project taught me that the best strategy doesn't mean much if it doesn't work for the person at the end of the chain. It pushed me to look past my own assumptions and lead with a genuine respect for the local ingenuity and community trust that keep these economies running. Even today, I carry that sense of responsibility with me, making sure my work is grounded in real human impact rather than just high-level theory.

Was there a hard moment during the program — and what helped you through it?

The hardest part of the trip was sitting across from a mother who had suddenly been left to navigate the crushing weight of solo parenthood after her spouse’s death. Listening to her describe the sheer exhaustion of trying to provide for her children in a remote area with no safety net was a visceral reality check on the privileges I’ve had, as well as my children.

What kept me focused in that moment was the realization that our partnership with World Vision wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a bridge to actual resources and support programs for these individuals. Facilitating that conversation between her and our local partner in the area pushed me to ensure our recommendations weren't just efficient, but were truly worthy of the resilience she showed every day.

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at the Alberta School of Business?

I pursued my MBA at the U of A because I wanted to learn from one of the most respected business programs in Canada. My goal was to move beyond just 'working' in business and actually master the skills and strategies that drive the industry. It’s a program that carries weight in the community, and it has given me the foundation I needed to step into the business world with confidence.

How has your experience at the Alberta School of Business impacted your career?

The MBA program gave me the essential toolkit: the strategies, the frameworks and the broad business logic I needed to understand how the world works. But it was the BOTFL trip that took those high-level concepts and pressure-tested them against real-world issues. Seeing how a financial strategy actually affects a family in a remote community south of Manila helped me fine-tune my focus.

Together, these experiences helped me find where my passion actually lies: I’m not just interested in business for its own sake, but in using those skills to solve problems that make a tangible difference. It’s given me a clear direction for my career, moving me toward work that is as purposeful as it is strategic.

Do you have any advice for future MBA students interested in applying to BOTFL? Or more generally, do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing an MBA at the Alberta School of Business?

When it comes to the MBA program in general, my advice is to look for the opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. The University of Alberta provides an incredible academic foundation, but the real growth happens when you lean into the experiential side of the program, like BOTFL or case competitions. You’re joining one of the top business communities in Canada, so make the most of the network and the knowledge around you. The skills you learn here are the baseline, but the perspective you gain is what will actually define your career.

Is there something I didn't ask you that you'd like to share with us?

The University of Alberta provides a world-class business foundation, but it’s the access to top-tier professors and instructors that truly bring the curriculum to life. Their passion is infectious, driving you to dig deeper and engraving their teachings into your bones. This wasn't just about learning a toolkit; it was about being guided by mentors who live these strategies and provide applicable examples to drive the points, transforming a classroom experience into a lifelong professional mission.