Helen Lonsdale,  , B.Sc. (Hons), Information Technology Vancouver MBA

TESTIMONIAL

Helen Lonsdale
Nationality: english
B.Sc. (Hons), Information Technology
I worked as a Management Consultant for Ernst & Young in London, UK and in Wellington, New Zealand, for 3 years before moving to Melbourne, Australia to work as a Senior Manager for National Australia Bank, Australia's largest bank.

After researching many MBA programs around the world, I chose Sauder due to its innovative 15-month structure, its integrated Core program, its exchange school opportunity and because, like Melbourne, Vancouver had been ranked the world's most livable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). I was not to be disappointed. Vancouver's landscape is stunning and its snow-capped mountains are always there as a reminder that Whistler is only 1.5 hours drive away. The City offers something for everyone whether it's sailing or kayaking on the harbour, hiking through one of its many trails, playing beach volleyball or relaxing on one of its many beaches, cycling round Stanley Park or partying in vibrant Kitslano. The University of British Columbia Campus which is enveloped by the Pacific Spirit Regional Park is not to be outdone either with its breathtaking vistas, forested trails and beaches.

At Sauder, the student-run MBA Society is very active in ensuring that our MBA experience is maximized from an academic, sporting and social perspective. Students have the opportunity to contribute to MBA life in many ways so as VP Communications of the MBA Society, I coordinated the student newsletter to ensure the huge number of sporting and social events and student club activities were well publicized.

My summer internship with the United Nations in New York City was a fantastic experience where I have been able to apply a number of academic skills learnt at Sauder and I look forward to another change in location when I go on exchange to the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in North Carolina, USA for the fall term. The Sauder slogan "Opening Worlds" is very apt because their MBA program has certainly opened a lot of doors for me.

ABOUT THE CITY

A green, clean, safe and cosmopolitan city, Vancouver attracts people from all over the world. With a population of two million, it is Canada's third largest city, frequently recognized as one of the best places in the world to live. With its spectacular ocean and mountain views and year-round temperate climate, it is appreciated by residents and visitors alike.
Home to a thriving business community and numerous leading-edge companies and North America's gateway to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver has strong links to burgeoning international markets. Vancouver International Airport, with flights to all major cities, is just 30 minutes from downtown.
Vancouver is a multi-cultural city of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive character. Within the city area you can enjoy hiking, skiing, sailing, cycling, windsurfing, or just relaxing on the local beaches. Every year the city hosts international film, jazz, comedy and writing festivals. The world-class ski resort of Whistler is a scenic 90-minute drive away and the U.S. border, a short distance south of the city.