Shweta Sapra: Class of 2023 MBA Valedictorian

Name: Shweta Sapra

Hometown: Ambala, Haryana, India

Program/degree: MBA (Business Analytics)

1. What’s the best advice you would give a first-year student?

My best advice to any first-year student is to take it slow and focus on learning one thing from each session.

2. First year can be hard. Tell us about a challenge you overcame. What did you learn about yourself from it?

In my first year, I faced the challenge of managing my schedule and staying organized.

3. What’s next for you? How do you feel about it?

I have joined an organization that specializes in connecting people to clinical trials done for rare diseases in the US. I am reporting to the CEO and leading their digital marketing campaign. The MBA program played a key role in shaping my career and in developing my interest in it. It allowed me to explore a more creative side of my personality. I am excited about this opportunity to help grow the organization and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry.

4. Share a good memory from your time at McMaster. What will you miss most?

There are so many good memories of my time here at McMaster. Leading the MBA Association as Student Relations Director and organizing MBAA Formal were humbling and rewarding experiences, allowing me to contribute to the vibrant student community. Another memorable moment was competing in the Canadian Marketing League where I had the privilege of representing McMaster alongside talented students from over 20 universities and achieving a place in top 10. The four unforgettable days of networking with industry professionals in Toronto during the competition will hold a special place in my heart. It will always remind me of the transformative opportunities McMaster provided.

5. What’s your favorite course/elective you took that wasn’t a part of your degree? What did you like about it?

One elective course that stands out as my favourite among the valuable options I took during my degree was digital marketing by Professor Syed Shah. Although this elective was not directly related to my specialization, it provided priceless insights into practical applications to envision innovative strategies for driving business growth and effectively reaching target audiences through digital platforms.

I must also acknowledge the impact of a course I took in my first year, Managerial Accounting, taught by Professor Adil Merali. This course introduced me to the concept of opportunity cost, which proved to be transformative in developing my decision-making skills. By considering the long-term and short-term implications of important decisions, this concept can help one make well-informed choices that align with your long-term goals.