Originally from Bolivia, Monica Camacho was ready to take her next step after earning her bachelor’s degree and spending five years working in marketing. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) made sense — the versatile, enduringly popular programme would advance her career and shift her focus from executing tasks to shaping strategy. She was no longer satisfied with just knowing how things worked; she wanted to understand why decisions were made and how they impacted long-term growth.
In 2021, Camacho moved to Edmonton to pursue an MBA at the Alberta School of Business (ASB) at the University of Alberta (U of A). The school’s academic reputation, both in Canada and internationally, stood out to her. She was ready to take on its rigours.
“Studying in a different country, in a different language, was a challenge I was ready to take on,” she says. “As a native Spanish speaker, pursuing a degree in English was intimidating, but it gave me the global perspective and personal growth I was looking for. Most of all, I saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture.”
Camacho was especially interested in learning how countries like Canada approach business and innovation. That curiosity — and her willingness to adapt — turned the MBA experience into much more than just an academic pursuit. Today, she is the Marketing Manager of Groupex Canada, a foodservice buying group.
U of A’s Full-Time MBA offers top instruction, small classes, and career support — at lower tuition than other leading Canadian schools. Source: University of Alberta
MBA designed for real-world impact
The Full-Time MBA offers comprehensive mix of business knowledge and practical skills — taught through lectures, case studies, and applied learning.
For example, in the Managing Innovation course, Camacho got to take part in interactive activities, discussions, and real-world case examples. Guest speakers from various industries also shared insights on how innovation drives their companies, adding valuable perspectives beyond the textbook.
Another key strength of the programme is flexibility. Students can choose from Career Tracks, pursue combined degrees, or customise their electives based on personal interests. Anish Talwar highlighted this as a major benefit. He appreciated that the programme did not force a rigid curriculum but allowed him to tailor his studies based on his interests. “It also allowed me to pivot after starting the programme, and I was not locked in on a particular path,” he says.
Career coaching, networking events, resume workshops, and mock interviews further help students transition smoothly from study to employment. This dedicated support plays a key role in the programme’s success. On average, 90% of MBA graduates have found employment within three months of completing the programme.
The U of A in Edmonton is a leading Canadian university, renowned internationally for excellence in humanities, sciences, arts, business, engineering, and health sciences. Source: University of Alberta
Study, thrive, and succeed in Edmonton
U of A is ranked among Canada’s top four universities and within the top 100 worldwide. The Alberta School of Business, a part of the university, is internationally recognised for its excellence in business education and research. Here, creativity and entrepreneurship thrive – a reflection of the dynamic city it’s based in: Edmonton.
Home to about one million people, there is no shortage of exciting people to meet here. Just ask Talwar. “The business community in Edmonton is very tight-knit,” he says. “Alberta’s community is known for its collaborative spirit and supportive networks, which provide ample opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. The city provides a sense of belonging, and the U of A does a tremendous job setting you up for success by providing those networks.”
And compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, the cost of living here is significantly lower. “As an international student, the MBA would have cost more than twice the amount at any other reputed school in Canada,” he says.
Talwar knows he chose the right MBA. With lower living costs, the programme ensured a high ROI for him. “Alberta has the highest average salaries amongst the four major provinces of Ontario, Quebec, BC, and the cost of living is probably the lowest,” he says. “So, every dollar goes a longer distance here, and honestly, it is a no-brainer to choose Alberta as a place to live and grow.”
Paired with Alberta’s natural beauty — its vast parks, rivers, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains — there is seemingly no better place for any student who want to learn, create, and make a difference.
“Living in Alberta added so much to my overall MBA experience,” Camacho says. ” I had the chance to visit Banff in both summer and winter, and it quickly became one of my favourite places. Also, walking by the river valley or camping at Elk Island became some of my favourite ways to recharge.”
Learn more about the MBA programme at the University of Alberta
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