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Oliver Zihlmann
Oliver Zihlmann’s choice to pursue a graduate degree was rooted in a desire for the diversity of experiences, skills, and knowledge needed to become a well-rounded leader. He believed an MBA offered a broad education applicable in any industry and would provide valuable insights into business practices and standards he could apply to his work in the non-for-profit sector.
The ability to continue working was critical while studying for Oliver, and the flexibility of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµBeedie Part-Time MBA program meant he could still grow his career while laying the foundation for future growth.
My experience at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµBeedie
“I like to have a broad set of skills and experiences, and the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµBeedie MBA played into those interests. When thinking about the next stages of my career, I knew I needed and wanted practice in other areas.â€�
“I’m still learning about all the benefits of the MBA program and am curious to see how I will continue to benefit five years, even ten years, out as my career progresses. I feel like the full benefits of the program are still to be revealed.�
My Journey
“You take everyone with you on your MBA journey. Whether it’s your parent, your children, friends, colleagues, four-legged friends—everyone comes with you on the journey in one form or another.�
“It’s a total mind-body experience. It was challenging, and you have to be real with yourself about how it is going to impact every area of your life. You have to have a sense of purpose.�
Highlights
“In 2017 I ran for the Board of Governors as the Graduate Student representative for SFU. I gained a 360 picture of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and all of its activities at a BOG level, which was an incredibly valuable and enriching experience that I wouldn’t otherwise have had.â€�
“A program highlight was my entrepreneurship class, taught by Andrew Harries. It put me out of my comfort zone and drew me into a different kind of thinking and learning. Entrepreneurship is like an MBA every day of your life – in terms of all the learning and adapting it involves. The course overall was challenging and inspiring.�
Where I am today
An experienced fundraising and development professional, Oliver currently works for the University of British Columbia as the Director, Development and Alumni Engagement, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.