Coombe: Smooth sailing for business grad

On the first day of her part-time master’s of business administration program, Emma Coombe wondered if she was crazy to squeeze school into her evenings when she already had a full-time job with BC Ferries.

Looking back, having endured many nights with little sleep, the 30-year-old says the time flew by. She feels her career prospects are better with upgraded credentials.

“So many people are getting bachelor’s degrees these days that I really wanted something that would increase my competitive advantage,” she explains. “But it didn’t make sense for me to put my career on hold to do that.”

She chose to continue her education at UVic, having already completed her bachelor of commmerce at UVic, because it meant she wouldn’t have to put a hold on her career development or move.

Coombe was one of five students who started in the part-time stream of the program in August 2005, allowing for a more tight-knit team than the full-time class of over 40.

The small group quickly learned to work together efficiently on the many group projects they were assigned over the 31 months they were in the program.

“Everybody was in the same boat—with career and family commitments—but really willing to work hard,” says Coombe. “Everyone was trying to enhance their marketability and knowledge so we all put in 110 per cent.”

The group shared their expertise and taught each other. They built lasting friendships and a network of contacts they can call on in the years to come.

A highlight of the program for Coombe was a consulting trip to South America.

“It was very hands on experience and provided us all with an appreciation not only for consulting but also working in an international business environment,” she says.
The trip was one of the few times Coombe needed to take time off work for her studies.

“During the week I would work all day, and in the evenings I’d be attending classes or researching, reading and writing my next assignment. Most the weekend was also spent doing school work,” she recalls. “I managed to juggle all of the additional work because it was something I was doing for me. Now I feel confident I can do just about anything I put my mind to.”