Diksha Singh

What led to your decision to attend the Alberta School of Business' MBA program?

My decision to attend the Alberta School of Business' MBA program was primarily influenced by the school's strong reputation in the field of business education. Furthermore, after working in the sustainability, environment and energy efficiency sectors for over five years, I wanted to build my business acumen and eventually advance in my career. After extensive research and conversations with alumni and industry professionals, it became clear to me that the program offered a comprehensive curriculum that aligned perfectly with my career goals and the emphasis on practical learning via case studies, experiential opportunities, and the school's commitment to fostering a collaborative plus innovative mindset were key factors that attracted me to the program.

How has student life been for you? What student groups and other opportunities have you been involved in?

Student life at Alberta School of Business has been a transformative and enriching experience for me so far. As a part-time student working a full-time job, I have ensured a balance between my professional, student and personal lives. I have actively participated in various student groups and networking opportunities to make the most of my MBA experience in the first year. One of the student groups I joined and am passionate about is the Net Impact Club. Last year, I had the opportunity to work on a consulting project where I collaborated with like-minded individuals to apply project management skills for a sustainability-focused client. This experience allowed me to enhance my leadership and teamwork skills while fostering a spirit of creativity and social change. I also participated in the Fall internal case competition and this engagement provided me with the opportunity to hone my communication, presentation and case analysis skills.

You recently participated in the BAA/BAC Mentorly mentorship pilot program - what did you take away from that opportunity? Who would you recommend the program to?

Participating in the BAA/BAC Mentorly mentorship pilot program was a truly valuable experience. It allowed me to connect with an experienced mentor who provided guidance and support, tailored to my professional development goals. The pilot program came as a blessing in disguise as I had recently become unemployed at that time and the program gave me access to industry insights, career advice, and invaluable networking opportunities via my assigned mentor, Kristel Owens. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement, and I was able to refine my career path accordingly. I would highly recommend the program, should it continue the next academic year, to anyone seeking mentorship and guidance, as it offered an excellent platform to accelerate personal and professional growth.

You have quite an extensive background in environmental and sustainability work. What draws you to that work and what have some of your career highlights been so far?

Environmental and sustainability work has always been a passion of mine. I love to work on things that can leave a positive impact on society and the environment. The urgency to address climate change and promote sustainable practices drew me toward this field. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on several impactful initiatives. One of my career highlights came at the start of my career and was about supporting the delivery of an energy efficiency project in a government utility based in Sharjah, UAE. I coordinated with a cross-functional team to develop and implement a sustainable generation unit module, which resulted in significant cost savings and reduced environmental footprint. This experience highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainability goals. Currently, I'm working on similar projects for clients based in Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory.

I hear you recently landed an amazing job - can you tell us about your journey to finding that job and what kind of work you do now?

My journey to landing my current amazing job was a combination of diligent networking, continuous skill development, and perseverance. I actively engaged with industry professionals through LinkedIn and made the most of the insights provided by my Mentorly mentor, Kristel Owens and Business School Coach, Justin Pritchard. Simultaneously, I focused on enhancing my skills through relevant courses, certifications, and hands-on experiences such as being involved with the Net Impact club as the Team Lead for a project. I am grateful for the opportunities and mentor support that came my way and I am excited about the impact I can make in this new role. Presently, I work as the Program Manager at Summerhill Group where I manage and oversee the delivery of multiple utility energy efficiency and conservation programs.

What advice would you give others who are in the job market today?

In today's competitive job market, my advice would be to approach the job search process with a strategic and proactive mindset. Firstly, invest time in self-reflection to identify your skills, strengths, areas of improvement and career aspirations. This clarity will help you target the right opportunities and present yourself effectively to potential employers. Secondly, leverage your network and actively seek out networking and/or mentorship opportunities. Networking not only provides access to hidden job opportunities but also allows you to gain valuable insights and advice from experienced individuals. Thirdly, continuously invest in your skills and stay updated with industry trends. Take advantage of online courses and certifications through platforms like Coursera, and other learning opportunities to enhance your knowledge and marketability. Finally, maintain a positive perspective and persevere through the job search process. Rejections are a part of the journey, but each one brings you closer to the right opportunity. Stay resilient, stay focused, and keep refining your approach based on feedback and lessons learned.

If you’re interested in connecting with the Alberta School of Business Alumni Association – check out current opportunities for alumni to get involved, or email to find out more.