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By Natalie Bruckner

Yinka Fasheun, MGB '20, didn't just pursue a Master of Global Business (MGB); she engineered her path to the global stage. What began as a quest for a seat at the business table and inclusion in high-level decision-making transformed into a journey that reshaped her world view and amplified her voice across continents and cultures.

“During and since the MGB, I've ventured into more countries than I ever imagined,” says Fasheun. “The MGB didn't just expand my professional world; it turned me into a global explorer. Suddenly, the world seemed smaller, and I found myself ready to dive into any culture, anywhere on the planet. It's like I unlocked a passport to the entire world!”

The MGB journey as an international student

Growing up in Nigeria, Fasheun’s mother was always determined that her three daughters would pursue a master’s degree. The question was where. “I knew that in order to have my voice heard in business, I needed an international business degree, and it didn’t necessarily have to be in Canada. The course was the most important thing. I scoured schools worldwide, including the UK and the US. Gustavson's MGB program stood out as the only one offering the practical, immersive experience I was looking for,” she explains.

With a background in sociology and anthropology, and several years in HR people operations, Fasheun didn’t have the conventional business degree required for entry. “But there was no plan B for me, to my family’s dismay,” she laughs. “I wanted to get into Gustavson, but without a business background, the MGB required I complete a .” A challenge she embraced and excelled in. “Gustavson offered me the chance, where other schools might have turned me away.”

Learning beyond borders

Describing the MGB as “an MBA on steroids,” Fasheun says, “We delved into everything MBAs do, from supply chain management to finance management to marketing strategies to cultural intelligence, but from a global perspective. We explored international business contexts and how effective business strategies vary worldwide, immersing ourselves in diverse environments.”

Her global experience, alongside multicultural cohorts and projects led in France and South Korea, remains a standout aspect of the MGB for Fasheun. 

“In France, working with Montpellier Handball was incredibly immersive; we were treated like consultants rather than students. From attending games to strategizing their academy setup with the company’s executives, it felt like a peer-level experience. Although COVID shortened my stay in South Korea, my experiences there were eye-opening. Working with a pharmaceutical firm on business expansion strategies and developing a content marketing strategy for an English education platform taught me about different cultures and communication nuances.” 

As a co-op student, Fasheun also served as a Corporate Operations Assistant supporting the Trade and Industry Development Division of the BC Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. This co-op, she says, exceeded her expectations and gave her the skills required to integrate into the Canadian job market and broaden her career options.

Critical skills for a thriving career

Fasheun highlights one aspect of the program that has been essential to her day-to-day life: reflection. “Through numerous research projects and presentations and the practice of reflection, I frequently found myself questioning initial assumptions. This process not only sharpened my critical thinking skills but also deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives. For instance, delving into topics like NAFTA challenged my perspectives; I had to navigate through its complexities and evaluate its benefits and shortcomings. Ultimately changing how I assess policies today.”

Fasheun also credits the MGB for honing her multitasking abilities, vital in her current role as project manager at the First Nations Health Authority in Vancouver. “The extensive range of projects I worked on simultaneously during the program prepared me for the varied projects across sectors I've now undertaken in my professional roles. The hands-on experience, alongside a practical understanding of how business is conducted across different continents and regulatory environments, has been invaluable. It has significantly benefited my roles and professional relationship in project management, business development and leadership, allowing me to navigate and succeed in a range of business contexts with confidence and effectiveness.” 

While Fasheun had brought years of experience and expertise, she attributes the MGB for bolstering her transition into the Canadian market. “As a Nigerian immigrant without prior Canadian experience, opportunities were limited. Now, having lived and worked in five countries on four continents, my global perspective enriches my adaptabilities and contributions across roles. The MGB was instrumental in boosting my employability and aiding my integration into the Canadian job market. It significantly expanded my skills in stakeholder management, problem-solving and teamwork, enabling me to authentically integrate global skills and communicate effectively with diverse groups.”