mariposa folk festival president discovers benefits of lakehead - orillia mba program

in september 2009, chris lusty decided to go back to school. he enrolled in the part-time master of business administration (mba) program at lakehead - orillia, a move he felt would provide an intellectual challenge and help him move into a new, second career.

after being successfully self-employed for the past 25 years, lusty says he is ready for a change and sees having his mba degree as something that will help open doors to future opportunities. he plans to sell his business within the next few years, but is not planning to retire. "i hope to get involved in something different -- maybe helping out a small business or working with a non-profit organization overseas. i think a degree in business, along with my scientific background, will help me do this," explains lusty.

lusty is a professional engineer (peng) who designs software for a product manufactured by canada's largest scientific equipment distributor. the product, and lusty's work over the past few decades, goes back to an idea lusty had after graduating with a bachelor degree in science and engineering from the university of guelph. he designed a product that would automate titrations (chemical testing procedure), that are used in potable and wastewater testing. he started off with national research council funding and, along with a business partner, developed the product over the years into what has become the second largest supplier of the technology in the world. "although there are other companies that produce a similar product, ours is the only one that automates the testing of up to 200 samples at a time," remarks lusty. "the current market for the product is good," he says. "i am writing [software] everyday as we improve and re-design the product to meet market demands."

now a part-time student, lusty spends an average of 12 hours per week on his studies, which includes class time and related work. "at the master's level, we're not spoon fed," notes lusty. "we're expected to attend lectures, complete reading assignments and conduct research, all in preparation for contributions during class time. a large portion of our mark is for participation."

the mba program at lakehead - orillia is a part-time three year program, with classes held during evenings year-round. unlike full-time programs that allow electives, all courses are required. a number of courses are video-linked with business classes offered at lakehead's thunder bay campus, while others are taught by two full-time business professors at the orillia campus.

lusty, now half-way through the program, finds it challenging and fascinating. "i am learning about things i've never had a chance to study before," says lusty. he cites a recent class taught by lakehead - orillia's dr. herman van den berg as an example. "i know something about financial products, such as securities and bonds, but through this class, i have gained more in-depth information about why and how bonds get valued -- it's fascinating."

professor van den berg says the mba program is well-suited to anyone who wants a broader picture of business. "the program provides 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 with a better understanding of the economy and how it affects a business or organization," he says. "it puts them in a better position to make smart decisions."

lusty believes the knowledge he has gained through the lakehead program is already providing practical benefits. when not at the computer working on intricate, scientific designs, or preparing for his business classes, lusty can be found at the mariposa folk festival meeting table or in front of an audience introducing a musical act. lusty is president of the renowned folk festival and has volunteered with the organization for the past seven years.

"my studies at lakehead will certainly help with my volunteer work as festival president," says lusty. "i have a better understanding of the 'books' and i'll be more knowledgeable when talking to our treasurer." the additional insight into human resources issues has also been beneficial. "even though our human resources, for the most part, are volunteers, they have many of the same issues as do paid employees."

as lusty has discovered, the lakehead mba program emphasizes applied knowledge, in addition to a good grounding in theory. as a student of the program, he will graduate with a toolkit that he can apply to his business, to his volunteer position, and to wherever his new career or future challenges takes him.



chris lusty, master of business administration (mba) student at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 - orillia, catches up on his e-reading in between classes.