John Waldron (MBA(FS)’08): Why Tenacity Matters
“A great mentor of mine once said that tenacity is the most important attribute of an entrepreneur. So true. Tenacity is the tool you pull out when you’re destined to do amazing things and the odds are not in your favour.”
From the moment I found out about Dalhousie’s MBA (Financial Services) program, I knew I wanted in. And there were exactly three things I wanted to get out of it: the letters behind my name, the education, and life-long friendships. I was building a career in financial services, so to me, this program made perfect sense.
But getting into the program wasn’t quite as easy. My undergraduate grades were mediocre, and I had no senior leadership or management experience to highlight. My GMAT score was good, but not enough to get me in. My application was rejected. I reapplied with a second, stronger application, including a full supporting endorsement from my employer. That was rejected. I asked that my application be reconsidered under Dalhousie’s admissions policy for students with disabilities, accompanied by a letter from my family physician. That was rejected. I appealed with an Application for a Waiver of an Academic Regulation. Rejected. I was running out of options.
– John Waldron, MBA (FS) Class of 2008
Founder of Learnedly and purveyor of accessible education for financial professionals.
Read more in “John Waldron: Why Tenacity Matters” on blogs.dal.ca.