Blog

Beginning a journey that commenced in the realms of healthcare research and academia, I found myself drawn to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship - a path that would lead me to new challenges, opportunities, and ultimately, to the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) program. My name is Kailimi Li, and I invite you to join me as I recount my transformational experiences and the pivotal role of collaboration in navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The MBET program at Conrad School was the perfect catalyst for this transformation. Courses like Innovation and Consulting as well as Strategy Management not only broadened my understanding of business practices but also inspired me to think of ways to counter the norm within the construction industry.The program’s emphasis on experiential learning allowed me to engage directly with early-stage ventures, validating startup business models that resonate with real-world needs.

San Francisco welcomed me and fellow MBET students from the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business for an eye-opening trip to the heart of global tech innovation from April 9-11, 2024. We met with inspiring startup founders, learned directly from industry experts, and explored renowned tech giants. Here are a few of my main takeaways. 

From the beginning of my journey at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the University of Waterloo, I felt that I had made the right choice. The environment of innovation and cultural diversity here allowed me to connect with people with incredible professional trajectories from all over the world!

From large companies like Apple and Facebook to entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized businesses of colleagues from China, Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria, and many other places.

What makes the experience here so unique is the combination of a welcoming environment and a challenging curriculum that together promote both personal and professional growth.

The Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program provides students with the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on training in venture capital investing through the University of Waterloo's Student Venture Fund (SVF).

Not only do students gain real-world experience sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and pitching investments, but they also have the opportunity to participate in a prestigious venture capital competition.

This year, full-time MBET student Hisham Ismail had the honour of representing the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the annual Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) hosted by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. This marked the first time an MBET student had attended the competition, which draws top MBA talent from around the world!

The University of Waterloo values experiential learning that takes student experience beyond academics. This is exactly why Kevin Ye, MBET candidate 2024, was drawn to explore the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program. 

Part two is here!

Explore some of the top tips from entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial academics who have decades of experience in Waterloo's renowned innovation ecosystem.

Check out part one if you haven't already.

Interested in becoming an entrepreneur? Already an entrepreneur?

Here are the top tips from seasoned veterans in the renowned Waterloo innovation ecosystem that can help you on your journey.

Throughout high school and my first year of university, I was completely invested in going into the healthcare field and becoming a surgeon. I had a full plan: I was going to complete my bachelor’s degree in biology, go to med school, do my residency and follow the path that a surgeon must follow. The classes in first-year biology were not how I expected them to be, though.

My name is Ernest and I am currently enrolled in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program.

I was enrolled in the Arts and Business program at the University of Waterloo where I majored in Communication Studies and did a minor in Economics. My passion for entrepreneurship was cultivated in one of the entrepreneurship courses I took for my program during my undergrad program, which is why I chose to pursue MBET. This course exposed me to the multitude of entrepreneurial resources that are available to students at Waterloo, and I got to see firsthand the numerous entrepreneurial achievements of Waterloo students. I was inspired.