Current undergraduate students

The MBET program has been impactful to me for several reasons. It is refreshing to hear the professors give feedback with such candor, especially in a world where people are more inclined to tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear. This honesty has been crucial in helping me identify and address weaknesses in my plans. Beyond the academic and professional growth, the MBET program has also been a journey of personal development, as it has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. 

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.