Monica Del Valle Hernandez's career growth and family resilience through the Master of Science in Management program
How did the Master of Science in Management program impact your career?
As an international student, this program significantly impacted my marketing profession, giving me a broader perspective and reinforcing my skills and research knowledge. It even inspired me to develop a thesis focused on Canadian legal immigration from a marketing perspective. I found it rewarding to explore the stories of those promoting the Canadian immigration journey, sharing their experiences within this multicultural context.
What was your academic experience at Edwards School of Business like?
My experience was extraordinary, rewarding, and uplifting. I was privileged to receive mentorship from faculty members and collaborate closely with fellow students. The program had a friendly, supportive atmosphere and offered opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and on global learning projects. Through these, I coordinated cross-cultural collaborations between Edwards undergraduates and students from international business schools, which deepened my appreciation for global diversity.
In what ways did the program shape your understanding of Canadian work culture?
The program helped me assimilate into Canadian work culture, teaching me its nuances, challenges, and values before I entered the workforce. By analyzing business cases and consumer behavior research articles, I could update my industry knowledge. My work on simulated cross-cultural negotiations also prepared me for real-world scenarios. A key takeaway was learning to apply managerial implications from research articles directly to industry practices, which has been incredibly valuable.
How are you applying the knowledge gained from this program in your current role?
I work as a recruitment and retention consultant in the healthcare industry. This role allows me to apply my expertise in lead generation and qualification. I also share my multicultural perspective and updated skills gained from the program. My thesis on Canadian immigration’s consumption journey is close to my heart as my family and I are part of that journey—we left our homeland seeking better opportunities, making it a truly personal connection.
Why did you choose the Master of Science in Management program at Edwards?
I chose this program to advance my career and achieve my goals in the Canadian work environment, but also to set an example for my children. I wanted to inspire them to pursue their dreams. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family—my three sons and my partner. They were my driving force, supporting me through every challenge of this academic adventure.
What inspired your family’s move to Saskatchewan?
We were drawn to Saskatchewan because of its high quality of life, affordable education, and the multicultural richness it offers. We moved here from Mexico City, and we appreciate the short commutes, peacefulness, safety, and the accessibility of quality education for our family. We wanted a place where we could build a better life, and Saskatchewan has truly offered us that.
How has the transition to Canada affected your family?
Moving to Canada was life-changing for all of us. We faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture, language, and climate—my children had never seen snow before! While it was sometimes challenging, it brought us closer as a family. We’ve come to see ourselves as better versions of who we were, building resilience and enthusiasm for our life here in Saskatoon.
What advice would you give to students considering this program?
I would recommend this program wholeheartedly. The Master of Science in Management at Edwards is top-notch for postgrad education, offering career paths in academia or a competitive edge in industry roles. International students will experience a multicultural journey that enhances critical thinking and fosters collaboration with a personalized approach. Edwards School of Business offers an academic adventure that’s worth pursuing.
How did your children adapt to life in Canada, and what did that mean to you?
Watching my children adapt so quickly was inspiring. They took to life in Canada even faster than my partner and I did. As a student and a mother, I was constantly being asked how I balanced everything, and the answer is my family—they were my motivation. My kids’ resilience set an example for me, pushing me to keep going and reach my goals. It’s been wonderful to see them thrive in this new environment.
One of Canada’s oldest business schools, the Edwards School of Business offers graduate programs to advance or change your careers, including the Master of Science in Management with specializations in Finance, Marketing, and Management (including Human Resources/Organizational Behaviour, Supply Chain/Information Systems, Operations Management, and Accounting & Taxation). Visit the Master of Science in Management program page to learn more or chat with a program advisor.