How a neuroscience student found clarity through UBC Sauder’s MM and a transformative study abroad journey

When Ethan Lee applied to the Master of Management (MM) at the Robert H. Lee Graduate School at the UBC Sauder School of Business, he wasn’t looking to start over. He was looking to build on what he already had, combining scientific rigour with business acumen.

“My main rationale for applying to the MM program was to combine scientific methods and robust methodologies with business thinking,” he reflects. “I wanted to create strong strategic insights that could improve the world we live in.”

While interning at RBC, Lee became aware of the skills he needed, such as professional communications and deciphering a balance sheet. The MM program offered the tools he needed to close the gap. 

Lee was drawn to the program’s focus on real-world application for non-business students, specifically the Community Business Project (CBP). The CBP gives students a chance to work with a local organization, applying classroom learnings to a real business challenge.

“At UBC Sauder, I learned the fundamentals, including marketing, accounting and strategy, and how to apply them to real problems,” he says. “The program showed me how I could use my research-forward background to create solutions that help people thrive.”

Today, Lee works as a research analyst at Angus Reid Group, combining his neuroscience background with the business skills he developed at UBC Sauder.

The nine-month MM program equips students with foundational business knowledge and leadership skills, while offering opportunities for international learning and career exploration.

One of those opportunities is a global study abroad component that took Lee beyond his comfort zone.

A second chance at solo travel

When the pandemic cancelled Lee’s initial plan to go on exchange during his undergraduate degree, he didn’t let go of his goal to study abroad. He brought it to life through the MM program.

“I wanted to get uncomfortable and get outside of Canada,” he says. “For me, studying abroad wasn’t about leaving home, it was about learning through experience.”

Lee spent one week studying Negotiation Leadership at European School of Management and Technology in Berlin.

“We learned how culture affects people’s approach to conflict and collaboration, particularly how there’s different ‘right ways’ of doing business,” he says.

Ethan Lee, then, went on a six-week exchange at Copenhagen Business School, learning Management Consulting. The course taught him the importance of group collaboration and thinking beyond traditional approaches when solving business problems.

To Ethan Lee, what transcended both these experiences were also the new friends he made during his short time in Europe. 

“My classmates went above and beyond to make sure that a foreigner like me was able to respect and appreciate the places they call home, and for that, I am truly grateful,” he says. 

'Do your research but go with the flow’ 

By the end of his time abroad, Lee became better at navigating foreign cities and navigating uncertainties in life.

“I used to be wary of cold-messaging people on LinkedIn or networking,” he says. “Now, I feel confident finding my way through unfamiliarity, whether that’s a new city or a new job.”

He advises students to be curious and figure out what you need, and be open to the unexpected.

“Do your research but go with the flow because that’s where the fun and growth happen,” he adds.

He also draws inspiration from a quote by the late chef and traveller Anthony Bourdain:

“If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can... Walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food.”

For Lee, literal and intellectual movement isn’t just a travel philosophy. It’s a career strategy.