Don't have top-tier school expectations when you walk in.

Experience during the program

Rotman has one of the strongest reputations in Canada, and I found the alumni network to be superb in terms of career support. People look at you with different lenses when they know you are from Rotman in a good way. If you are looking to have a great network after your MBA, Rotman is the way to go. Its location, brand name, and alumni network will benefit you in the long run, I suppose, but only time will tell.

Overall, I had very high expectations from Rotman since its ranking, location, and strong alumni network, but the school didn't fully deliver on the promises that they made in marketing materials. Students pay top dollar to get into the program, but the program doesn't quite justify it. It is the location and future career aspect that justify the money that you will be paying. You are paying for opportunities.

About professors, classes and curriculum

Unfortunately, I find the professors, classes, and curriculum poorly designed. Often, my curriculum reminds me of my high-school years in Asia. It is textbook-heavy, largely theory-based, and disconnected from the real world. As an MBA student, I expect more of a story-telling / case-based approach.

The professors are regarded as the experts in their relative fields, publishing world-renowned books and winning awards. However, most of them pay little interest in teaching the students. Our previous cohort offered keen feedback to all the courses only to discover that the school didn't change anything for the following year. This feedback pattern has been here for some time since several cohorts of students. If you ever find yourself in a position appealing for a re-grade, expect the professors to push back on you harshly. Personally, I find it disappointing.

About job placement process

Career service at Rotman is okay-ish. My point of reference is a U.S public school, where the number of career coaches is limited to a large student body. Rotman career coaches are helpful in mock interviews and resume, but if you have to seek extra resources if you need to personalize your materials more (common among schools). However, I feel like career coaches have their agendas and KPIs. Meaning when they give you advice, they will look after their interests too. They want to accept an offer as soon as possible because it will look good on their performance review, not superb for your career interest. You have to be in the driver's seat for that 100%.

Job opportunities are plenty if you are easygoing, but top-tier companies are competitive. School reputation does give you an edge, but it is only so much it can do.

If you are looking to enter Rotman, please do your research and reach out to people who are in the program or graduated recently. It is even better to find someone with similar career aspirations since their advice will be more relatable to you. At the end of the day, MBA is a degree and an asset you have for your career development.

Overall BSchool experience (1.0)
Schools contribution (2.0)
Classmates rating (2.0)

Strengths of the program:

Alumni Network
Location
Brand/Ranking

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Investment Banking

Can be improved:

Curriculum, Classes, Professors
Student body, diversity
Career opportunities provided by school
Culture & Student Support
Facilities
Admissions Team
Specialization in a particular area (e.g. Finance, Consulting, Healthcare, etc)
Faculty's teaching ability