Royal Roads University

“I was drawn to RRU’s Master of Global Management when I was looking for a program that focused on developing management skills and helped to create a Canadian network, especially in B.C. When I discovered this program was completely new, I was excited to be one of the founders for future generations. When I look at an MBA, I think of people who want new tools to empower their careers. In contrast, the MGM program moves you to believe in yourself, to choose what you want to be and to dream about an international career. This program teaches you how to think critically, how to overcome new challenges and how to build a network with different people. The campus here at Royal Roads University is gorgeous. I like how the environment reminds us we are not alone, and that we must respect our ecosystems. Before taking this program, I encourage you to ask, ‘Do you want to face many cultures in the same place? Do you want to have class discussions about how relevant issues affect our lives and businesses? Do you want to walk around on one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada?’ Royal Roads University is a growing school with a prominent future.”

I’m from the Caribbean, the world’s most tourism-dependent area. As part of a developing region, we face some unique challenges, and I wanted to be part of the solution. While I had several years of experience in the industry, I needed to gain additional critical skills, training and knowledge to make a worthwhile contribution to the development and sustainability of the tourism industry in my country and the region. Royal Roads University gave me all that, and more. A diverse and supportive cohort, qualified instructors, excellent internship opportunities, field trips and a beautiful campus all made for an amazing learning experience while adding to the academic program. My Royal Roads education has helped me enhance my credibility and influence as a tourism professional. But earning a Master of Arts in Tourism Management was not just about gaining more knowledge; it was about fulfilling a promise to myself and being a good example for my sons. I learned a lot about myself in terms of my skills, personality, strengths and weaknesses. As a result, I have a better understanding of where I can add value within an organization and beyond.

Previous learning experiences taught me the basics, but Royal Roads gave a more global context. “Studying journalism in my home country of China, I saw how important communication is in people’s daily life. From political propaganda to marketing to interpersonal conversations, even the smallest things can greatly impact people’s decision-making and behavior. I decided to pursue higher education to get a better chance to do what I’m passionate about. I learned of Royal Roads’ reputation for delivering practical knowledge from my teachers in China. I knew a Master of Arts in International and Intercultural Communication is what I would need to start a career outside my home country. Previous learning experiences taught me the basics of how to communicate, but Royal Roads gave a more global context and allowed me to focus on my teamwork skills. For international students, language and professional gaps can be barriers for integrating into the learning environment, but the diverse cultures and experiences in the cohort helped fill those gaps. By sharing our knowledge and skills, it helped us all get a better understanding of each other and of class content. This learning experience has prepared me well for future work in Canada and will guide me to a job that I can be truly excited about.”

Now, I lead from a place of empathy and servitude, and I bring more of my authentic self to my role, which has made me more effective and fulfilled. I have been working in government for the past 20 years as a member of Canada's foreign service. In my initial role as a Management & Consular Officer, I assisted Canadian citizens abroad during their worst moments and managed embassy administration in Ottawa, Cuba, the UAE, and Venezuela. Later, I transitioned into trade promotion, helping Canadian businesses export goods and services internationally. By joining the Master of Arts in Global Leadership program, I hoped to gain inspiration to reach beyond what I had been able to accomplish so far in my career. After two decades of challenging, fascinating work, I wanted to explore what more I could do in service of my country, and I needed some new ideas to get there. The hybrid model was perfect as it allowed me to continue working while studying, with the added benefit of in-person connections, which I valued greatly. And I needed a model that I could handle with the 15-hour time difference. One of the things I am most grateful for about my learning journey was the opportunity to attend a residency in January 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic made international travel more challenging. I will never forget the aha moments of those enriching courses, as we dug our hands into systems thinking, servant leadership and so much more. Additionally, the connections I made with the faculty, staff, and my cohort were invaluable. I feel so fortunate to have joined a group of diverse, brave, committed, and generous individuals. I learned so much from them. Since completing the program, I deliberately take more risks and strive to create safe spaces for others to do the same. Now, I lead from a place of empathy and servitude, and I bring more of my authentic self to my role, which has made me more effective and fulfilled. As an ambassador dealing with complex and diverse problems daily, the skills I gained from the program helped me see systems, recognize connections, and identify patterns to try to effect sustainable change. I am committed to continuous learning and encourage those around me to follow their own journeys as well. Get to know other graduates from our Master of Arts in Global Leadership program

RRU transformed my worldview, teaching me to value diversity and embrace change. Zhilong Chen, MAEM I chose Royal Roads University (RRU) for its commitment to practical, real-world learning. The hands-on projects, case studies, and internships here address real-world challenges, which, as a Construction Engineer, truly resonated with me. RRU’s focus on sustainability and leadership aligns with global trends and is reflected in its beautiful, historic campus. My experience in the Master of Arts in Environment and Management program has been transformative. Early on, my professor guided me to focus on actionable details and practical solutions, rather than broad concepts. This shift taught me to appreciate the impact of small, intentional actions and helped me develop concrete plans. The University transformed my worldview, teaching me to value diversity and embrace change. The inclusive and supportive environment encourages students to challenge assumptions and grow in ways they may not have expected. For anyone considering RRU, I can say with confidence that the support from classmates, professors, and staff will be invaluable in your journey of growth. They’re not just mentors but partners in your development, pushing you to reach new levels personally and professionally.