[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ianbassford.jpg” caption=”McMaster alumnus Ian Bassford specialized in finance and accounting during his time at the DeGroote School of Business and credits the education he received with making him versatile in the workplace. File photo.”]Finding a job post-graduation is not something Ian Bassford had to worry about.

After completing his undergraduate degree in commerce at the University of Guelph,
Bassford decided to pursue an MBA in the accelerated program offered at the DeGroote
School of Business that would allow him to complete his degree in just eight months.

Bassford specialized in finance and accounting during the program and credits the
education he received with making him versatile in the workplace.

“One of the most important things I have taken away from my time at DeGroote is the
opportunity I had to become well-rounded in the field of business,” said Bassford. “I
came into the program with a background in marketing and I was able to learn more
about other areas by switching specializations to finance and accounting. I was also
involved with the Gould Trading Floor where I learned a lot about capital markets which
allowed me to further broaden my knowledge base.”

Before completing the program, Bassford applied for a job he found on McMaster's
Online Student Career and Recruitment site (OSCAR). He was hired as a cost analyst for
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a manufacturing facility owned by Johnson & Johnson.
While holding the position, Bassford finished his degree as a part time student,
graduating in December 2009. Last September he accepted a new position as a financial
analyst for Johnson & Johnson.

Bassford's degree really did turn out to be the promised ticket to a career.

“Without the opportunities this program created, I wouldn't have chosen my current
career, and I wouldn't have been as prepared for it either,” he said. “The DeGroote MBA
really helped my career take off.”

Bassford also stresses the value of networking opportunities in his educational
experience.

“It was very beneficial to have companies and professionals come to DeGroote for
discussions and events. It was a great forum for making contacts and learning about
different careers and the real world of business,” he said.

Now that Bassford is a DeGroote alumnus, he plans to be involved in such events. “I
found these opportunities very valuable as a student, and that's something I would love
to be a part of now,” he said. “I wouldn't be where I am today without DeGroote.”