Taran Grewal

Taran Grewal, Category Development Advisor at Galderma, a prominent name in the CPG and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing arena. With over 8 years of experience in the cosmetics and skincare industry, my journey has seen me work on influential brands like Cetaphil and Revlon. My role is not just about numbers; it’s about effective communication, compelling presentations, and driving impactful results. Through the intersection of my skills in strategy, data, and communication, I’m dedicated to shaping the success of brands in an ever-evolving landscape. As I continue to navigate the intricate realm of category development, I am excited to contribute my insights and vision to shape the future of our industry.

What attracted you to the BLPT MBA Program at DeGroote?

DeGroote’s Blended Learning Part-Time Program (BLPT) caught my attention because it allowed me to continue my full-time job and progress in my career while simultaneously enhancing my skills through studying. Despite exploring various MBA options, I couldn’t find a program that matched the enriched learning experience, top-notch professors, and content that the DeGroote BLPT offered.

What particularly appealed to me was the unique combination of virtual delivery with an in-person classroom component. I strongly desired a classroom experience for my MBA journey, but due to my work and personal commitments, commuting every week wasn’t feasible. Fortunately, this program offered a solution by requiring in-person classroom presence only once a month. The rest of the learning is delivered virtually through a live classroom, granting me the best of both worlds.

What has been the highlight of your DeGroote experience?

The chance to work with different learning groups each term has been incredibly fulfilling and has allowed students to forge strong bonds with their peers. The program staff arrange these groups, and they serve as the teams for collaborative projects during the term. As the learning groups rotate every term, students have the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse experiences, educational backgrounds, and industries. It’s truly remarkable how much knowledge and insights we can exchange with each other through these groups, in addition to fostering friendships that last beyond the classroom.

What surprised you about your experience at DeGroote?

I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of involvement, organization, and approachability displayed by the BLPT program staff. They promptly address all questions and inquiries related to the program, courses, and residencies. During residency weekends, they are actively available and well-prepared, ensuring a seamless experience for students. Comparing my interactions with administrative staff from other schools, I found this team to be the most helpful and supportive!

How has this program impacted your career?

Obtaining an MBA through this program significantly accelerated my personal and professional growth, enabling me to finally make the career leap I had been anticipating. The program places a strong emphasis on cultivating leadership skills and honing various competencies. Throughout the program’s duration, students have the opportunity to engage in skills assessments, access career center resources including personalized resume assistance, and acquire new skills in the classroom that can be readily applied in a professional context. Leveraging these resources allowed me to advocate for myself effectively, resulting in a job transition while pursuing my MBA. Furthermore, the pursuit of an MBA positively influenced how I was perceived by others, underscoring essential attributes like excellent time management and ambition as notable outcomes of the program.

What advice do you have for someone looking to pursue their MBA while continuing to work full-time?

Choose the right program for you! For me, flexibility was key – I needed a blended format that would allow me to effectively manage my workload without forgoing the classroom component. There’s never an ideal moment in life, but DeGroote’s BLPT program offers inherent flexibility. It condenses crucial MBA learning into an accessible format.

As well, look for opportunities to apply learnings from the classroom to your job to keep yourself engaged and motivated – the more you can take away from the program to the real-world, the more you will benefit from and enjoy the experience.

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate small achievements and make time for self-care. Make time to enjoy the journey and the highs and lows that come with it.