Completing school and job hunting during a global pandemic didn’t slow Sandipan Debnath (Master of Business Administration ’21) down one bit. He’s now a Business Development Representative at Wrapbook, a US-based tech startup that is digitizing the entertainment payroll industry. Originally from Bangladesh, Debnath is now based out of Toronto at his current position. He shares more about his career path and how VIU’s MBA program prepared him for work in a global company.
Why did you choose VIU for your education?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which was a super fun but busy city. I wanted to pursue my master’s degree in a quieter environment. I was also attracted by the MBA program, which is designed around the requirements of the modern business world. So, during my search for a university that would allow me to live in a more laid back and beautiful setting without compromising the quality of my graduate degree, VIU was one of the best options.
What are you doing now?
After completing my degree and living on beautiful Vancouver Island for a year and a half, I was ready to hop into the corporate world. Shortly after my graduation, I moved to Toronto and am now working as a Business Development Representative for Wrapbook, a US-based tech startup that handles the entire back end of entertainment productions.
Tell us a bit about your experience at VIU and in your program.
Pursuing my MBA at VIU has been an exceptional journey. The opportunity to connect with professors and other students very closely due to the small classroom sizes made my learning experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. Not to mention the fact that VIU has an ocean-view campus, and from different spots on the campus, one can enjoy some spectacular views.
How did your program prepare you for your current role in the workforce, or for further studies in your field?
Today’s fast-changing business environment and globalization has made it mandatory for university graduates to stay up to date on all the latest business trends. VIU’s MBA program was developed with that in mind and has subjects that are extremely relevant for today’s workforce. Subjects like Corporate Social Responsibility and International Human Resources provided me in-depth knowledge about the global marketplace, managing a culturally diverse workforce and the importance of following ethical business practices. The MBA program has provided me with relevant knowledge and allowed me to grow my skill set accordingly.
Tell us about what you’re doing now.
I am currently responsible for generating new clients for Wrapbook through outbound prospecting and introducing them to our platform. As the main point of contact for production companies from across Los Angeles and New York, my role requires me to stay on top of the different projects that these companies are working on and also network with a wide variety people.
What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?
I believe staying organized while working towards a clearly identified goal is the key to success, and this is something I have been practicing for the longest time. There will surely be ups and downs during your program and some assignments might be tougher than others, and sometimes you might find yourself questioning your decisions, but having that end goal glued to the back of your mind will always keep driving you towards what you really want to achieve. It will provide you with the motivation you might need when you are at the verge of giving up. And yes, it is important to focus on your studies in university, but it is also equally important to live your life to the fullest. I put extra emphasis on this because while you’re on Vancouver Island, you want to soak in the beautiful nature that it has to offer, starting from the mountains to the oceans to the beautiful beaches and even the ski resorts in winter. Seize every opportunity you get to explore this beautiful Island, but never lose sight of your goals.
What’s next for you?
I have always enjoyed meeting new people and helping people create connections that will benefit them in some way or the other. During my university days it was in the form of parties or social gatherings where I would have a bunch of people come together and now it’s in the form of connecting my clients to solutions that will make their lives easier. I enjoy working in start-ups primarily because I find it very motivating to see my efforts helping the business grow directly. Over the next five years, I see myself sticking to sales but at a more senior leadership role that will allow me to run my own sales team and give me the opportunity to share whatever knowledge I have gained with other enthusiastic and career-driven professionals.
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