One good thing leads to many – at UNB and beyond
Author: Faculty of Management
Posted on Aug 29, 2024
After spending a few years as a service manager in Mumbai, Haridas Patel wanted to pivot into business development. This ambition brought him to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) where he pursued an MBA with the faculty of management. Patel was drawn to UNB's rich history and the diverse cohort of students, which helped to broaden his perspectives.
“The resources at UNB were incredible,” Patel recalls. “From technology support and networking events to professional development and volunteering opportunities, UNB offered it all.” He particularly appreciated the swift transition to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed his education to continue uninterrupted.
During his time at UNB, Patel also got involved with the Mitacs Accelerate program, a key opportunity that connected students with research and industry projects. “This program was a game-changer,” he says. After graduating, Patel joined Mitacs as a Business Development Specialist, where he now connects organizations with post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick to foster research and innovation. His role allows him to support students, which he takes full advantage of by participating in events, and judging in the business plan competitions.
Patel’s work with UNB’s Catalyst program and the Technology Management and Entrepreneurship Centre underscores his commitment to providing valuable learning experiences for students. As a former international student, he understands the challenges of finding internships; through his role with Mitacs he fully appreciates the importance of retaining talent in Atlantic Canada. “Mitacs provides a solution by linking students with industry partners, often leading to long-term employment opportunities.”
Haridas Patel’s journey from Mumbai, India, to New Brunswick is a testament to the power of education and the impact of seizing opportunities. University students looking for a Mitacs internship should contact Haridas Patel via his email address (hpatel@mitacs.ca) or connect with him on LinkedIn. His story is an inspiring example of how one can evolve from a student seeking support to a professional providing opportunities for others.
Learn more about UNB’s Faculty of Management.
For more information about this story contact Liz Lemon-Mitchell.