MBA grad lands dream job supporting Indigenous communities
Success — do we measure it by the ranks we climb, the dollars we make, the fame we enjoy? Or, do we measure it by the pride we gain through the work we do?
The answer is simple for Victoria MacDonald, who just convocated from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) on Oct. 11.
“As an Indigenous woman, being given the opportunity to contribute to other Indigenous communities through my job fills me with immense pride,” MacDonald says.
It was during her undergraduate studies that MacDonald began dreaming about doing meaningful work for other Indigenous communities. However, after graduating from Saint Mary’s University in 2017, she initially took a position as a tax analyst at an accounting firm — a job she enjoyed, but struggled to find fulfilment in.
“I felt stuck in my career,” MacDonald recalls. “I knew I wanted to pivot towards working with Indigenous communities, but I needed to figure out how to make that transition.”
A masterful discovery
In 2020, MacDonald began the MBA program at TRU where she not only uncovered new knowledge, but also more professional and life fulfilment than she had ever imagined possible. She took the program online, studying and working across the country in Nova Scotia, but that geographic gap didn’t matter when it came to her career.
“Being an MBA student at TRU opened more doors for me than I had anticipated,” MacDonald recalls.
In fact, shortly after beginning TRU’s MBA program, MacDonald found herself faced with an unexpected opportunity.
“During a casual conversation about my background and studies, a new acquaintance suggested I apply for the position of band manager in their community,” MacDonald recalls. “This was a dream job I had envisioned for myself when I was younger after speaking with the band manager of my own community.”
MacDonald successfully became the new band manager of Annapolis Valley First Nation in September 2021, while she continued to work toward her MBA. She never expected to accomplish her goal of becoming a band manager at such a young age, but she credits her MBA education at TRU as being a significant factor in successfully achieving the position.
“The MBA program provided me with such diverse knowledge on a wide range of business areas,” MacDonald says. “This was extremely helpful in guiding me in my role with First Nations band administrations.”
Her experiential knowledge was expanded as she fulfilled her role as band manager while studying toward her MBA in the evenings. The crossover allowed MacDonald to directly apply the course material to her professional position.
“It was both challenging and rewarding,” she says. “I cannot tell you how many times I referenced course material in board or committee meetings, but I can tell you that it dramatically increased my confidence level in these meetings.”
Professional fulfilment
The most poignant memories MacDonald has of her time as band manager of Annapolis Valley First Nation, are related to the powwows she helped plan.
“I was lucky enough to have the privilege — and responsibility — of planning and organizing three powwows,” MacDonald recalls. “As I reflect on this experience, it is unbelievably humbling to have been a part of such impactful events. The pride I felt watching young children engage in traditional dance and being able to help foster a sense of pride in our Mi’kmaq culture is something I will forever hold dear.”
With that incredible sense of pride, MacDonald began to dream bigger, envisioning the potential impact she could have in a national capacity.
“While it’s incredible to be able to help a single community,” MacDonald says. “I quickly realized that joining the federal government would allow me to have a broader impact on Indigenous communities across Canada.”
Driven to help
“Today, in my role at Indigenous Services Canada, I feel that same pride and gratitude I experienced being involved in those powwows. In my current role, I can support many more Indigenous communities and knowing that I have such an incredible opportunity to help, continues to drive me every day.”
MacDonald hopes to pass along some of the knowledge she has gained through her academic and professional journey.
The best advice she has: take big leaps and career risks.
“Don’t let yourself get boxed into a single career simply because you’ve been in that role or with that company for a few years,” she says. “If you have a dream job, apply for it! With luck and hard work, you too can have a career that drives you and allows you to positively impact your community.”
