Nicolas Boukas had worked at his alma mater for almost 20 years when he returned to the John Molson School of Business for an EMBA—and it helped take him to the next step
Starting an MBA is incredibly daunting. Moving to a new city or country, returning to academic work, meeting new people—all of this takes some getting used to.
Except, for Nicolas Boukas, he was enrolling somewhere he’d already spent quite a bit of time.
Nicolas graduated from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business in 2004 with a degree in management and information systems. Within six months, he landed a job within Concordia University’s IT department.
Eighteen years later, after moving into analyst and project manager roles, Nicolas was still working at Concordia University when he realized it was time to boost his career with an Executive MBA (EMBA).
“The honest truth is that I was wanting to do it. I wanted to be with seasoned executives, and I felt that, from a career standpoint, this was the next thing for me,” Nicolas explains.
Gaining vital career skills
Through Nicolas’ (pictured) 18-year career, he had moved from a junior IT role into a senior project management position. So, what did he expect to gain from an EMBA?
“I knew if I wanted to build more of a leadership role and become an executive, I needed to build my business acumen,” he notes. “I saw other people going into this program, and I saw how they flourished.”
Nicolas completed the EMBA program on a full-time basis while continuing to work for Concordia University, and was initially surprised by the intensity of the work. Despite the workload, Nicolas says the program immediately impacted his business thinking.
“Before the EMBA, I had no idea how to transform the business. How do you align the business strategy with the IT strategy and who makes the decision?” he admits.
The John Molson EMBA program focuses on developing ‘complete executives’, so as well as deep dives into important topics such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence, students also explore critical soft skills including emotional intelligence and public speaking.
“The program promotes public speaking,” he says. “I’m not perfect but I've learned how to improve my skills. Because of the program, when I give a presentation, I have a different mindset.”
Learning from diverse peers
From a young age, Nicolas was immersed in international environments. He grew up in French-speaking Canada but moved to Greece at the age of ten.
After nine years abroad, he chose to study at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business for his bachelor’s degree.
“My cousin went to Concordia, and he was always keeping me in the loop about how great the university was, and the professors were very down to earth,” Nicolas says, “I saw what benefits Concordia brought to him in the long run.”
Once he’d joined, Nicolas immediately noticed the school’s diverse and multicultural atmosphere. Master's degree faculty at John Molson come from 32 countries, and a range of backgrounds are represented in the EMBA program.
As a result, Nicolas says he learned an equal amount from his peers. Class sizes in the John Molson Executive MBA are between 15 and 25 students, giving everyone the opportunity to develop strong relationships with their peers.
“You network with your peers who have a lot of experience and knowledge they share. For example, if someone's very good with numbers, you try to follow why they do the things they do, what they do beforehand, and how to analyze,” Nicolas says.
Transforming your career with an EMBA
Throughout his career at Concordia, Nicolas sought career development, including project management certifications. But it was his EMBA that gave him the knowledge and skills boost to move into a senior project management position.
“I feel relaxed in my role now,” Nicolas asserts. “Before getting into the MBA program, I was coached by my director on how to approach projects and stakeholder management, how to present, what to present. Now, I do it on my own.”
Ultimately, for Nicolas, it’s these soft skills that have really helped him bridge the gap between his previous project management roles and his new responsibilities.
“You need to make sure that you're at least 10 steps ahead of everyone, and if you see something coming, you need to be very proactive. As a result, my reflexes are better now than before.”
Concordia University: John Molson School of Business
Anthony
Verified
25/11/2023
On Campus
Educational advancement
My time at Concordia College has been set apart by huge self-awareness. The steady instructors and staff have assisted me with fostering my abilities and information. The college offers a scope of administrations and extracurricular exercises, giving various open doors to understudies to reach out. In general, my involvement with Concordia has been positive and improving.
Student
Verified
16/11/2023
On Campus
My growth
"My time at Concordia University has been marked by significant personal growth. The supportive teachers and staff have helped me to develop my skills and knowledge. The university offers a range of services and extracurricular activities, providing numerous opportunities for students to get involved. Overall, my experience at Concordia has been positive and enriching.
Ashley
Verified
31/10/2023
On Campus
Communications and Culture Studies
I am currently enrolled in my first year in the Communication and Culture studies program. I have met so many incredible people and have already acquired skills that I will serve me in my professional career. The courses are dynamic, engaging and intellectually stimulating. I am happy to be a student at this university and look forward to the next 2 years here!
Student
Verified
11/09/2023
On Campus
Significant advancements
Having attended Concordia University, I can confidently state that I have seen significant advancements in my skills. The faculty and staff demonstrate great thoughtfulness and provide effective support. Additionally, the university offers an abundance of student clubs and services.
Arman
Verified
11/09/2023
On Campus
Master of Quality Systems Engineering
I completed my Master's in Quality Systems Engineering at Concordia University, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of quality management principles and methodologies. The program provided a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, including coursework in statistical process control, Six Sigma, and Lean principles.
I engaged in hands-on projects addressing real-world quality challenges, collaborated with experienced faculty, and conducted independent research. This experience has equipped me with the skills and expertise needed to contribute effectively to organizations seeking to enhance their quality control processes and achieve operational excellence.
Amber Lee
Verified
6/09/2023
On Campus
Awesome
The Communication program at Concordia University will prepare you for the future. The program is divided in two blocks: one more theoretical, from which you learn the concept of communications through the perspective of philosophy, history and social studies; another completely hands-on in which you learn how to produce media choosing from three streams; sound, moving images, intermedia. What I love about the communication program at Concordia is that the teachers are clever, up to date, and exited about putting the future in the hands of students. Not only there is so much to learn in the communication program, but there are also so many opportunities!
Student
Verified
3/09/2023
On Campus
Concordia is best
Concordia university is one of the top listed universities not just in Canada but worldwide. The most amazing thing about this university is it is a standalone English speaking university in Montreal that allows non francophone students to enrol and study efficiently. My program is beautifully designed with access to high quality classrooms and faculty members that are available every time to attend your queries. The huge campus of the University including the library allows students to indulge in group work and research programs. The administration staff is super supportive and polite in their conversations. I have had the most amazing experience studying at Concordia so far.
Student
Verified
5/07/2023
On Campus
Entrepreneurship and Marketing
I had the privilege of being a part of Ryerson University's Entrepreneurship and Marketing program, and it was an outstanding experience. The program's curriculum was well-designed, providing a perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical application. The faculty members were highly knowledgeable and supportive, creating an engaging learning environment. The program's emphasis on industry connections and experiential learning opened doors to valuable internships and co-op opportunities. The resources and facilities dedicated to the program were top-notch, allowing me to explore my passion and excel in my studies. I am grateful for the real-world skills and industry connections I gained through the program. Ryerson University's Entrepreneurship and Marketing truly prepared me for a successful career in the business world. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a transformative educational experience.
Student
Verified
25/06/2023
Blended
Integrated Student Life
Concordia University has done a fantastic job at providing on-campus activities and workshops for students to feel connected and less lonely in stressful times. My program, Human Relations highlights this perfectly as a human relations student to be able to see the effects these workshops have on our beings and our mental and physical health as well. The student Life at Concordia has allowed our school to feel more like a community than a school.
Dami
Verified
6/03/2024
On Campus
Study review
As a graduate student in the doctoral program in chemical engineering at Concordia University, I would rate the program as highly commendable. Although, the academic experience has been rigorous, challenging, and intellectually stimulating, providing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of chemical engineering principles.
However, my ongoing program has been equally rewarding and has equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in academia and industry.
Student
Verified
7/03/2024
On Campus
Amazing
In general, I love my university. It's a true representation of diversity, with students from all around the world. The system is incredibly organized, with everything functioning seamlessly, from the structure to the services.
Kamilla
Verified
24/04/2024
On Campus
Great range of classes - Political Science program
- I would definitely recommend this university. Concordia offers a great range of various classes for Political Science program. Offered courses are interesting and well-taught.
- My campus is located in downtown, and I have no problem to drive there and park, as university offers two big parkings for students
- Teachers are nice and comprehensive. If students obtain a bad grade, there is always a possibility to discuss and do something with that
- University has an amazing student life. There are various help-centers and crews who are always willing to help students
