Haris Ansari shifted from engineering to business studies while building a new life in Newfoundland and Labrador, guided by adaptability, perseverance and long-term thinking.

Where are you from?

I am from Karachi, Pakistan. The city has a population that is 40 times that of the entire Newfoundland and Labrador province. Hence, the reason I like St. John’s is because of its calmness and tranquillity. It takes you literally 10 minutes from one end of the city to the other, plus the vibrant, colourful homes! I simply love the city.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

My wife and I both love hiking and walking on the beautiful trails in and around St. John’s.

Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?

I have always enjoyed learning and growing. I am always interested in broad areas of knowledge, from history to AI, from politics to sustainability. Also, because of the nature of my past experience, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in business despite my background in engineering.

Why did you choose Memorial University for your graduate studies?

I chose Memorial because of its affordability, especially when it comes to the Master of Business Administration, which is an expensive degree everywhere.

How would you describe your experience as a graduate student at Memorial?

It’s awesome. I love the broad spectrum of opportunities. I learn a lot not only from my professors but from my peers as well, who belong to different professional and cultural backgrounds.

What scholarships or awards have you received?

I received the Wood Gundy Scholarship. My team and I also won the 1st prize at the Asper School of Business Case Competition and the 2nd position at the John Molson International Case Competition.

Have you faced any challenges in life that you’ve overcome to pursue graduate studies?

I think the biggest challenge in my life was not getting admitted to the graduate program, but rather it was when I had the admission, and I was in a well-settled job, living in my home country with my wife, where we had a place we called home, and we spent a lot of time setting it up for ourselves.

The real challenge started when we had to really make the decision to leave everything behind and start afresh on unknown soil. Although when I reflect now, I think it was one of the right decisions we made, and it is really the amazing people of Newfoundland and Labrador who welcomed us, made us feel at home and allowed us to integrate smoothly.

What industry or career path are you interested in pursuing after graduation?

I feel for the environment, and I really want to leave behind a clean environment for future generations. Therefore, I am interested in careers related to sustainability so I can play my part in this mission.

What advice would you give to current or future graduate students?

I encourage all students to be open to all opportunities, big or small, that come their way. Be open, be flexible, and consider every assignment a learning opportunity for growth. Also, networking is essential and very important. During your time at school, make sure to make friends and connections. It’s a global village; you never know how others may help you, and you may also be in a position to help others down the road.

Anything else you would like to share?

A fun fact about me is that I had to wait three long years for my visa decision to arrive. It was stressful, intense, and character-building. That experience speaks to my perseverance and patient nature—qualities that have helped me navigate challenges with resilience and optimism.

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