My Motivation to Obtain a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurial Management

I am applying for the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. The long history of excellence, a good understanding of the needs and aspirations of students, along with the blended learning model which provides learners with the tools and techniques to be successful after graduation, are some of the reasons why I would like to study at Royal Roads University.

It is my belief that learning should never stop. Many people equate age, rank or certain accomplishments with the end of their schooling, but in my opinion to learn is to be alive. Entrepreneurs are never satisfied with the knowledge they have -- they are always seeking more. From formal education to on-the-job discoveries, learning has always been part of my life and there is no shortage of things that make me excited, which is a genuine reason that drives me to pursue the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management, at Royal Roads University. I have always prided myself as being a committed and motivated individual, who is driven by a constant desire to improve both myself and the world around me. With a strong focus and commitment to learning, it is my belief that the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management program at Royal Roads University is specifically designed for individuals, like me, who are mature and career focused, looking for a program where both academic thoroughness and practical application are combined harmoniously for the student’s success. I believe this program will help me to develop and improve the critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration skills which are demanded in the today’s fast moving business environment. I know the course load pertaining to the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management program at Royal Roads will immerse me in a pool of academic diversity which will further enrich me and provide the tools I require to be successful in all settings.

Inquisitive, ambitious and driven were the words I heard more often people say about me growing up. I was born and raised in a small, idyllic mountain resort in Romania, in a modest family who taught me the value of hard work, integrity and discipline. I was a dedicated and shy student from kinder garden all the way to university. Some would argue I was a geek-I like to call it thirsty for knowledge. My father used to tell me that “knowledge is a powerful and a sound investment, which will yield reliable results in ones future”. And was he ever right! I was part of the first generation of scholars, post communistic era, who had their curriculum taught in English all the way to university.

Living a life that relegated me to the sidelines or the background, was not something I was going to settle for, and because I always craved new beginnings, risk and change, I interviewed and got hired by the cruise line industry as a Cashier, and joined my first adventure from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I was nineteen years old! The cruise line industry is the embodiment of a cultural mosaic, where each individual carries a unique fragment, making the entire population a conglomerate of talents. I was immersed in a unique and diverse world, where hard word, discipline and dedication paid off tenfold. After 6 months I was promoted to Head of Casino Banking and Customer Service, and continued working for the cruise line in a managerial capacity until 2008.I knew however, that eventually I would have to bid adieu to the cruise ships lifestyle, which was not compatible with my aspirations of further advancing my knowledge and skills, and so, armed with ambition, dedication, and a suitcase full of clothes, I immigrated to Canada.

Michael Gerber said: “The entrepreneur in us sees opportunities everywhere we look, but many people see only problems everywhere they look.’’. I believe I am a natural born entrepreneur, who is always looking for opportunities and to create value. For example, while on the ship, during my first contract, mid-way, we experienced a continued lack of staff in the casino. In an effort to alleviate the problem, I rolled out a pilot program where a staff member could hold 2 positions at one time-Dealer/Cashier or Cashier/Technician and be paid better than average between the 2 positions. I drafted the job descriptions, took care of the logistics of training and salaries, and rolled it out. As I envisioned a temporary way of dealing with shortage of staff in various departments of the casino, I created value for both the company and employees. This pilot program not only solved the short staff problem, it also served as a foundation for what was to be introduced as mandatory positions in each casino.

Bruce Bachenheimer, clinical professor of management and executive director of the Entrepreneurship Lab at Pace University said that” entrepreneurship at its core, is a mindset – a way of thinking and acting. It is about imagining new ways to solve problems and create value”, and I believe my pilot program is a clear example of just that-solving problems and creating value.

When I first arrived in Canada, my first goal was to secure a job and get enrolled into university. I quickly signed up for the Certified General Accountants and started my journey to complete my designation, and become a Certified General Accountant. The Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management program at Royal Road University will continue building the skills and knowledge I acquired with CGA, and I am hopeful that I can be granted admission into the program, which will allow me to continue my journey to completing my education, and be on my way to achieve a successful career. I hope to contribute to the pool of well-rounded scholars with academic achievement enriching Royal Roads University’s already diverse community by becoming an active and engaged student and alumni of Royal Roads University. Further, being able to continue to create value regardless of the setting I am in would be a testimony to the skills acquired and perfected while studying with Royal Roads University.

Mark Twain explained the enticement of entrepreneurship best when he wrote, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’’ I do not want to be disappointed by the things I didn’t do when I had the opportunity, and obtaining my undergraduate degree from Royal Roads University is a clear example of a successful outcome which I will not regret. In the future, I hope to be able to inspire other professionals to pursue an education with Royal Roads University. Being accepted in the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management program, at Royal Roads University, means I can continue acquiring new and innovative techniques and concepts, which can be applied in advancing responsible and sustainable business practices in any professional setting.

I appreciate your time and patience to review my application, and I look forward to hearing from you with your decision.