Truth and integrity
At Smith, truth and integrity are among the values that come first. The institution is committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior. This commitment ensures that students develop a strong moral compass, essential for leadership in the business world. “We stand for truth, integrity, creativity, and the power of the mind to understand problems and find solutions,” is the first value described on the Smith School of Business website.
Responsibility and respect
The school focuses on instilling in students a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to contribute positively to society. Respect is integral to the community as well, promoting an environment that supports diverse perspectives and prioritizes inclusivity.
The Full-time MBA program at Smith School of Business at Queen’s University enables participants to customize their studies, for example with a Certificate in Social Impact. It includes “a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer outreach activities, attendance at a responsible leadership related conference, […] and exposure to responsible leadership concepts.”
“I liked the way that the program was woven into our MBA curriculum through the year, making it achievable and giving us an opportunity to take our in-class learnings a step further,” says Smith MBA Alexandra Burns about the Certificate in Responsible Leadership Program.
Freedom and wellbeing
The wellbeing of the community takes central place at Smith, with resources dedicated to supporting mental and physical health. It emphasizes empathy and compassion and makes a point of teaching students to lead with emotional intelligence and awareness of others.
“I chose Smith because I wanted to be part of a business school that had a history of excellence. […] The support from the faculty and staff was incredible – responsive, caring, and extremely helpful,” says Gianni (John) de Francesco, who studied at Smith.
While in the Full-time MBA program, Smitch students work with a coaching team that provides guidance for their personal and career goals. There is also an additional, optional program called Fit to Lead™ that focuses on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Topics covered include personal reflection, goal setting, fitness, healthy eating, and achieving life balance.
Team-based learning approach
The Full-time MBA program at Smith School of Business at Queen’s University has developed what they call a team-based learning approach. It combines experiential learning, simulations, and case studies to challenge students and equip them with the skills necessary to communicate and work together effectively. This structure reflects the school’s commitment to collaboration and mutual respect.
For instance, each learning team consists of six or seven students, “carefully assembled to maximize diversity of gender, work and academic experience, and cultural background – reflecting the reality of today’s working environment.”
Commitment to student success
The personalized attention, individual and team coaching, and opportunities for specialization offered at Smith School of Business are a testament to championing student success. This commitment ensures that MBAs are well-prepared for the any business environment they enter after graduation and throughout their careers. Notably, the Full-time MBA program boasts impressive career outcomes, with 90% of the Class of 2023 accepting job offers before graduation and an average base salary of CAD 101,385.
Cultural influence of Canada and Ontario
Canada is well-known for embracing and promoting the values of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and respect for diversity in its policies and within society. Smith School of Business’s approach to education and collaboration naturally follows this direction as well. As the province where Smith is located, Ontario further fosters an environment where students from all backgrounds feel welcome and supported. Kingston itself boasts a vibrant arts scene, while the multicultural city of Toronto and the historic Ottawa also have important landmarks within the province of Ontario.
What makes Smith’s approach distinctive is how it prepares students for the real world. By creating learning teams that mix people with different backgrounds and experiences, the program helps professionals understand how to work effectively with diverse groups. This reflects both the school’s core values and Canada’s multicultural ethos. Smith embodies these principles through an educational model that goes beyond traditional learning. Whether students are exploring Kingston’s arts scene or preparing for careers in other cities, they are developing global and empathic perspectives.
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