Lakehead University MBA student wins 2nd Prize in Focus 2040 competition
Naureen Mushfique, second from left, was presented with a cheque for $3,000 by Terry Erb, Director of Sales for Ford Motor Company of Canada (far left), Heather LoPresti, co-chair of Focus 2040 and on the far right, Julia Piccioni, co-chair of Focus 2040.
April 4, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON
A Lakehead University Masters of Business Administration student, Naureen Mushfique, recently placed second in the Focus 2040 Competition.
This competition challenges students to evaluate what the workplace will be like in the year 2040. Students are asked to think beyond textbook principles, evaluate real world workplaces, and plan an innovative work system.
“When I first read the topic, it immediately caught my interest and my head was flooded with a plethora of ideas,” Mushfique said. “The longer I thought about it, the more developed my idea became to the point where it was no longer an option of whether or not I wanted to participate – I had toparticipate.”
Mushfique believes that in 2040 organizations will collaborate more with technology to assist the work of employees. “Data and technology will play a larger role in employee empowerment,” she said.
Mushfique competed against students from across Canada in the first round of the competition. She then moved on to excel against 25 competitors in the second round to secure a spot among the top 10 finalists.
The finalists were invited to the Degroote School of Business to present their predictions to a panel of judges. Mushfique received a cheque for $3,000 for placing second.
Focus 2040 is a nation-wide competition organized by McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. It is a joint venture between the DeGroote School of Business (DeGroote) and the Strategic Capability Network (SCNetwork).
Mushfique learned about the competition from her professors, who suggested she participate.
"The Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University has always actively encouraged and supported students who want to participate in different national and international competitions,” said Dr. Naqi Sayed, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration.
“Over the years our students have successfully competed in many forums. Naureen's accomplishment is another testament to the value that this faculty adds to all its students,” Dr. Sayed said.
Mushfique chose Lakehead because she wanted to study at a university where she wouldn’t be invisible. “At Lakehead, it’s not just an education – it’s an experience. Your classmates become your best friends and your professors become your mentors,” she said.
Mushfique would like to work in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, which she says is full of potential.
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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.
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