Pushing beyond comfort zones: SFU Beedie graduand’s MBA experience

Vincent Wirasaputra didn’t take a linear path into business school—but that’s exactly what shaped his experience, ultimately leading him to SFU Beedie’s MBA program.

Over the years, Wirasaputra built his career across sales, customer service, and technical and industrial environments, developing a strong foundation in project execution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  

Today, he works as a project manager in an inside sales role at Summit Valve and Controls, where he brings together technical knowledge, client communication, and project delivery in his day-to-day work.

As Wirasaputra’s career progressed, he reached a point where realized he wanted more. “I realized I wanted to strengthen my understanding of leadership, business strategy, project management, and decision-making.” That turning point led him to SFU Beedie’s MBA program. 

“My experience at SFU Beedie was transformative, both professionally and personally," says Wirasaputra. “One of the biggest strengths of the program was the collaborative environment. Working with classmates from different industries and cultures challenged me to think more strategically and approach problems from multiple perspectives.”

The strength of experiential learning

Another key strength of the program that stood out right away for Wirasaputra was the program’s focus on experiential learning and the chance to learn from others with very different backgrounds. “The SFU Beedie MBA felt like the right next step to help me connect my technical background with business leadership,” he says.  

The evening format also made it possible to continue working full-time while studying, and that learning extended well beyond the classroom. During a consulting project with Hushmail, his team explored opportunities in the healthcare sector and considered what it would take for the company to expand into new markets.  

A marketing simulation project offered a different kind of learning—one that focused on balancing competing priorities. “It helped me better understand how business decisions must balance customer needs, competitive positioning, and operational efficiency,” he says.

Across both experiences, one idea stood out. “What I found most valuable was learning how important it is to understand not only the product or service itself, but also the broader market environment—customer expectations, privacy requirements, regulations, and competition—before entering a new market,” says Wirasaputra. 

Case competition highlights

Outside of coursework, case competitions became one of the most defining parts of his MBA. Wirasaputra participated in four major competitions, including the B.C. MBA Games and the National MBA Games—experiences that pushed him to think quickly, work closely with teammates, and deliver under pressure.

“These experiences challenged me to work under pressure, collaborate with diverse teams, and develop strategic solutions within tight timelines,” he says. “They pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped build confidence in both my professional and personal growth.” 

Preparing for competitions also meant learning how to manage time, prioritize, and communicate clearly—skills that continue to show up in his work today. He also contributed significantly to fundraising efforts tied to the MBA Games, gaining hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement and strategy, and through it all, his perspective on leadership began to shift.  

“SFU Beedie’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility shaped the way I view leadership,” he says. “It changed how I think about the role businesses play in creating long-term value—not just for organizations, but for society and the environment.”

Looking ahead

As he looks ahead, Wirasaputra is focused on continuing to grow into roles where he can bring together technical expertise and strategic thinking. “Over the next five to 10 years, I want to create meaningful impact for organizations, society, the environment, and my own personal and professional development.” 

In the long term, that means contributing to organizations that prioritize innovation and sustainable growth, while mentoring others along the way. For Wirasaputra, success is about more than career progression—it’s about using what he’s learned to make a difference.