After pursuing the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Robert H. Lee Graduate School at the UBC Sauder School of Business, Pedro Cortina Romo didn’t expect his career path to lead him back to Mexico City, where he now works as Vice President, Business Manager in Global Corporate Banking for J.P. Morgan. He had chosen the program to build on his engineering background while studying abroad and gaining international work experience. In this Q&A, Romo shares how the UBC Sauder MBA expanded his perspective and helped him advance in the finance industry.
Where are you from, and where are you currently based?
I’m from and based in Mexico City, but I’ve lived in Vancouver and Toronto, Canada.
What are you passionate about?
My family is my top priority. I’m passionate about football and a devoted Barcelona FC fan. I also love food — whether I’m exploring new cuisines or cooking at home.
Can you walk us through your career journey since graduating from UBC Sauder?
After graduating in 2022, I joined Scotiabank in Toronto as a Senior Manager in Business and Strategic Initiatives, working within the Project Management Office for Latin America.
After three years at Scotiabank, I was invited to return to my hometown, Mexico City, to take on a new opportunity at J.P. Morgan as Vice President, Business Manager for Global Corporate Banking. I started the role in July and I’m very excited about what’s ahead.
What is one highlight of your career that you’re especially proud of?
Earning my MBA at UBC Sauder was a true turning point — both personally and professionally.
I had spent 13 years working on infrastructure projects in Mexico, and transitioning into finance and banking was only possible because of the MBA. Studying and working in Canada has also been an incredibly enriching experience for me and my family.
Why did you choose UBC Sauder and your specific program?
I wanted to pursue an MBA to complement my engineering background, while studying abroad and gaining international work experience. Canada was my top choice. After speaking with a UBC Sauder admissions recruiter, I was confident it was the right fit.
How did your experience at UBC Sauder shape your career path or contribute to your growth?
UBC Sauder played a pivotal role in shaping my next steps.
The UBC MBA gave me the tools and network I needed to change industries and work outside my country — something that would have been extremely difficult without that experience.
Is there a standout memory or moment from your time at UBC Sauder that you often reflect on?
For me, the most significant moment was making the decision to go for it. Enrolling in a master’s degree, moving abroad and all the steps in between are huge challenges. The hardest part was choosing to act. It’s not just about ability; it’s about making a difficult decision and proving to yourself that you can commit to change. That was the real challenge for me—and the most meaningful.
What advice would you give to someone considering a business education at UBC Sauder?
Looking back three years after graduating, I can say with confidence that UBC Sauder was the right decision. I fully recommend it. It’s a transformative experience and the range of possibilities is truly vast. You’ll grow both personally and professionally.
If you’re an international student, you’ll likely fall in love with Vancouver too.
