johnjohn

Hi Marina, I was fortunate enough to gain admission into this program for September 2012 admission. Here are my answers to your questions: 1. I worked throughout my undergraduate degree in HR. I worked part-time hours during the school year and then throughout the summer (5x as a summer student). I then proceeded to working a 1 year contract in HR after graduation, followed by a 2 month unpaid internship and am currently in another HR contract until the end of August. 2. Not too sure what my GPA was for my last 2 years, but it averaged out to about 81% 3. HR experience is not necessary typically- but it can only make your case for wanting to get into the program all the more competitive. No experience + an amazing GPA + good references + sincere letter of intent, will also help your cause. Focus on getting good references that will write toward your skills and not some generic letter. Also try and get some entry level experience. I didn't come from an HR or business background in my undegrad, so I had to demonstrate why I wanted to take this route.

Why did you guys choose UofT? If anyone applied to Queen's as well, why did you choose UofT over Queen's?

I applied January 24th and am still under review.

Haven't heard yet either. Probably toward the end of the month - they said by the 'latest' the end of April / Beginning of May. I'm still under review.

I got into Queen's MIR with funding and am still waiting to hear from UofT for the MIRHR, but am fairly optimistic. As a recent graduate from UofT, as I completed my HBA there - it is very likely that I will be taking Queen's offer and rejecting a potential UofT acceptance. Here is my reasoning: 1. Queen's totals 9 months to complete the program vs. the 20 months it will take UofT MIRHR students to complete the standard 2 year degree 2. Queen's gives students the ability to enter into consulting, HRM or labour relations/labour arbitration. Just because you graduate with an MIR vs. MIRHR doesn't mean you're not deemed ready to enter into various other streams of HR. When graduating 11 months earlier than UofT students, an MIR student will get experience presumably much earlier, start earning much earlier and be marketable right off the get go. 3. Queen's will be much cheaper for me. I live in Toronto, but with a tuition cost of just under $2700 per semester, it will cost me roughly $8000 for the year in tuition (excluding my scholarship). Then once you factor in accommodation and living, it should be just short of $18,000 for the year. UofT's two year MIRHR program is $20,000 in itself. All in all, they're both great schools and great programs. Globally, sure UofT is highly recognized - but don't let that sway your decision, branding isn't always everything. Queen's is just as reputable and provides an equievalant education. After having done my undergrad at UofT, I'm looking for a change and my heart is pretty set on Queen's. NOTE: I personally e-mailed the President of the HRPA and both schools are highly recognized (for obvious reasons) and their students are highly sought after. Just depends on your preference! Good luck to everyone.