Written by: Imran Nafis Rashid, MSBA ’24
Embarking on a journey to earn a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics at the University at Buffalo was more than a mere academic pursuit, it was a deliberate step towards enriching my professional repertoire after seven years of relentless dedication in the corporate realm. Having carved a path in marketing and sales, the allure of incorporating business analytics into my skillset was irresistible. Yet, it wasn’t just about skill enhancement; it was also about embracing change. The decision to commute from Toronto, Ontario, to Buffalo, New York, sparked a sense of adventure—a desire for a new environment to complement this transformative academic endeavor.
The heart of my journey unfolds in the commute between these two vibrant cities. Splitting my time between Buffalo for classes and returning to Toronto to savor precious moments with family and friends on weekends, the routine became a testament to balancing ambition with personal connections. The journey commences from Toronto, navigating the familiar routes—the Gardiner Expressway heading southwest before seamlessly merging onto the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), altering the course towards the East.
The stretch along QEW, with its 110 km/hour speed limits, became the conduit that fast-tracked my commute, ensuring efficient travel. With a commute time of two hours, strategically timing departures at 5:30 am or after 8 pm emerged as the optimal choice, allowing me to steer clear of rush hours and border congestion.
Speaking of borders, the crossing between Canada and the US in Western New York presents three options—Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Peace Bridge. Opting for the Rainbow Bridge not only facilitated my commute but also offered the breathtaking spectacle of Niagara Falls in its full grandeur, a sight that never ceased to captivate me. To streamline costs for frequent commuters, acquiring an E-ZPass emerged as a savvy choice, halving toll charges—an astute financial maneuver for this regular trans-border trek.
Each commute became a narrative of its own, a bridge linking two vibrant cities and two distinct chapters of my life. The journey, peppered with sights and experiences, has fostered personal growth and resilience, fueling my academic pursuit with a deeper sense of purpose.
In conclusion, this intercity expedition has been nothing short of transformative. Beyond the geographic expanse, it symbolizes the convergence of aspirations and the unwavering pursuit of growth. The nexus between Toronto and Buffalo has become more than a commute; it’s a bridge that connects my past accomplishments with my future ambitions—a journey etched with growth, exploration, and the thrill of venturing into uncharted territories.
Bio: Born in Bangladesh, Imran is an avid sports enthusiast and ardent reader with a deep passion for fantasy fiction. He spends his days engaged in various sports, both as a spectator and an analytical thinker. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports, he’s captivated by fantasy TV shows and fictional books that transport him to other realms. Imran holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in marketing and finance, which has equipped him with a solid base. During his undergraduate years, he also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant, nurturing his passion for learning and attaining knowledge. With over eight years of experience in sales and marketing across industries like logistics, consumer packaged goods, and printing, he’s thrived in globally renowned multinational companies such as British American Tobacco and Canon Canada Inc. Apart from his professional pursuits, Imran holds a special fondness for cats, due to their enigmatic nature. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Business Analytics at UB with the ultimate goal of acquiring the necessary skills to work within the realm of sports, specifically in soccer or with a Formula 1 racing team. His dream is to seamlessly merge his analytical expertise with his passion for sports, creating a fulfilling career in a dynamic and exciting industry.