Entrepreneur Simone Liang graduated with an MBA degree from Sauder in 2002, specializing in Marketing and e-Commerce. Upon graduation she worked as marketing co-ordinator for a non-profit wood association in B.C. where she was responsible for facilitating the development of export markets to China among member organizations. From there she moved to a Vancouver/Seattle-based lumber brokerage firm as Program Manager Asia Pacific. In the Spring of 2006, she launched her own business in the lumber sector, importing and distributing hardwood flooring.

Originally from mainland China, Simone chose Calgary as the home for her new business start-up based on what she describes as a “dynamic, open-minded, and entrepreneurial business environment.” Outside of work she pursues her professional interests in the area of marketing management including sales management, market development and distributorship management. Calgary also affords her the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

Having transitioned from employee to entrepreneur, Simone has a perspective on both career paths. “Personally I believe that both options can be fruitful and fulfilling depending on individual’s personality, life stage, experiences, timing, values and objectives," she notes. “I have found both options to be equally challenging.”

Simone offers the following comparison for would-be career changers:

Sense of freedom: Being an entrepreneur means long hours but a flexible work schedule, while working under an employer allows for more after-hours free time.

Skill development: As a entrepreneur, you learn a variety of skills and become more of a generalist. As an employee you tend to develop a specific area of expertise.

Motivation and opportunity: As an employee you have the potential for advancement and often involvement with a larger scale of business activities. Owning your own business affords you more risk but also more potential.

Challenges: Entrepreneurs face the challenge of financing and delivering short terms results, necessitating self-motivation and patience. Employees generally need to manage employer expectations and relationships.