BTM student Eric Muellejans selected as a Schwarzman Scholar

Ted Rogers School of Management student Eric Muellejans is the first Ryerson University scholar selected as a prestigious Schwarzman Scholar, chosen for their exceptional leadership and understanding of global affairs.

The Schwarzman Scholarship is one of the world’s most esteemed graduate fellowships located at Schwarzman College at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. For the Class of 2022, 154 scholars were picked from more than 3,600 applicants, and include students from 39 countries and 99 universities.

“As a student who transferred to Ryerson, I am truly grateful for what this institution has given me,” says Muellejans, who studies in the Business Technology Management program.

For Muellejans, it’s just the next stop on a journey that has taken him from his hometown of Strathroy, Ontario all the way across the world. “As a boy from a rural town, I never could have dreamed of receiving an opportunity like a Master's Scholarship.”

“The support of faculty and programming at Ryerson and the Ted Rogers School truly made much of this opportunity possible,” he explains. “From working on my startup at the Design Fabrication Zone and being involved in the Ted Rogers Sales Leadership Program, Ryerson Consulting Group and Ryerson Entrepreneurship Association, Ryerson has helped shape me into what I am today. I am extremely excited for what my future lies ahead as a Schwarzman Scholar, but I am eternally grateful for all that the university has given me." 

Muellejans is an advocate for health entrepreneurship. He designed, built and sold his own medical device company, which improves post-op femoral circulation. He also serves on health investment trade missions for Canada, and is the student chair for the Business-Higher Education Roundtable, advising the Business Council of Canada and corporations on work-integrated learning policy. In addition, Muellejans has been a champion for youth across Canada, helping Prime Minister Trudeau to create the Prime Minister's Youth Advisory Council.

Starting in August 2021, Muellejans and the other Schwarzman Scholars will live in Beijing for a year of intensive study at Tsinghua University and cultural immersion. They will attend lectures, workshops and discussion groups, be mentored and advised by leaders across sectors and travel while developing a better understanding of China.

"The importance of Canada-China relations has never been more valuable than it is today,” says Muellejans. “Future Canadian political and business leaders need to understand China in order to be effective in their roles. The Schwarzman Scholars program offers the single greatest opportunity to take those interested and willing to learn about China and gives them a unique, intensive hands-on experience.”

Schwarzman Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify leadership potential, academic ability and strength of character. More than 400 candidates were invited to interview virtually in Beijing, London, New York or Singapore. Candidates from over 60 countries went before panels that included CEOs, government officials, university presidents, journalists and non-profit executives.