Why working professionals are choosing an online MBA at UFred

When you’re busy advancing your career, hitting pause to go back to school might not feel realistic. That’s why many experienced professionals look for an MBA that complements your commitments. The University of Fredericton’s (UFred) online MBA program is designed to do just that: enhance your expertise, grow your professional network and unlock new opportunities, all without putting work or family on hold.

Finding the right time to pursue your MBA

Returning to school after a long break can feel intimidating, but Dr. Michael Hobeck, UFred’s provost and vice-president of academics, reassures students that they’re not alone. “Many of our students have been out of the classroom for years,” he says. “Our welcoming environment eases you back in, with support every step of the way.”

For students wondering if now is the right time to pursue an MBA, Hobeck says students shouldn’t feel pressured to wait for that “perfect” moment. “The right time is whenever you’re ready to grow,” he says, “and with UFred’s flexible options, you can jump in anytime.” 

Real flexibility to meet the needs of real students

Students at UFred may pause their studies when needed or skip a semester to accommodate life as it happens. That flexibility is what makes balancing an MBA possible for people juggling full-time jobs, family and everything in between. 

Alexander Landry, a federal engagement director who completed courses while deployed overseas, says the distance-learning format and supportive faculty made it work. “It takes discipline and ambition, but UFred makes it simple to balance work, life and studying,” he says.

The format worked for Basmah Sidi, an HR consultant and working mom, too. The idea of adding graduate school to an already full plate felt daunting—until she saw how adaptable UFred’s program really was. “I could learn on my schedule without sidelining my career or family,” she says.

Jonathan Bennett, a UFred grad now working as a business development officer, agrees that flexibility made all the difference. “Being able to study online and control the pace I studied meant I didn’t have to interrupt my life,” he says.

Educating Canada’s next leaders

Whether it’s moving into consulting, preparing for senior leadership or staying competitive in a changing industry, UFred’s curriculum is designed for real-world impact.

“An MBA can be the perfect springboard into consulting or leadership,” Hobeck says. “You graduate with the tools and frameworks that leaders and consultants rely on every day, plus the mindset to guide teams through complex challenges.” 

For Bennett, the MBA wasn’t just a return to the classroom—it was a direct investment in career growth. “Two months after graduating from UFred, I landed a new position that put my new skills to work—and I’ve been thriving in that role ever since,” he says. 

For many students, the return on investment begins long before graduation. The ability to apply what you’re learning right away accelerates your career momentum sooner than later.

Support throughout your education and beyond graduation 

A support system that goes far beyond online lectures is also critical for student success. “From your first interaction with a program advisor to our alumni coordinator after graduation, you have staff and resources at every stage,” says Hobeck.

That continuity extends to professors, too. Landry explains that connections with professors continue well beyond graduation. “My professors opened doors to industry connections and were genuinely invested in my success,” he says. “Years later, I’m still in touch with many of them.”

Cohort support is just as valuable and impactful. Landry adds that “group work and networking mean you can lean on classmates when you need it most.” 

Sidi had a similar experience of connection at UFred. “Learning alongside people from different industries and life stages challenged me to think bigger and grow bolder,” she says. “Those connections turned into lasting friendships that still inspire how I lead today.”

See how UFred’s online MBA can help you grow without putting life on hold.