If you’re an ambitious individual aiming to accelerate your career in the global business arena, pursuing an MBA abroad could be your gateway to success.
Renowned for its high-quality education and multicultural environment, Canada is becoming an increasingly popular choice for students from all corners of the world seeking a first-rate business education.
BusinessBecause caught up with three graduates from Ecuador, Nigeria, and China, to find out how they leveraged their MBA in Canada to propel their careers forward.
“You can be technically proficient, but if you don’t gain the support of your leadership or teammates, your initiatives won't move forward”
Name: Carlos Narvaez
Origin: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Current Function: Business analyst
Born and raised in Ecuador, Carlos (pictured right) had always dreamed of studying in North America.
From working in business development for the National Lottery to founding his own small import venture and earning a bachelor’s in international commerce and finance, Carlos built business experience in a variety of ways.
With confidence and credentials in hand, Carlos sought an MBA program in North America that would facilitate a career transition into the IT sector.
“My home city, Guayaquil, is a port city as well, and that connection motivated me to choose Saint John,” he explains. “The opportunity to study a one-year intensive MBA in Canada, and the warm and personalized treatment I received from the university, made my decision very clear.”
Home to six MBA specializations, including entrepreneurship and technology management, UNB Saint John provided Carlos with a strong platform to pursue his career ambitions.
The pandemic meant that Carlos began his studies remotely in late 2020. But within six months, Carlos had settled in Canada.
Just three months after arriving, he landed an internship as a business systems analyst with Brunswick News, which soon led to a full-time job offer that marked the beginning of his two-year tenure at the company.
While technical skills were a core part of his business education, it was the growth in his soft skills that truly accelerated his career progression.
“The MBA emphasized the importance of empathy and human connection in business. You can be technically proficient, but if you don’t gain the support of your leadership or teammates, your initiatives won't move forward. Ultimately, every decision maker is a human being,” he says.
Fast forward to today, Carlos is a business analyst and account lead within JD Irving’s transport division in New Brunswick, where he acts as the bridge between IT and business.
“The MBA has broadened my horizons, providing me with different perspectives beyond just the legal angle”
Name: Catherine Kelechi-Onyeocha
From: Lagos, Nigeria
Function: Policy analyst
Catherine (pictured left), a seasoned corporate and commercial lawyer from Nigeria, joined the MBA in Canada with nearly two decades of experience under her belt.
Before pursuing her MBA, she served as in-house counsel at First Bank of Nigeria, the country’s oldest and largest bank. Her decision to transition to business education was driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of the business world and to complement her legal expertise with business acumen.
“The MBA has broadened my horizons, providing me with different perspectives beyond just the legal angle,” she says. “Now, I view opportunities from a diverse standpoint—legal, business, and policy.”
The MBA program’s practical, hands-on approach led to her securing a role as policy analyst with the government of New Brunswick just six months into her degree.
“What I learned in the MBA is exactly what I apply in my job today,” she explains. “Thanks to my knowledge of international investment and business strategies, for example, I can evaluate potential markets and investment destinations.”
The community-oriented environment of New Brunswick was another significant factor in her decision. Coming from the bustling city of Lagos, she sought a calmer city that didn’t compromise on quality of life or professional opportunities.
“Saint John is like a family—the community made me feel at home from day one,” she concludes.
“I had great mentors in my MBA that taught me how to adapt to a corporate environment”
Name: Andy He
From: Shanghai, China
Function: General manager
Andy (pictured right) was a computer science graduate aspiring to enter the world of business, when a university expo in his home city of Shanghai introduced him to an MBA in Canada at UNB Saint John.
“Canada was completely new to me, but I learned that the University of New Brunswick is one of the oldest universities in Canada and Saint John is the oldest city in the country, which caught my attention,” says Andy.
For Andy, an MBA wasn’t a fixed path to a specific career, but rather as a versatile tool to shape his long-term career journey.
After completing his MBA in Canada, he initially ventured into marketing and sales, helping local businesses establish their online presence while working part-time in sales. With a few further years of IT experience under his belt, Andy decided to take the leap into the automotive industry.
Starting as a sales consultant, Andy quickly moved up the ranks, taking on management roles where he boosted profitability at several dealerships.
“I wanted to push myself, so I made a complete career change into the automotive industry, which was quite an adventure. When the opportunity came up at the Nissan dealership, I applied and got the job,” he says.
Andy credits his MBA with providing him essential skills and the confidence to excel in his career. Thanks to the mentors he met during the program and the opportunities to connect with local business owners, Andy gained valuable knowledge of the local business landscape.
“The MBA helped me understand how a business operates, and I had great mentors that taught me how to adapt to a corporate environment. For example, I learned to confidently handle financial statements, which helped me make some strategic decisions for the dealership,” he explains.
As an international student, the environment of Saint John and his MBA community proved to be a transformative environment for personal growth.
“English isn’t my first language, and the culture was very different from what I knew. The MBA in Canada helped me build confidence, adapt to the local community, and communicate effectively in a new cultural environment,” says Andy.
Whether transitioning into new industries or climbing the corporate ladder, an MBA abroad can help you to unlock new opportunities and accelerate your career trajectory.
"University of New Brunswick is fantastic! Professors are knowledgeable and supportive, campus life is vibrant, and the curriculum is challenging yet rewarding. The supportive community and abundance of resources have made my university experience unforgettable. Highly recommended!"
Mohsin
Verified
23/06/2023
On Campus
A quality program for a mechanical engineer
I would Highly recommend the university.
The oldest university of Canada with most affordable fee structure. That is why it is the heaven for foreign students who wish to accuire quality education with less fee.
Ali
Verified
20/06/2023
On Campus
Review for Unb
One of the cheapest university in canada. I have really enjoyed my time here. Professors are great. Really good future opportunities. Everyone is very welcoming to international students here. The province is super cheap while comparing to other provinces.
Student
Verified
20/06/2023
Blended
Unb Rating
One of the cheapest university in canada. Super welcoming to international students. Cheap province compared to other provinces. Plenty of part time job opportunities. Would highly recommend unb to all fellas out there
Student
Verified
8/06/2023
On Campus
My Program
The University is excellent in terms of infrastructure and wide variety of programs available. It has a beautiful campus with a lot of extracurricular activities going on in the campus. I would definitely recommend it to other prospective students looking forward to their undergrad and grad program.
Muhammad
Verified
7/06/2023
On Campus
Transformative Journey at UNB
I had the privilege of pursuing the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), and I am delighted to share my review of this transformative academic experience.
From the moment I stepped onto the UNB campus, I was impressed by the vibrant and inclusive learning environment. The faculty and staff members demonstrated unwavering support and commitment to the success of their students. Their expertise, coupled with their passion for teaching, created an engaging and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
One of the standout aspects of the program was its comprehensive and cutting-edge curriculum. The coursework covered a wide range of topics, including advanced electrical systems, renewable energy, power electronics, and control systems. Each course was meticulously designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation while incorporating practical applications and hands-on projects. This multidimensional approach greatly enhanced my understanding and prepared me for real-world challenges.
The research opportunities available within the program were exceptional. Collaborating with esteemed professors and industry partners, I had the privilege to work on groundbreaking projects that pushed the boundaries of electrical engineering. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and well-equipped labs provided the necessary resources to conduct experiments and delve deeper into my research interests.
The faculty members played an instrumental role in my academic and professional development. Their mentorship and guidance went beyond the classroom, as they encouraged critical thinking, fostered innovative ideas, and instilled a passion for lifelong learning. The professors' open-door policy and willingness to engage in thought-provoking discussions created a supportive and stimulating academic community.
Furthermore, UNB's emphasis on practical experience and industry collaboration enhanced the program's relevance to the professional world. Through co-op placements, internships, and networking events, I had numerous opportunities to connect with industry professionals, gain practical insights, and build valuable relationships. These experiences not only bolstered my technical skills but also provided a platform to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The university's commitment to innovation and research excellence was evident through its involvement in cutting-edge projects and industry partnerships. UNB's reputation as a leading research institution in electrical engineering attracted industry leaders and experts, offering students unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities.
Lastly, the supportive and diverse community at UNB made my experience truly enriching. Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and cultures broadened my perspectives and fostered a collaborative learning environment. The university's commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity created a welcoming space where all voices were valued and respected.
In conclusion, the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick surpassed my expectations in every aspect. The program's rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, dedicated faculty, practical experiences, and inclusive community have shaped me into a well-rounded and highly competent professional in the field. I am immensely grateful for the transformative educational journey and the countless opportunities for growth and success that UNB provided.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Master of Electrical Engineering program at the University of New Brunswick to aspiring students who seek a world-class education, impactful research experiences, and a supportive academic community that nurtures personal and professional growth. UNB is a place where dreams turn into realities, and the possibilities are limitless.
Student
Verified
22/04/2023
On Campus
UNB Opinion
This university is fun and culturally diverse, with teachers who care about their student's well-being.
I like the activity options. I feel like there's a club/society for everyone. Personally, I enjoy the arts and crafts events and am a part of the African and Caribbean society. I also like that the school takes bullying and racism seriously.
The only thing I dislike about the school is the culturally limited food options. I believe that the school's diversity in people should translate into diversity in food as well.
Lastly, I'd recommend the school, especially to those who prefer a slow-paced and quiet life.
Student
Verified
15/04/2023
Blended
Worth the money
UNB is one of the best university in Canada that is pocket friendly and also allows all its students to do co-ops. University of New Brunswick is a highly respected institution that provides students with an exceptional academic experience and numerous opportunities for practical experience and personal growth. The university's commitment to research, innovation, and sustainability, combined with its vibrant campus community and location in one of Canada's most charming cities, makes it an excellent choice for prospective students seeking a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
Student
Verified
11/04/2023
On Campus
World-class education in a beautiful city
The one-year MBA program offers a fast-paced and intensive learning experience that is divided into five modules. This exceptional opportunity is designed for seasoned professionals who possess a wealth of work experience and seek to expand their knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe. The small class sizes foster an interactive and engaging learning environment, allowing students to develop the necessary competencies to achieve career growth and advancement. With a focus on practical application and hands-on learning, the program equips students with the skills and expertise needed to excel in their chosen fields.
