Learning and leading anywhere: Jennifer Weatherhead’s story

Halifax-based marketing leader returns to school 

Today, Jennifer is Senior Director of Marketing at CAA Atlantic, where she leads a team of approximately 15 people. Her work spans marketing strategy, brand, digital marketing and membership experience, all with a focus on building value for members across Atlantic Canada. 

When she was considering graduate studies, she was already an experienced professional, about 15 years into her career. Jennifer was not looking to start over. She was looking for a way to build on what she had already accomplished and prepare for the next stage of leadership.

Choosing the right university 

Jennifer decided to pursue her Executive Master of Business Administration (Innovation Leadership specialty stream) at the University of Fredericton. She knew where she wanted to go and saw education as part of how she would get there.  

Jennifer wanted conversations that reflected real leadership experience and classmates who could offer her fresh perspectives. “I was really looking to engage and challenge myself with people who were many years into their career at that point.” 

Jennifer’s UFred experience brought together professionals from different industries, backgrounds and parts of the world. This virtual classroom was shaped not only by course material, but by people who were also leading full lives. 

Online before online was familiar 

At the time Jennifer started her EMBA, online learning did not have the familiarity it does today. Choosing an online graduate program felt bold. “I feel like I’m a little bit of a trailblazer here because I’m going into an online program.” 

The flexibility of online education was what made the university experience possible for Jennifer. She could not commit to being on campus. She needed a program that allowed her to continue working, travelling and being present with her family while still making space for her own development. 

Learning as a part of life 

UFred’s virtual model gave Jennifer the ability to participate from wherever life required her to be. That might be a hotel room during work travel, a coffee shop between commitments or home with her family nearby. “I took one class from a car watching my daughter play soccer. You do what you have to do.” 

Jennifer’s EMBA was not completed in isolation from the rest of her life. It happened within it. The flexibility allowed her to keep showing up for herself and the people around her. “It gave me the opportunity to still be with my family. That was a huge opportunity to be able to continue with my life, with my family and still be part of their life.” 

Growing into senior leadership 

The EMBA helped give Jennifer the skill set and confidence to keep moving forward. Her professors were engaged and pushed her thinking to new levels. Together with her peers, they helped Jennifer look differently at how she worked with others, approached problems and understood leadership. “I truly don’t think I would have learned it had I not done it through the Executive MBA program.” 

Jennifer has noticed growth in tangible ways, including promotions. She approaches workplace situations differently and carries new knowledge into her leadership. Over time, she moved from management into a director role and now serves as a senior director. 

A credential with lasting impact 

At the University of Fredericton, Jennifer made room to grow as a person and into the next stage of her career. The experience helped her continue progressing without stepping away from the life she had already built. 

She has spent time in several post-secondary environments, but Jennifer calls UFred “hands down one of the greatest education environments.” The depth of the learning she gained has continued to serve her well beyond graduation. 

“I was not going to leave with just a piece of paper. I was leaving with exceptional learning that I was now going to apply in the real world and in my life.”