As an Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Samantha McDermott is no stranger to pressure. Her work is high stakes and high speed. Add in parenting young kids, and life rarely slows down.
Based in Ottawa, Canada, Samantha is currently working in the National Capital Region as a Contract Performance Officer for one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Tactical Helicopters, the CH146 Griffon.
Despite the demands of military life, Samantha found space to grow — academically, professionally and personally — through the University of Fredericton’s MBA in Human Resource Leadership program.
An online MBA designed to fit life in uniform
Like many aspiring students, time management was a concern from the beginning. Military postings, deployments and family life don’t always follow a predictable schedule.
“One of my concerns when I was looking at programs to apply to was 'What if I had to take a pause due to a military requirement?' UFred was very supportive and understanding, wanting to ensure my success in the program,” she says.
That flexibility — paired with her determination — made it possible for Samantha to keep going, even when life got hectic.
“I knew that completing an MBA would give me a different perspective in my career, allowing me to reach new opportunities. The challenge would not be forever, and the result would be worth it.”
And they were.
Discover the online MBA in Human Resource Leadership that helped a Canadian Armed Forces officer step into elite leadership roles—without pausing her life or career.
Gaining the confidence to lead
With encouragement from her family and workplace, Samantha leaned into the academic challenge and gained far more than knowledge.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) from UFred empowered her to pursue an elite leadership role, serving as Aide-de-Camp for the Chief of the Defence Staff.
“My MBA gave me the confidence to pursue this position and aided in my understanding of executive decision making, not only in the Canadian Armed Forces, but in the Department of National Defence and NATO,” she says.
Samantha has witnessed a number of significant events that not only impacted defence, but the geopolitical landscape. She’s found real-world applications for her HR leadership specialization, especially in tackling ongoing issues in the military.
“These concepts are often highlighted in the news, but the ability to also make micro changes in the workplace for member satisfaction has positive results."
Successfully balancing duty, family and ambition
For anyone thinking they’re too busy to return to school, Samantha reassures people that they can do it.
Her journey proves that with the right support, it’s possible to earn a graduate degree without putting life on hold. Samantha is now armed with the practical knowledge and confidence to meaningfully contribute at an executive level and in life.
“I use what I learned in UFred’s MBA program every day, not just at work.”
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