Jennifer Fontanella never imagined that a global pandemic would create the perfect opportunity to pursue her long-held dream of earning an MBA. As a banking professional with a growing family, she always felt the pull toward strategic leadership but struggled to find the right time and program to make it happen. When she discovered Northern Kentucky University’s flexible online MBA program in Fall 2020, everything aligned.
“I had always wanted to do an MBA and was advised by leaders at work that it would help take my career to the next level,” Jennifer said. Now, in her role as a change management manager at Cisco Systems, she credits NKU’s program for giving her the tools, confidence, and credentials to make a bold career pivot from banking to the tech industry.
Moving to Strategic Leadership From Banking
Jennifer’s professional journey began with the skills she gained through an undergraduate degree in business administration, followed by years in banking across various roles, starting in audit and then moving into underwriting. “But I was curious to see what I could do beyond banking,” she explains.
While she built valuable expertise in financial services, Jennifer felt drawn to something bigger. “I was really interested in the strategic side of running a large organization, and I felt that doing an MBA would take me to that next level of leadership.”
Jennifer knew she needed an MBA designed for working professionals. NKU immediately stood out. “NKU’s program was a perfect fit because they were already virtual and had a great program established for online students,” she said.
A Personalized Path to Success
What truly distinguished NKU’s program was its customization. Jennifer appreciated that NKU offers a variety of specialized elective stacks, which are focused areas of study, and allows students to choose two concentration areas. She selected finance and marketing stacks to align with her career goals.
For Jennifer, who was juggling full-time work, graduate studies, and new motherhood, the program’s flexibility proved essential. “I wanted a program catered to my schedule. NKU gave me flexibility to study when I had time and even step away when needed.”
“I would put my son to sleep at night and then do schoolwork for a few hours,” she recalls. “Anytime I had pockets of time, I would grab them.”
Jennifer found tremendous value in NKU’s applied, pragmatic approach. Courses like Investment and Security Analysis gave her a solid understanding of how public companies think about stock price, and Strategies for High Performing Organizations “brought forward innovative concepts that helped me take leadership to the next level.” “The professors did an amazing job explaining complex topics in a way that was digestible for everyone,” she said. “All NKU faculty were incredible and brought relevant business experience to the classroom.”
The Transformation
The investment paid immediate dividends. “Shortly before graduating, I pivoted industries and joined a multinational IT company,” Jennifer said. This transition to Cisco Systems fulfilled her original goal of expanding beyond banking into strategic leadership.
“The MBA program gave me incredible confidence to make business decisions,” she said. “Now I can connect big strategic decisions to my role with ease.”
As a first-generation college student, earning her MBA represented a milestone for her entire family. “It was important for my son to see me learning and prioritizing education,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer’s advice is clear: “You will get out what you put in. If you put in effort, you’ll get incredible results.”
Why Choose NKU’s Online MBA Program?
Jennifer’s story exemplifies the transformative power of Northern Kentucky University’s flexible online MBA programs for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. Ranked in the “Top 100 Online MBA Programs” by U.S. News & World Report in 2026, NKU’s program is built for individuals who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. The 100% online format allows you to complete coursework from anywhere, and with multiple start dates throughout the year, you can finish in as few as 12 months or pace your studies to fit your schedule. This is what makes NKU’s flexible MBA programs online truly stand out.
Design Your Degree, Maximize Your Value
At NKU, you can customize your MBA by combining two specialized elective stacks from fields like finance, marketing, data analytics, global supply chain, and leadership. The Haile College of Business holds AACSB International accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, ensuring you receive a world-class education.
With a total tuition of only $17,913 and no GMAT required, NKU offers exceptional value. You’ll learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world expertise to the classroom, focusing on highly applied and pragmatic learning that you can immediately implement in your career. Plus, you’ll join a collaborative community of driven professionals from diverse industries, with student success advisors supporting you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pivot into a new industry like Jennifer, advance into executive leadership, or deepen your business acumen, NKU’s online MBA programs for working professionals provide the knowledge, credentials, and confidence to achieve your goals. Visit Northern Kentucky University online to start your application today. Your transformation awaits.
