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For MBA graduate Craig Bazil, the journey to New Brunswick has been one of personal discovery, professional growth and embracing new opportunities.

Born on the Caribbean island of Dominica, Bazil's early life was shaped by his upbringing in a French-speaking community after his mother moved to a neighbouring island.

It was there that he learned of his knack for problem solving, especially when it came to math and technology.

Bazil's first major project was installing Dominica’s first fibre optic network, an experience that sparked his interest in telecommunications.

"I planted the pole, dug the hole, ran the cable,” Bazil recalled. “Then I started working with Nortel engineers, and I was like, ‘I want to be like these guys.’ I soon became more interested in the mental work than the physical.”

Determined to further his education, Bazil moved to the United States, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering with a focus on wireless and wired communication.

His career took off with AT&T, where he worked for 13 years. But in 2022, he found himself at a crossroads. Ready to open his own business in Dominica, Bazil quickly realized he lacked the management skills necessary to succeed.

“I like to say I had no business doing business,” he said. “I didn’t know how to manage people.”

Looking to expand his knowledge, Bazil applied to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) one-year MBA program on the Saint John campus. He was drawn by the program’s affordability and the opportunity to gain crucial management skills.

“I needed a business education,” he said. “UNB’s MBA program has been really good for me.”

Bazil, a proud UNB graduate as of today, reflected on his time in Saint John as transformative for both him and his family. Moving from the fast-paced life of Dallas, Texas, to the more relaxed atmosphere of Saint John was a welcome change.

“In Dallas, it was all work, work, work and terrible traffic. Here, we don’t have to deal with traffic. I can get anywhere I need to be in 15 minutes.”

For Bazil and his family, Saint John has felt like home.

“People here are incredibly friendly,” he said. “Before coming here, I thought the friendliest people were from the Caribbean. But now, I say they are the second friendliest.”

Having completed his MBA, Bazil is now seeking a new role—one that aligns with his values and management philosophy.

“The program helped me understand myself better, especially as an introvert,” he said. “I learned how to listen actively, how to manage people and most importantly, how to manage myself.”

With a bright future ahead, Bazil is ready to take on a new challenge.

“I can do so much more now. I’m no longer limited to a career in telecommunications. I have management skills that can be applied to any industry.”

For Bazil, earning an MBA was about more than just career advancement—it was about personal growth.

“Mission accomplished,” he said with a smile.