When your industry stops, what do you do? Cody’s story of turning “could’ve” into “can” 

Sometimes a “could’ve” moment isn’t about what we’ve put off – it’s about what life unexpectedly throws our way. For Cody, that moment came after the pandemic hit and his career came to a halt. He was faced with a choice: wait and wonder what could’ve been or turn that uncertainty into opportunity.

New horizons

Cody spent a decade in the cruise industry, starting as a professional dancer before moving into management roles within the entertainment division. Over the years he built a strong reputation and foundation for the future, reflecting both his talent and dedication. When COVID-19 brought the industry to a standstill, everything he’d worked for was suddenly in doubt. Would this industry ever recover? How long should he wait?  

It would’ve been easy to wait for things to return to normal, to wonder what his career could’ve been like if things hadn’t changed. Instead, Cody asked himself a different question: “What can I do now?” 

That question sparked a new beginning. With cruises being on hold, Cody looked toward industries that were still moving forward and found opportunity in construction. He pivoted into new home sales, leaning on his prior leadership experience while embracing the challenges of a new sector. He quickly proved his capability and progressed into sales management roles. It was the first of many moments where Cody’s determination transformed “could’ve” into “can.” 

As he settled into his new career, Cody faced another crossroads.  He’d already had some early wins, proof that he could rely on his experience to cement himself in that position. But instead of settling into comfort, he saw this career detour as a chance to push his boundaries and achieve something greater. His drive for self-improvement and progression led him to an MBA – a way to build on his experience, strengthen his business acumen and grow as a leader. 

Structured for success

Cody was already balancing a demanding career and personal commitments, so he needed a program that would fit around his life, not take it over. He also needed a program that connected directly to his day-to-day work, especially having built his career on real-world experience.

AIB’s practical, flexible structure was the perfect answer. Accessing course content on the go, such as listening to lectures during his commute, turned study into part of his daily routine rather than something separate from it. Cody also found his rhythm with early-morning study sessions, and those consistent hours helped him stay on track through an incredibly busy year – one that included celebrating his wedding to his partner Brittany midway through his MBA journey.

Lasting impact

Cody started seeing the impact of his efforts well before graduation. Within a year, he earned a promotion – a milestone he attributes in part to his MBA. The program gave him the confidence to approach business challenges with a broader, more strategic perspective and contribute more actively to management discussions. 

As he progressed, applying business frameworks and models became second nature. Tools like financial modelling, cash flow analysis and the McKinsey 7S Framework moved from theory into practice, guiding his everyday decisions. The knowledge he gained didn’t just shape his professional life; it influenced the way he evaluated opportunities in his personal life, from investments to long-term planning. 

Growth beyond the grades

For Cody, the MBA was more than a qualification – it was a journey of personal growth. He entered the program simply aiming to complete it, but as he found his rhythm, this evolved into a desire to make the most of every opportunity. After strong results in his first few subjects, Cody set a bold target: achieving a GPA of 6 or higher and a spot on the Dean’s Merit List. It wasn’t about chasing grades, but proving to himself that dedication and persistence could turn ambition into achievement. 

For Cody, the moments that could’ve been setbacks became the very ones that propelled him forward. His career changed direction twice. First, when the world stopped and he chose to start again. Then again when he reached a new crossroads and decided to keep moving forward. Each decision turned challenge into growth and doubt into direction. His journey reminds us that when life doesn’t go to plan, we still have the power to shape what comes next.