Online MBA Program Helped Bring Business Idea to Life 

When Frederick Zindell decided to pursue his MBA, he already had a vision in mind. With a business idea taking shape, he wanted to strengthen his understanding of entrepreneurship and management to bring it to life. The Whitman School of Management’s online MBA program, known for its strong reputation and flexibility, was the perfect fit.  

“The primary motivating factor for pursuing my MBA was that I had an idea for a business startup and wanted to build my business acumen so I could learn how to run a business,” Zindell says. “Since I work full time, I appreciate being able to pursue my studies from home at my own pace.”  

That flexibility has been essential in balancing his work and personal life. Zindell initially took two classes per term but soon recognized the need to adjust. “After a couple of terms, I realized that between my job and personal life, I had to cut back to one class,” he says. “This allowed me to focus on and absorb the information rather than rush through the work.”  

Some of Zindell’s most rewarding experiences have come from in-person residencies. “My favorite residency was on negotiation,” he says. “It forced me to learn a lot about myself and how to negotiate in business. Personally, I think it should be required of all MBA students.”  

Zindell’s most impactful project came when he developed and submitted his business plan to Whitman’s Panasci Business Plan Competition. The experience pushed him to refine his idea, connect with industry professionals and take meaningful steps toward turning his concept into a real business.  

“It was so validating for me,” he says. “It motivated me to start connecting with industry folks and learning more to make it a reality.”  

He credits Whitman’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for much of his success. “The Couri Hatchery and Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad provide so much support to student entrepreneurs through their programming and competitions,” Zindell says. “They have connected me with supply chain experts, product design students and legal services to help me register my company.”  

Even as an online student, Zindell has felt deeply connected to the Syracuse community. “Of the three schools I have attended, I feel most connected to Syracuse,” he says. “Everyone I meet in class, during residencies or other programming events, is so motivated and excited to be there.”  

Looking ahead, Zindell plans to focus on his business full time after graduation. “Whitman has not only prepared me with the skills needed to start and build a business but also instilled the confidence I needed to believe I can do it,” he says. “I am excited to stay connected as an alum and give back to other student entrepreneurs as I continue to grow.”  

By Bo BenYehuda