My cap, gown, and drab (as in, "beige") MBA hood.
I started the program in August 2011 for a few particular reasons (I'll explain shortly), and after a year took a break to save up for adopting. If you've read other posts here, you know how that story unfolded. After we hit our target, I picked it back up just before the kids we fostered went home. Two kids, a long break, and a class with a reputation of being tough made the jump back in more difficult than I expected; it was my only B in the program. At least I've improved since my first go at college: last time I ended with a 3.12 GPA; this time, I grazed perfection with a 3.93.
The decision to start the program came from a mixture of opportunity and personal desire. At the time, I felt like my mind was getting a bit dull. Work was a bit too easy, but I knew there was much to learn about the areas of business outside the engineering team. Having worked as an engineer doing CAD, FEA, DFM and several other acronyms, it is very clear where my strengths and weaknesses are doing that sort of work. I understand it. I can do it. I see the challenges and respect the balancing act of costs and scope, deadlines and quality, feasibility and features.
Working with design, business development, value propositions, personas, insights, and proposals alongside project and product managers, my appreciation for organizational dynamics has evolved tremendously. The additional perspective offered throughout my coursework combined with very real, practical examples while on the job has proved to be a very effective method for enhanced learning. While in school for engineering, there was limited practical exposure to reality (though it was relatively similar enough), this time around there were ample opportunities for direct application. It was really a fantastic experience.
Now that the coursework is finished, it is evident that my eyes have been opened, my mind sharpened and expanded, and I have a much clearer picture of my capabilities and interests for the future. I am also much more aware of what I have to offer my next employer (for whom I am still searching). Like the engineering program before it, the MBA degree is only part of the learning. The application of knowledge is the true test for education, and I can't wait for that challenge.
|
