My first year out of college I was living in Boston and went to an MBA info session. I was surrounded by professionals who had suits on because 1) it was early 2000s and casual days were reserved for only Fridays and 2) the program was clear: come to us with experience.
I had mixed reactions. I knew I could handle the classes. Forever a diligent student, I had the confidence to outstudy my way through anything. But the other side of me tapped on my shoulder and whispered, “pssst…Hold off. Get out there and learn.”
From then on, my experiences confirmed it: I learn the most by getting out and doing.
And I did. I managed people. I managed sales. I managed education programs. I managed operations for curriculum companies.
Then I had kids. And I managed more: schedules, multi-tasking, family needs, renovations, moves, PTO boards, fundraisers, a homeschool and more.
Then I got coaching certified. And managed emotions, goals, life transitions, self-identity frameworks, and grief.
Now I’m in my mid-40s (errrr…quiet down you data analysts!) and “circling back” to this MBA idea.
What’s the first thing you learn in business? Know what problem you’re solving. So here in no particular order are my reasons for Why Now?
- It’s scary. Accounting? Finance? It feels scary. I have finally learned at the crossroads of scary and content: choose scary. It offers the biggest rewards and pay out.
- I considered other fields to align with my love for psychology: therapist, HR management, even writing. But alas, there’s nowhere I’ve used more psychology than in business.
- No other program has someone offer up Fun Facts icebreakers and take so many Personality Tests
- I’m a former Mathlete. No really. It was a thing in high school. And I love numbers.
- And excel. I love all things excel.
- I still get corporate fomo.
- My favorite podcasts include “How I Built This” by Guy Raz and “Rethinking” by Adam Grant.
- I remember standing in my kitchen as a teenager telling my businessman stepdad I would be a CEO someday. I realize in the 90s I didn’t have many role models to use and confirm how attainable that should be for any girl, including my own.
- I’ve never done my own taxes.
- I’m oddly obsessed with all things management and customer experiences.
- Aaaaand I have a passion to help people find a work / life balance because we’re not doing so hot in that arena these days…
Lastly:
As I will always say: Identity Matters. And adding “Student” to my identity is my way of saying I need to always keep learning and keep being curious.
