Wherever you are in your MBA experience -- just starting to consider B-School, have already submitted applications, or are a current student -- the value of an MBA degree is likely at the forefront of your mind. How will your personal and professional life change? What will your post-MBA finances look like? Ultimately, what will this investment return for you?
I am now over a year into the PT MBA program, and it has been quite a bit different than I anticipated; in good ways. There have been multiple other ancellary benefits from the program I did not think about prior to starting the program. I am a part of the Leadership Advisory Board, I have made great friends, and there has been a lot of opportunities for networking and business. These are only a few of the positive benefits that I did not think about prior to enrolling.
For those of us who decide to embark upon an MBA program, it is a major life decision. Many of us are working full time and have families at home - either a spouse, kids, or both. My situation wasn't any different. I was working at Target Corporation downtown Minneapolis in a job I loved but one that kept me extremely busy. I had just gotten married the year before and was living in Hudson, WI but currently in search of a house closer to Minneapolis in order to avoid the 45 minute commute every day.
The University of Minnesota has a long-standing tradition of giving back to communities/charities. On Monday, the University community kicked-off the 2012 Community Fund Drive, and we're determined to once again show just how much the U of M cares.
During the next couple of weeks, Pomp and Circumstance will be played many times as graduates from across the university will walk across the stage to receive their diploma. For many graduate students, this is the end of a long journey that started many years before with the decision to return to school. It's a difficult decision to take the plunge and return to school. Some made the decision to leave their job to venture into the unknown, while others sacrificed their "spare time" to go part time while working full time. During that time, many questions were asked and many sacrifices were made. Now, it's time to relish your accomplishments.
I want to congratulate the 2012 graduates from the Carlson School of Management's MBA programs. You took the plunge that has now transformed your life! Congratulations!
