Why did I pursue an MBA? Picture a young, ambitious me, fresh out of undergrad with a head full of dreams and a heart set on conquering the business world. The MBA was my golden ticket, a chance to sharpen my skills, make invaluable connections, and gain the credibility I needed to break into the competitive marketing industry. Over my career, it provided a solid foundation in business principles, allowing me to navigate complex challenges with confidence and creativity. The one thing I loved most? The camaraderie and networking opportunities; I met some of the brightest minds, and those relationships have been priceless. The least? Probably the grueling workload that sometimes felt like it was designed by a sadistic time management guru. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. And would I advise others to do it? Only if they're ready for a transformative journey that demands dedication but offers unparalleled rewards.
I pursued an MBA at the behest of my parents, who both hold advanced degrees. If they didn’t push me to get it, I probably would have settled with a bachelor’s degree. Since getting my MBA back in 2012, I do not feel it has positively impacted my career, overall, besides adding more to my student loan debt tally. The one thing I did like about the program was it was online, so I could continue to travel while I was in school, and the subject matter was a bit easier than my undergraduate degree. I would advise against getting an MBA unless it’s from a top school and you have some work experience. Written by Kim Butler, SEO Strategist at Online Optimism, a digital marketing and design agency with offices in New Orleans and Washington DC. Name: Kim Butler, MBA Title: SEO Strategist Company Name: Online Optimism Website: https://www.onlineoptimism.com/
In truth, I pursued my MBA to be BMA (Become More Amazing). The experience, to a certain degree, taught me to flex with confidence and earn the invisible key that unlocked decades of doors. With about eight years of experience between undergrad and business school, I paid my way through by serving fajitas and 'margs' as a more mature student who excelled in finance and law. All of the above surprised me and ignited a no-limits type of curiosity. If I could ace finance as a communications major, anything was possible. I packed a U-Haul and moved from Boston to NYC, where the big city amplified opportunities with global companies and brands. Salary stepping stones led to six figures, and I credit the baked-in focus and competitive seasoning required for that advanced degree for some award-winning successes. Communication is a commodity that elevates across the business spectrum. I have journeyed through verticals of fashion, accessories, luxury, publishing, finance, and urban agriculture with advertising, marketing, sales, and journalism. With a pinch of management and then a freelance entity, I come equipped with the knowledge that speaks C-Suite, and there is no conversation I cannot understand. Once you learn to think big, you will never think small again.
The MBA Journey - Insights, Impact, and Advice I pursued an MBA to broaden my skill set and advance my career opportunities. It provided invaluable networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of business principles. The most enjoyable aspect was the collaborative learning environment, while the least enjoyable was the heavy workload. Overall, I would definitely pursue it again, as it has significantly enhanced my career trajectory, but I would advise others to carefully weigh the costs and benefits before making the decision.