I embarked on a journey toward an MBA over eleven years ago, when I earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration--Finance at the University of Kentucky. My decision to follow this path, however, has its roots in my pre-teen days of selling anything from fresh vegetables to newspapers to Christmas cards. I cultivated this inclination in college, where I chose to pursue a career in information technology. The field beckoned to me with the promise of tremendous opportunities for personal and intellectual growth--and was far more glamorous than flinging newspapers from the passenger seat of my father's car! Moreover, its practical applications in the corporate world provided me with a chance to make a positive contribution to society; my actions could have a dramatic impact on business processes and productivity.
Looking through the "scrapbook" of my life affords me both amusement and wonder. I envision myself at my first interview--nervous, excited, and wearing a truly horrible suit! Next comes an image of my first undergraduate position, in which boundless enthusiasm compensated for a lack of experience. Over the following two years, I evolved into a tough as nails team leader, dedicated to my work and driven by perfectionism. I strove to provide excellent client service, but lacked the humor and friendliness that create a pleasant team environment. The years, however, have been both educational and formative. When I look in the mirror today, I marvel at the changes. I see before me a recognized and respected leader in the area of large, complex, process-improvement information-technology implementations within my firm. Quite a mouthful and quite an accomplishment. When I envision the "scrapbook pages" that the next few years will fill, I see an image of myself as a partner with Pricewaterhouse Coopers. Such a position, however ,requires both the experience I already possess and the education I hope to gain with an MBA degree.
The complex and diverse challenges that attaining an MBA would present are perfectly suited for the constant improvement required for a successful business career. I have spent the past seven years focusing on the development of project management and leadership skills, yet I feel a distinct need for continued growth. An MBA will provide the impetus and setting for honing my skills in the areas of negotiation, persuasion, inspiration, and professional articulation. I also see the MBA as a rare opportunity to gain heightened insight into other lifestyles. To run a business, I need to better understand the executive's viewpoint in today's corporate environment. I have already gained exposure to many aspects of the business "organism" and understand how important it is to align strategic decisions at the executive level with tactical execution at the business unit level. The MBA will strengthen my understanding of this dynamic and provide me with broadened exposure to the intricacies of decision-making. In addition, the MBA will leave me with an appreciation for and understanding of the historical and predicted future evolution of the business community. Attaining the degree is a major step in preparing for a bright, successful future in the business world. Yet this is hardly the end. These are only a few of the many skills which, when executed professionally and proficiently, can strengthen and refine leadership. Harvey MacKay recently wrote a book entitled Dig Your Well Before You are Thirsty. Although Mr. MacKay's work is an entertaining and highly useful guide to establishing personal networks, I find its title to be a healthy maxim for life in general. I want to approach my career with the best possible qualifications, and an MBA is essential to such development. My vision of the future is constantly evolving, but the importance of proper education remains constant, making an MBA degree the most urgent priority at this point in my career.
