MBA

Why a graduate degree?


Abstract Each individual has their own reasoning behind their pursuit of a graduate degree. Professional and career goals, self improvement, status in society, and of course monetary reasons, are just a few motivating factors. My decision to attain a graduate degree was based on a combination of these factors, and my reasons are discussed in detail. Surveys and studies conducted by educational organizations are also sited to validate my reasons. Why a Graduate Degree? A decade ago, an undergraduate degree seemed more than enough for some one to have a successful career. The times have changed, unemployment rate have risen drastically, and an undergraduate degree is just not enough to make it in today's society. To keep in pace with today's high tech environment, a graduate degree is not only an asset, but now more than ever, it seems essential. The Question now is why an MBA? I am a person with a very unusual combination of experience and education. My educational goals were mainly focusing on IT field, as I completed my undergraduate degree in computer science, yet my work experience is mainly in the field of civil engineering. Being a consultant, I was put in situations working with clients from various backgrounds. The decision of pursuing my masters in business emerged from my interaction with individuals from various fields, being computer professionals, civil engineers, stock brokers and so forth. I learned of the potential for business management in all these diverse professions. The next step from my part was self assessment. I wanted to be sure if I had the skills and talent to make an impact as a manager. I took into consideration many different factors. For instance my determination, leadership skills, technology skills, and thirst for knowledge were some of them. As I started working with clients of different fields, I felt the need for being more well rounded, and to explore different possibilities lying ahead of me. I expect a graduate education to strengthen my weaknesses, better preparing me for the real world. I believe that the combination of my experience with a graduate degree will allow me to be a commodity to society, enabling me to achieve my professional goals. The key element for success is having a strong foundation. How do we attain the foundation we need to make our mark in society? Knowledge and experience are two inevitable elements needed to strengthen the foundation. There are limitations for growth, if we only have one and lack the other. It is important to have both relevant knowledge and professional experience in proportion, which will ultimately lead us towards success. Even though I have experience in a professional environment, I felt as if I was lacking the relevant knowledge. My undergraduate education has helped me start the building process, but I feel the need to go a step further and to solidify the foundation. This was one of the main reasons why I decided to pursue my graduate degree, in the hopes of fulfilling my thirst for knowledge and exploring new horizons. An article from our suggested class readings explains of the motivating factors for returning to school. Kaplan and Saltiel (1997) mentions in the article that the motivating factors can be categorized as family, work or personal issues (para.3). Family usually plays a major role in one's decisions, and it was not any different in my case. As a teenager, when I was not as excited as I am now of learning, my dad used to give me several pep talks to reinforce me. One such talk I recall is him telling me that the one thing no one can take away from my life is education. At the time, I never took his words seriously. Now that I look back, I see how true he was and that the knowledge that I gain will always be with me till the end. My parents have always stressed of the importance of education, and taught me how valuable it is in one's life. I can never say my family forced me in any way in making my decision to pursue my graduate degree, but I can say that they added fuel to the fire that was already burning inside of me. Kaplan and Saltiel (1997) also mentions of occupational pressures being a factor (para.5). In today's high tech industry, employers have been very demanding of educational credentials. As I finished my undergraduate degree and was searching for a job, I used to get discouraged as I saw that most of the jobs asked for a graduate degree as the minimum qualification. I felt that as the companies have raised their standards, in order to compete, I should raise my goals, and equip my self with the necessary tools required by the industry. I strongly believe that the only way to achieve my goals is through a higher education. A recent survey (Butler, 1999), shows that the state of economy also plays a major role in students enrolling in graduate studies (para.1). In 1990, close to 45% enrolled in graduate studies right after their Baccalaureate degree, and in 1999 only 38% decided to pursue post graduation. The study found that these studies were consistent with historical trends. They came to a conclusion that when the economy is good, more students decide to enter the work force: and in leaner times they opt to continue their education. In a personal level, I can actually relate to the results of this study. I personally think the state of economy definitely had a role in my decision for pursuing post graduation. To say the least, the high unemployment rate made me reevaluate my future plans, and helped me make my decision to return to school. A post graduate degree opens up a wide range of doors, increasing career options, allowing us to switch industries and to diversify the types of organizations in which we can seek employment. The career possibilities range from accounting, finance, technology, and health care just to mention a few. An MBA degree in particular will allow me to make a career transition from a technical industry into the world of business. I feel with my graduate degree, I will be well equipped to tackle the tribulations I may face in the field of business. Monetary advantage was certainly another factor that motivated me. A post graduate survey conducted by Cornell University (2002), shows that a student with a graduate degree earned an average salary of 69,394, while a student with an undergraduate degree earned an average of 43,626 (para. 2). As we can see there is a significant pay difference between the two degrees. Even though the salary factor has not played as significant of a role as others in my decision process, it is definitely an incentive: or maybe even more like icing on the cake. Till now, I have been discussing what I can achieve professionally through a graduate degree. Personal satisfaction has also played an important part in my decision. I still remember the happiness in my life as I completed my undergraduate degree. I felt as if I had accomplished a great deal, and have made people that have stood by me, and encouraged me proud. I still thrive for that feeling of accomplishment, the personal joy when achieving my goals set in life. Through starting my graduate education, I have embarked on a new journey in search of knowledge, professional status, and of course self satisfaction. I believe by starting my graduate education, I have moved one step closer to my goal of making a mark in society, and in due course improving both my professional and personal life.

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