During the summer of 2020, while the world was going topsy-turvy, I decided to enroll in graduate school for an MBA in Business Intelligence & Analytics. The thought of obtaining a master’s is not new. I have had thoughts of pursuing a masters since graduating with a bachelor’s degree. My hesitations surrounded the lack of funds, uncertainty in the specific degree concentration, and if it would be worth it in the end (would it result in a career advancement). Like many in 2020, I found myself having a lot of time with my thoughts. With that extra time, I did a career search within my current organization and a degree search at local universities. I discovered that Business Intelligence was high in demand and the curriculum wasn’t too strenuous. I started courses in the Fall of 2020 and am now, as I write this on the last day of 2021, with only one more semester (3 classes) left in the program. So, what has been my experience thus far and now in lieu of graduating, do I feel it has been worth it?
The university offers several fully online programs, it’s what drew me to the school. My undergraduate program was mostly in-person, so online classes was a new experience. I now prefer online classes. They are convenient and direct. Another perk about the university is that each class is eight weeks. The acceleration of courses made the program easier to endure, especially once the realization of having homework, group projects, and exams set in. Being in school was a welcomed distraction during the pandemic. My main complaint is the abundance of group projects which I found to be more of a stressor than a mechanism of learning. I think group projects should be optional depending on the students preferred learning style. Aside from that complaint, I could not have picked a more opportune time to pursue a master’s degree. With the world on lock down and little social events or activities to take part in, I had nothing to disrupt focus. The lack of disruption, I believe, has aided in my grade report of all A’s & B’s (a 3.4 GPA so far). My graduate school grade report far outshines my undergraduate one and it’s something I am extremely proud of.
This fall, as graduation felt closer, it seemed to be the right time to begin looking for the next career role within my current organization. I submitted several applications, withdrew a few under the assumption that I wouldn’t receive a callback, and got immediate rejection letters on others. Still, a small selection of applications resulted in interviews. Now, myself and interviews have never gotten along. I’ve always viewed my performance poorly following an interview, even after being told by the hiring manager that my responses were received well. These past few interviews the feedback was that while they thought I interviewed well, the deciding hinderance was a lack of in-depth experience that would deem me prepared for the role. Thereby, other candidates had more qualifications. I have had a lot of failed interviews, but it only takes one to acknowledge this educational journey successful. I must first endure and learn from the failures before reaching that success. It’s certain, I want something more than what I have at present. So, I will continue to submit applications and go on interviews until something more is achieved. At the close of 2021, with one semester left, whether or not I find a master’s degree well worth the pursuit is still to be determined.
I can with complete confidence say that I will graduate with a master’s degree and cannot wait to have all of my free time back once finished.
With hope and love,
Alisia Latoi
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