Why I made the right choice investing in my education, says UoM Alum

As I was growing in my career in the construction industry, I have felt that experience in the same industry, exposure to the same people and network was not enough. I needed a challenge. I needed something to push toward the potential I knew I could reach. I was not sure where to start or even how to start to be honest. I just knew something needed to change in order for me to fulfill my career aspirations to grow within my company. I have spoken with different people in my industry, as well as friends who have been in similar situations to get some advice and feedback and also to just see how others have made the change.

After exploring options to further progress my career in my company, I came to a realization that there was a gap between where I am and where I want to go. To fill that gap I needed further education and experience, not only professionally, but also personally. Having a full time job and looking at pursuing further education is not an easy choice because I had to make time and space in my life to take my career to the next level. At the same time, I knew that if I don’t make time for this now, eventually I will regret it because time does not slow for any of us, and I knew I had to take action now because the alternative was not appealing to me.

I made a decision to join an MBA program designed for working professionals, so I could still continue my professional growth, while at the same time expand my academic realm and personal traits. That was two years ago, and this year I have successfully graduated. Why I am telling you this? It is because I believe often we get stuck about where to go next in our careers or even lives because there is a gap and we are not certain how to close it. There are no easy answers, but there are plenty of ways to get those answers. For me, what worked is talking to people and getting to know their career stories, what worked and what did not, challenges and opportunities, and so on. After some time gathering information, speaking with people, and through personal reflections, I made an educated choice to pursue further studies. I was ready for it and I was willing to work hard because I had a plan in mind and I knew what I needed to achieve it. Was it easy? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? Absolutely yes. I am a different person from who I was before embarking on the journey and I would not trade that for anything. I think it is natural for us to create obstacles and limitations for ourselves when it comes to certain things in life and it seems that we don’t have time for these things, but what I learned is that it is all about making time; making time for things that matter and making decisions that will take your life and career to the next level. Life is about growth and change is inevitable, so you might as well embrace it and make a strategy for your career and life.

What is your story and what is next for you? Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith!