Today is the last day that I have to register for classes. Come December, I will have completed my current education endeavor. While I look forward to the possibility of not having class ever again, and never having to write a paper again, and never having to worry about school, I still have another year’s worth of education benefits after I finish my MBA in December.
While I’m excited to finish up and be done with it, I also don’t want to waste (not use) one full year of school funding that just so happens to be free (thank you, GI Bill). Given what I just said, it should come as no surprise that I have little interest in going on to further my education. And given the statement two sentences ago, I most likely will continue on with school.
But now, what do I go for? There has been suggestions, talk, and thoughts on a Master’s, another MBA emphasis, a Doctorate program or a PhD. I believe I have ruled out a Master’s as well as an additional MBA emphasis, leaving the Doctorate or PhD.
Can I take a moment to express something? I can’t believe I’m talking about this. Not once when I was younger did I consider myself Doctorate of PhD potential – it wasn’t of interest and it certainly wasn’t in the plans. And honestly, I’m a little shocked at myself when I think about this step. I’m the first in my family to go to college, let alone become a “doctor” of anything. I guess I’m a little proud of myself, and I’m sure my parents are too. My father has been pushing the education subject for a long time; before I started my BSBA in the Air Force, after I finished and moved to Colorado, before I started my MBA, and now, to some degree, that I’m finishing up my MBA. Thanks, Dad.
So, what are the possible studies of interest at such a level? My counselor at school who is also my Strategic Management instructor suggested a Doctorate of Management. I have also thought possibly a PhD in Public Affairs/Policy/Administration, or maybe something in the finance arena. Quite honestly, the doors are wide open, which is good, but also at that level of education you pretty much become pigeonholed and specialized in a short range of topics. I guess if you’re ok with what you want to be when you grow up that it will work out just fine.
Ah, but I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. And that, my friends, is the hesitance in making a decision, and somewhat shows the level of seriousness I have to take this next step. Deciding to get my MBA was a cinch: business-type studies, a continuation of my undergrad. Post-grad? Not so easy, especially when I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.
Of note, and especially of interest to me, is that this level of education catapults individuals into the consulting sector of industry – something I have had interest in after I finished my BS. Also of note is the opportunity to join Academia and live the life of a professor, consulting on the side, having summers off, and of course taking sabbaticals to far-off lands (or the backyard).
Decisions, decisions, decisions…
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