A chapter in my life is over
 

Two years and nine months ago, I started on a journey. At 6:40pm today, I submitted my final paper for my last class. I have completed my coursework at Excelsior College and will be graduating on July 12th with an MBA with a concentration in Technology Management.

It has been a long journey - many weekends and late nights writing papers, completing homework assignments, and studying for exams. It has also been an incredible journey where I learned so much about the business world.

I completed my undergrad degree in 1989 from Messiah College (BA in Computer Science). While I did well back then, I honeslty did not focus on my studies as much as I should have. I can proudly say that was not the case in my MBA studies: I have given my all for this degree. I have a 4.0 thus far, and while I don't have my final grade for the class I just completed, I have a 98% average thus far in that course.

I have sacrificed much for this degree: I've missed many social functions, including all and any PCA activities. I can't remember the last time I just hung out with my friends. I have missed spending time with my loving and patient wife, who has been extremely supportive of my educational endeavor. It is time to get my life back!

All things considered, this experience was worth it! They say people have three main reasons for pursuing an MBA: to move up in the company they work for, to move to a better position in a different company, or simply for personal growth. My company's organizational structure is relatively flat, so there is little or no room for me to move up here. But I really enjoy where I work, and have no intentions of seeking employment elsewhere. So I guess the reason for getting my degree was to better myself. For that reason alone, the sacrifices I made have been worth it.

So, I have already begun to ask myself, "What's next?" Some of my professors have suggested that I pursue a PhD degree. Perhaps, but not right now. This year, I will likely take courses to pursue certification in EMC storage. We are in the midst of converting our SAN / Storage environment to new EMC hardware and software, and as the SAN / Storage architect, this certification would be helpful. Additionally, I will also look into PMP (Project Management Process) and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certifications, since those are most aligned with my current career path.

But for now, my studies are over -- time to enjoy the summer and get back to living a 'normal' life!

-Z-man.

Congrats!!!

Good job! Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congrats. Had a similar journey back in 1996-1998, have no idea how I had the time to do it, but it was among the best decisions and investments I have made.

Well done.

Congrats
(diploma removed Z-man) :D

Well done

I've been trying to figure that out since I finished grad school too.

Universally recession-proof field (until Cyberdyne's HAL is developed).
Congrats, and go do something decompressing.

Congrats, Z!

Well done!

One thinks that after a period of decompression new avenues will begin to appear for you.

Congratulations and kudos. A potential "Doctor Z."

Diverdan

Congrats Z! I'm halfway through mine, 4.0 thus far (fingers crossed).

school's out!
congratulations.

Z

Good for you. I got my MBA at night from CA State Northridge about 26 years ago going to school at night, working days. Studied or went to school every single night and studied all weekend long. Took me four years. I met my wonderful wife in the same program, she has an MBA as well. Our daughter was born six months before I graduated; wife graduated a year before me.

Long hard slog, but you did it and no one can ever take that away from you.

I know we're not in PARF, but doesn't it tick you off, when you do well in life through hard work and perseverance and some people call you "Lucky"?

Edit:

Think long and hard about the Ph.D. Look at the salary comps, unless you're in R&D in corporate or want to be a professor in Academia, they usually don't have a very good P:E ratio.

Welcome to the Club!

Well done! A great acomplishment!!!

Well done...both of you!!! ;)

Nice Work ! A true sacrifice.

Congratulations!

After some rest, think about what you can do with that degree. Maybe at a different company. Self betterment is fine but you didn't bust your ass for just that.

Congrats!

Just hang out and spend some time with your wife. Do a little (or a big!) vacation.