This is a blog about my life in college. My story and lessons I’ve learned.

After 8 years of being out of college, I can definitely say that the last 2 years have been a real challenge. In 2006 I decided to go back to school for my MBA. 

After looking at different schools, my main goal was to find a school that did not have classes more than once a week.  I found a few but my focus was a program that worked with working adults.  Southern Nazarene University was the University that I wanted to put the investment in.  Classes were held one night a week (every Thurs for the last 2 years).

In the beginning I was really gung-ho, I wanted to be on time with all assignments and I struggled to get the best grade.  I felt I needed to prove that I belonged there.  What I have learned is I am better at time management than I thought.  All my real life experiences have taught me more than I thought.  Many of your examples in Grad school are from my current position and from previous employment.  I am glad that I waited to go back for more education, I appreciate the learning now more than ever.    I have finally admitted to myself that I am more ambitious than I thought. 

I now have 12 more weeks to go and I can only think about what I am going to do with my Thurs nights when I am done.  Relax, sleep more or go to the gym.  "Doing nothing…."

For those of you that contemplate a higher education, these are some of the things to think about before making that decision…. Do you currently have work experience that relates to in a MBA environment?  Does your work support the MBA thought processes?  Can you advance in your position with a MBA?  Do you feel that is would be a good opportunity for yourself?  How much do you want it?  Are you ready to commit to the program?  After asking all these questions you will get a good idea of whether or not going back to school will benefit you. 

I say when you make the decision give it your all…. Learn all that you can because it does go by real fast and the long term benefits that you may gain from it are more than you know….

About the Author: Jill Olney