Investing in your future

Is it worth going back to school? While the sacrifices are not only financial but also emotional, opting for further education mid-career brings unexpected rewards, writes Tom Sperry

I did not take the decision to go back to school and get my Master's degree lightly. In fact, the programme I was most interested in was a 16-hour plane-ride from my home. I would have to give up my job, move from the United States to Hong Kong and, most importantly, not see my wife for weeks or months at a time. However, these sacrifices pale in comparison to the overall experience and life rewards that I have received from returning to school.

As an executive at a leading software company, I did not believe that I was contributing to my full ability. Although I felt extremely accomplished in my professional life, I could not help thinking about how much more fulfilling my career could be. While I evaluated a potential acquisition or helped drive the next strategic initiative, I continually looked for the analytical and marketing skills that I had been unable to master during my professional career. Having reevaluated my skill-set, I realised that I was missing the core fundamentals that were essential for me to attain my personal and professional goals - namely, confidence in myself and my ability to lead a major company.

Through the Executive MBA Programme at The University of Western Ontario's Richard Ivey School of Business, I am being exposed to a broad set of new ideas, studies and, most importantly, peers. The educational setting has allowed me to learn from the greatest professors. However, the real education comes from the interaction with my classmates, who are the leaders of business in South East Asia. The course has increased my depth of knowledge while giving me an opportunity to take more risks, as well as helping me to become a stronger team player.

I have come to realise that smart and effective learning takes time. In making the decision to go back to school, I had to be willing to make trade-offs. My classmates have the incredible task of managing a full-time job and family life, as well as going to school. My pressures have more to do with leaving my family, friends and home, commuting to and from the United States and living by myself in a tiny apartment. I may have more free time for the reading, exams or projects (in fact, I spend most of my time doing schoolwork) but my family is sacrificing a great deal. There are many days when it is extremely challenging to juggle school, family and travel and that is when I am fortunate that I have total support from my family. My wife and I continue to look at it as a two-year investment in our future.

However, going back to school has been one of the best decisions of my life and the two years are going by in a flash. The programme has fostered new relationships with diverse, bright and passionate people, who are teaching me new skills, ideas and views. It has given me the confidence and skills to accomplish all my personal and professional goals with an unending commitment and an unrelenting passion. I truly believe that returning to school has not only helped my career development, but has also encouraged me to broaden my mind.

Taken from Career Times 2003/10/10
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