Since I’m self employed and have no plans to go back to corporate America or work for ‘the man’ ever again people seem to think that I would not have a need for an MBA. Maybe they are right. It would be easy for me to study the subjects covered in an MBA program on my own or with private tutors and for much less than what a University charges for tuition these days. For me the education was the last of the 3 reasons I chose to get an MBA from USC.
Why I chose to get an MBA from USC:
1. The USC Family (Network)
2. The Credential
3. The Education
The Family
A couple of weekends ago I walked around Balboa Island with my wife and kids. The weather was a bit chilly so I donned my USC sweatshirt that my wife had just bought me (isn’t she great!). As we walked around the island it was like I was a celebrity. I was stopped no less than 7 times within a couple of hours just so people could talk to me about USC. I’ve never been a part of something like this but it was great to have an immediate connection to fellow Trojans.
Shortly after we got our USC emails and access to the alumni network I scoured the database looking for interesting alums that would be good for me to connect with. There were a few CEO’s of local, but large, companies that had the experience and success I was looking for. I reached out to them via email and received a response within hours. I don’t think that would have happened had we not shared the USC bond.
The Credential
Although I plan on remaining self employed having solid credentials is never a bad thing. The path before me is still unknown and bolstering up a resume is wise. More than just being employable the MBA credential is important to me because as I do consulting and other business endeavors it adds credibility to my clients. I am self employed but I still rely on other people to get paid.
The Education
When I first signed up this was pretty far down the list. Now that the program is underway I am actually excited about learning. The professors have been amazing and my classmates are top notch. I get to learn from and with some of the brightest minds around and I’m loving it.
The thing that finally helped me chose to do the MBA was putting the choice to the ‘Rocking Chair Test’. The test works like this: Imagine yourself at some far off future date relaxing in a rocking chair on the front porch of your home. You’re retired and enjoying the relaxation of this stage of life. Sitting in the chair would your future self regret having done or not done the thing you are considering?
For me I knew that I would never regret getting an MBA from USC. I also knew that if I didn’t do it I would always wonder ‘what if’? That was it, it passed the rocking chair test and I applied. Now, if you don’t mind I have some statistics questions to review.
