The last twelve months have been an extraordinary journey (check out my twelve-month recap LinkedIn post) and a significant personal investment. In sharing my MBA professional development journey with family, friends, and colleagues, I’ve received a range of reactions from “Congratulations!” to questions like, “Why now?” and “Are you learning anything?” To all these, I respond with a resounding, why not and absolutely!

Why?

As a first-generation college graduate, I was fortunate to find my way into Towson University’s undergrad accounting program, a choice that would set the foundation for my career and professional growth. The story of how I ended up in accounting, among all the possible degrees, is a story for another time. Early in my career, a previous employer offered me a chance to attend a two-week leadership transformation course at the University of Virginia, which changed my perspective on the benefits of a graduate business education.

As a career-long accountant, the aspiration of earning an MBA and transitioning to the business side of an organization has always been part of my professional growth journey. Being a native Marylander and east-coaster, Duke’s Fuqua Business School was one of my top choices, and I took the leap last July. This journey has enhanced my professional skills and fostered personal growth and transformation, inspiring me to encourage others to pursue their MBA dreams.

Why now?

Mid-life crisis? Maybe somewhat, but this one is easy. I’ve always focused on ways to capitalize on opportunities to learn new things and broaden my capabilities and options. Strategizing the back nine of my career and placing great value in optionality, the Fuqua Global Executive MBA  has been an incredible primer and mind-liberating opportunity for this accountant.

As I attended my first semester’s Durham residency, I asked myself why I hadn’t taken the MBA leap sooner in my career. The answer was clear — I wouldn’t have been able to bring to and complement my MBA program studies with 20+ years of real-life leadership, business, and finance experiences. Also, I would have missed out on being surrounded by professionally tenured and remarkably talented cohort members with an average of 12 years of experience and 35 years of age.

Why Fuqua? (Sorry, Terps…)

How do I count the ways — East Coast vibe, world-recognized executive MBA program at a top-tier institution, choosing between weekend and global program flexibility, extensive network — I could go on forever!

Double-clicking on Fuqua’s amazing network, Walmart, my current employer, has a concentration of Fuqua grads in its ranks. After an opportunity to talk with multiple colleagues during my program research to hear their stories, how their education is paying dividends, and their willingness to connect me with other Fuqua grads, the rest is history.

Now that we are more than halfway through the program and assessing the merits of my investment, Fuqua is delivering on all points. In addition to having access to an incredible curriculum and professors, the program also provides opportunities for us to “choose our adventure.”

My adventure has been a list of firsts like stepping on new lands and continents and immersing myself in various cultures It also has provided apprenticeship opportunities like the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) and Mentored Study electives. These experiential learning opportunities offer the chance to lean into core course studies like strategy, finance, and decision modeling by working on an actual management issue and providing actionable recommendations.

One of the common concerns about pursuing an MBA while working and managing family responsibilities is finding balance. It hasn’t been easy, but with the support of my family, the program’s flexibility, and the understanding of my employer, I’ve been able to overcome these challenges and succeed in my studies.

At the Heart of the Journey: My Remarkable Support Team

My Family

My wife’s steadfast support and encouragement have been fundamental to my progress. During our cohort’s initial orientation, we listened to prior executive MBA students, alongside their significant others, share their experiences, best practices, challenges, and celebrations. A common thread I took away was the importance of maintaining open and continuous communication and caring for each other throughout the 22-month executive MBA experience. Thank you, Leah! “It’s all part of the adventure.”

To Gwyn and hopeful future Du-kie (she loves calling me a Du-kie) — thank you for your hugs and words of endearment: “Daddy, I can help you… (reads first two sentences of Operations Management case) I don’t know what that means, and good luck!”

My Cohort

My other stress relief valve has been our teams over the last five semesters. I can’t imagine navigating the challenges of the Fuqua business program with more talented and cohesive team members.

My Employer

I am also fortunate to have the support of Walmart’s commitment to continuous learning. Its continuing education and associates’ training focus are key reasons I can take advantage of this unique professional and personal growth opportunity. Thank you, Walmart!

So, why not take the leap?

If you’ve ever found yourself contemplating an MBA, wondering if now is the right time, my advice is simple — dive in headfirst! The benefits of an MBA go beyond the classroom. It’s about personal growth, expanding your network, and gaining a new perspective on business and leadership. Yes, the financial and time investments may seem like a deal-killer or discouraging at first glance, but consider it an investment in your most valuable asset — yourself. No one else will!

Are you still weighing your next MBA steps? Let’s chat! I’m happy to share more about my Fuqua journey and connect you with any of my 50 classmates who can provide their unique journeys and insights.