I have a confession to make. I’m not Superwoman. Yes, I know: four kids, full time job, and getting my MBA from Duke. I’ve heard it all—I must be crazy, it’s impossible, I must never sleep, or that I must be Superwoman. What I am though is a woman who values education, and I made getting an MBA a high priority in my life. Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you’re considering pursuing your MBA, and I’d like to assure you that it’s entirely possible.

When I decided to pursue the MBA, I was worried. I wondered how it would fit into my already very busy life. I had to figure out how to fit the study time—an extra 15-20 hours per week—into a schedule that involves carpooling kids, working a busy job, and managing my dad’s care. I think that many women worry like I did, and are scared to step out and take the next step. I see so few other women in my field, and so few who pursue an MBA. I think it’s a shame. But as I’ve heard before, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” So see? I’m here. I’m real, and I face many of the same struggles you do. If I can do it, so can you. 🙂

There are a few features that make the Weekend Executive MBA uniquely desirable from my perspective:

First—The program only requires me to be away from the office for two days per month, and there are only two longer residencies—one at the beginning of the program, and one at the end. That means I do not end up using all of my vacation time for school. For me, that is extremely important, because I have so many other demands on my time, and specifically on my vacation time. I know that a random event won’t cause me unnecessary grief, because I still have a little bit of vacation buffer at work. I’m able to schedule business trips around my school schedule, and still make it to the weekend residency, with no impact to my job performance.

Second—I’m able to study on my own time-table. For me, that’s at night, after the kids have finished their activities, homework, and chores. I’m still able to oversee family life to make sure that life still continues while I’m in school.

I’d encourage you to check out the Weekend Executive program and reflect on how it might fit in your life and schedule. I think that you’ll find that it is entirely doable, and a fantastic step forward in your career.