Lifelong learning: why I went back to school and why it had a huge impact
In 2019, I was at a point in my career where I felt that my growth had stagnated, and I was yearning for a fresh challenge. It was during this time that my manager suggested I consider further studies to complement my job. Working in the HR Tech industry, I decided to reach out to HR professionals and university professors in the field for advice. The ultimate decision of pursuing an Executive MBA ended up into a bigger turning point than what I had anticipated as it not only broadened my horizons but also transformed me personally.
Choosing the Right Path
The advice I received was clear: returning to school could be beneficial, but only if I was prepared to not only put in the effort but also apply the newfound knowledge in my professional life. I was further advised that an Executive MBA could be the ideal choice for me as I aimed to expand my vision, rather than specialize further in my pre-existing field of expertise, which was marketing. Based on the discussions I had, I applied to a selection of programs and was happy to be accepted at HEC Paris, whose Executive MBA was described as one of the most ambitious available, with the reputation of HEC being especially strong, known for its top-notch faculty and an impressive network.
Academic and Personal Growth
Enrolling in the program, I anticipated academic growth of course, but what I didn’t foresee was the profound personal impact it would have on me. The academic aspect was undoubtedly valuable, notably thanks to a very impressive faculty. The knowledge I gained was not only substantial but also incredibly relevant to my field. I particularly loved working on my “capstone” project, dedicated to the application of SaaS business models into the industrial world. However, the biggest impact of the program came from the people I encountered during my journey.
My cohort was a diverse tapestry of individuals from across the globe. Many of them were younger than me, but their life experiences and professional accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable. Interacting with this brilliant group of peers helped me gain a newfound confidence in my ability to challenge myself and make life-changing decisions. It was a transformation that extended beyond the classroom. In particular, we were part of the “covid” cohort, which was particularly challenging but led to a strong sense of belonging and support between us.
Choosing the Right Program for You
Now, you might be contemplating your own journey. The Executive MBA is undoubtedly an investment, both in terms of time and finances. There are a plethora of other very good programs out there, each with its unique attributes. I chose the HEC program for its comprehensiveness, quality and unique network. However, the essential question is to identify what suits you best. It can be something broad like an Executive MBA, it can be a specialist program like an Executive Master, it can be a short term program focusing on a specific area. The format can also be on site, or fully online. Having done a few really good classes on Coursera myself, I know such ones can be really useful and obviously much cheaper.
Your choice should align with your thirst for knowledge, your chosen field of study, and your readiness to challenge yourself. It doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor, but it should be something that prompts you to reevaluate how you work and how you perceive your professional life.I encourage you to explore your own path, to consider how further education might be the catalyst for personal and professional transformation. It’s an investment worth making, as long as you’re prepared to embrace the journey with open arms and an open mind.
On a side note: if you hesitate in your own career path and which program to chose, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional business coach that can support you with career coaching.
And afterwards
In retrospect, my decision to pursue an Executive MBA was one of the most pivotal in my professional life. It was about more than just learning; it was about developing a new mindset, not just during the 18 months of the program, but for the remaining 20+ years of my professional life, and this is something I won’t ever stop doing.
Of course I’d love to share more about my experience if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out!
