The final exams for my bachelor’s degree took place in March 2005 and in June I was enrolled in my master’s program.
Those two months of vacation weren’t such a great experience, as I had to go through a lot of applications and entrance exams. I would have liked to travel, write, and think about my professional future, but instead I jumped straight into further studies. After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Marketing, I felt compelled to continue my studies in Marketing, refusing to explore other options.
I should have known that an MBA was not the right choice. As I reflected on my childhood and adolescence, I realized that my studies were taking precedence over my growing interest in nature and the outdoors. I was passionate about environmental systems, tree planting campaigns, camping, and painting natural landscapes. This inclination was in stark contrast to the office work that awaited me in the corporate world.
If I had taken some time off after college—a gap year, perhaps—I would have prioritized traveling, pursued creative writing, and done an internship. These experiences would have better prepared me for life beyond the academic bubble. My MBA years were rigorous, with long hours and intense study schedules, but the safety net of family support still cushioned the blows.
I craved experiences that would challenge me and open my eyes to the world in ways that textbooks never could.
I realized I probably didn’t need an MBA in the first place
At 21, in my second year of my master’s degree, I did a three-month internship at a leading advertising agency. I realized that many of my colleagues had joined me right after graduation and continued for a decade.
A master’s degree wasn’t a prerequisite for landing a good job. My internship got me a job. I realized that the degree I worked so hard for wasn’t the ticket I had imagined. It was my skills, creativity, and dedication that mattered.
I wish I had looked for a job right after I finished school. I could have accepted a job offer from a classmate’s father, who ran a business making biodegradable bags. This opportunity would have fit my interest in environmental sustainability.
I wish I had followed this passion and committed myself to it deeply instead of pursuing a master’s degree that had no guarantee of getting me anywhere and that didn’t interest me much.
Looking back, I realize that the ideal time to pursue an MBA is after you have gained six to eight years of professional experience. This approach would have provided more valuable perspective and practical knowledge.
If you’re considering pursuing higher education, consider these tips
I’m almost 40, and the lessons from my past remain relevant: take the time to explore your interests, gain real-world experience, and pursue higher education when you’re truly ready.
Today, after 17 years of corporate work experience, I’m a full-time writer, something I should have done a long time ago and didn’t really need my master’s degree for.
For college graduates, I would like them to take the time to let their ideas and dreams mature, weigh the pros and cons, and make a thoughtful decision – instead of jumping into college.
I also recommend getting a job or work experience as soon as possible; it will teach you things that school won’t. Finally, if you feel drawn to a particular passion, dive into it to see if it’s a good fit for you. Take those risks, seize those opportunities, and remember that there’s no rush to pursue a master’s degree.
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