WHY AN MBA
Why Pursue an MBA Degree
Claudette Wooten
University of Phoenix, Little Rock
Why Pursue an MBA Degree
I had worked for three different trucking companies that had each been bought out by larger companies. Each time a buyout occurred I lost my employment. The buying company did not need two people in the same position. After the last layoff I decided not to look for another job, and went back to school to finish my education. My goal was a career in Risk Management, as the General Manager for a trucking company. I had already worked in transportation as an over short and damage Specialist for 10 years, and the Cargo Claims Specialist another 8 years. However, the college I attended did not have that particular degree plan in their curriculum. Finally, I decided on a degree in Management with a human resources emphasis. By graduation time the economy had gotten so tight companies were closing their doors and dismissing employees, rather then hiring new ones. I was fortunate enough, after searching for three months, to obtain a management position in Little Rock, Arkansas. Although I enjoy my career very much, I am a realist; I know my job could be eliminated whenever, due to this economic crisis in our country.
Decision to Return
Going back to school was a complicated choice. I did not have only myself to consider, and there were financial and personal concerns that had to be dealt with. Study time was going to be limited, as I now had a job. I would have to set up scheduled study times for school. My husband had already sacrificed a great deal during the pursuit of my bachelor’s degree. He spent many days and nights sitting alone, with me shut up in the office, doing class assignments. Both of us gave up things as I did not work during the last two years of my degree plan. In an endeavor to pay for classes, a great deal of scrimping was done on material things. Neither of us wanted a huge debt waiting for us when I finished...