How has your life changed since graduating from Strayer University?

Since graduating from Strayer University, my life has experienced significant changes that have positively impacted both my career and personal growth. Being able to do more interesting work sooner rather than later in my career has been a notable advantage. Many of my peers occupy positions that are 15-20 years further into their careers, which often means more responsibility and experience.

One of the most noticeable changes is the increased confidence I now have in my work. This newfound confidence has also helped me to develop a better 'canary in the coal mine' sense, allowing me to identify potential issues before they escalate. This has been especially beneficial in predicting organizational trends and turning points, ensuring smoother operations and better planning.

Furthermore, my understanding of how business markets and leadership works has deepened significantly since my graduation. This knowledge has served as a protective shield against the pessimism that can sometimes affect those without such a formal education. By having a better grasp of business dynamics, I can maintain a more balanced and realistic perspective on market trends and industry shifts.

I would unequivocally say that I would go through the same educational journey again, as the experience has provided me with numerous opportunities and valuable skills that have shaped my career.

Academic and Professional Challenges

While I can attest that my skills learned as an internetworking major have been directly applicable in only one position, it is important to note that having an undergraduate degree from Strayer University has not only opened doors to a myriad of job opportunities but also provided a stepping stone for further education. In fact, I already possessed a PhD before pursuing my MBA from Strayer University, using my tuition discount to acquire the additional degree. This decision has paid off tremendously, as it has opened up various opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible to me.

One of the most significant benefits of my MBA degree is the enhanced skill set it has bestowed upon me. For instance, I have been able to teach a Marketing course due to my marketing qualifications, which not only benefits my institution but also provides me with additional income. As an administrator, I can now cover a broader range of classes, which is invaluable given the sometimes unpredictable nature of university schedules.

In addition to teaching, my MBA has significantly improved my Excel skills, which is crucial for mid-level management. The finance and accounting classes I took have pushed me to elevate my Excel proficiency and to structure reports more effectively. The enhanced analytical skills have also been instrumental in understanding and interpreting key metrics, which is critical for making informed decisions at the managerial level.

Besides the technical skills, I have gained a better understanding of business ratios, which are essential for providing context to business metrics. A decent understanding of these ratios helps in interpreting data more accurately and making more informed business decisions. This has been particularly useful in my professional capacity as a manager, where having a solid foundation in financial and economic ratios often means being in a better position to anticipate and address organizational challenges.

In my MBA capstone class, I had the opportunity to take the Peregrine Assessment, which is a standardized cumulative assessment. I scored in the 68th percentile nationally, which is a testament to the quality of education and the rigorous nature of the program. While I may not have impressed some of the more prestigious MBA programs like Stanford or Penn, the gauge provided me with a sense of achievement and allowed me to compare myself with a diverse range of MBA graduates.

Overall, my experience at Strayer University has been immensely beneficial, offering a range of skills and opportunities that have positively impacted my career.