As I start my third year in the PMBA program, I have started to reflect on the many things I have learned and I realize that the past 2 years went by pretty quickly. Now that my degree program is in its final stretch, I am looking at where I want to be after I graduate. I didn’t start this program to stay in my current position, I am learning all of these things to advance my career.
This past week, I had the unique opportunity to apply for a promotion in my department. One of our managers is leaving and the management team is looking for a replacement. An email went out to all employees in our department asking for applicants. Opportunity for advancement was knocking and I had to answer the door. I pulled up my resume and began looking it over, making sure it didn’t need to be updated. I also answered the short questions that were part of the application. It was while I was completing the application that I realized how much I have learned in my management classes: Business Writing, Strategic Management, Managing People, Leadership and Ethics all directly apply to the new position in my department. In addition, courses like Practice of Management: Consulting, Marketing Management, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Finance, Accounting (Internal and External), Business Statistics, and Process Modeling were courses that would give me an edge over other applicants in my department.
Overall, I think the interview went well. Having worked with all of the people on the management team for a few years, it was much more informal than other interviews. The key to the interview was to demonstrate that I was the “best fit” for the job. While I do not know the results of the interview yet, I had a very strong interview. In the end, it is up to the managers to determine who possess the skills they need for their team.
Since I started my program, I have been focused on getting through school. Now, as I see the light at the end of the tunnel, I realize that I will have my MBA and I have been fortunate enough to continue to work in my career as I earn my degree. It takes a lot of time, but I am now beginning to see the return on my investment. Even if I do not get the promotion in my department, opportunity is knocking on my door and I know I am prepared to meet it.
Freeman School PMBA Candidate
