Getting Up and Out: How Education Spurred Two Life-Changing Decisions

About the Author

Hattie is a writer and researcher living in Boise, Idaho, with a varied background in education and sports journalism. She holds an MBA and has experience as an electronic content manager and analyst for a government agency.

Education and Career Development

Education can have a profound impact on one's career, sometimes opening doors and other times closing them. The author reflects on their own experience and that of a friend, Stephanie, who faced similar challenges in their careers. Stephanie, a fire plans examiner, had hit a glass ceiling in her profession and decided to pursue an electrical engineering degree to advance her career.

Overcoming Obstacles

Stephanie's journey to completing her degree took nine years, during which she balanced work and raising two young children. Despite the challenges, she eventually finished her degree and found herself over-qualified for her job. The author, inspired by Stephanie's story, decided to pursue an MBA to add a challenge to their own career. However, they soon realized that their educational ambitions had become a barrier to career development within their former organization.

Finding New Opportunities

Both the author and Stephanie found that their education ultimately led them to new and better opportunities. Stephanie now works as an Electrical Control Engineer at a prominent Idaho engineering firm, while the author works for a local tech startup. The author credits their MBA experience with helping them discover their dream job and find a new sense of purpose.

Lessons Learned

The author and Stephanie's experiences highlight the importance of careful planning and research when pursuing higher education. Stephanie noted that if she had to do it again, she would choose a school that specialized in engineering and offered programs for non-traditional students. The author's story serves as a reminder that education can be a powerful tool for career development, but it's essential to be aware of the potential challenges and opportunities that come with it.