When you hear “back to school,” your mind probably jumps to new lunchboxes, noisy school buses, and long supply lists. But for me, this fall’s back-to-school season looks a little different — it means starting my MBA.
Yep. At 30-something, I’m headed back to the (virtual) classroom.
It’s not about chasing a degree just for the letters behind my name. This decision came from a deep place of wanting to grow, stretch, and build something meaningful — not just for my career, but for myself.
Why I Chose to Go Back Now
I’ve spent years building experience in healthcare, higher education, and project management. Along the way, I’ve worn a lot of hats — problem-solver, collaborator, strategist, creative. But the more I leaned into leadership roles and long-term planning, the more I realized: I wanted a stronger foundation in business to tie it all together.
Getting an MBA wasn’t on my radar in my 20s. But now, I see it as a tool to elevate what I already bring to the table — and open doors I couldn’t access before. It’s not a pivot, it’s a level-up.
What It’s Like Going Back to School as an Adult
It’s equal parts exciting and intimidating. I’m not the same person I was during undergrad — and that’s actually a good thing.
I know how I learn best now. I’m better at setting boundaries and managing my time. I’ve got real-world context to apply what I’m learning — and that makes everything feel more relevant.
But I’d be lying if I said there weren’t nerves, too. Balancing full-time work, personal goals, and grad school won’t be easy. There are doubts. There’s imposter syndrome. But there’s also clarity, and a whole lot of motivation.
How I’m Preparing for the Semester
I’m approaching this season of life like any project: with intention, systems, and a solid checklist.
- Creating a dedicated study space that feels calm, functional, and inspiring
- Mapping out weekly time blocks so nothing (and no one) gets lost in the shuffle
- Making mindset shifts — less perfection, more progress
- Giving myself grace on the tough days, because they will come
I’m also reminding myself that I don’t have to do this alone. Leaning on my support system — including other adult learners — is part of what makes this journey sustainable.
What I Hope to Gain
Yes, there are career benefits to earning an MBA — expanded opportunities, increased confidence in business settings, and better positioning for leadership roles. But honestly? This is about more than work.
It’s about honoring the part of me that’s still curious. The part that wants to grow. The part that doesn’t believe it’s ever too late to learn something new, challenge yourself, or build the life you want.
Final Thoughts: Your Back-to-School Might Look Different, Too
You don’t have to be enrolled in a degree program to have a “back-to-school” moment. Maybe this season is calling you to pick up a new hobby, invest in professional development, or simply revisit goals you’ve put on the back burner.
Whatever it is — lean into it.
Back to school isn’t just for kids. It’s for anyone brave enough to begin again.
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