Image from Commercial Debt Consultants.
With the signing of some tuition reimbursement papers, this entry into graduate school is quickly becoming "real".
This is an excerpt from an e-mail I sent to a friend about going to school:
I have decided to take the plunge and start BGI this fall. I have to admit that I am a bit worried since I am doing this as somewhat of a "Maverick" [bad word?]. My manager understands my desire to pursue an advanced degree, but I have only been on board since last December and I have not established my street cred as deeply as I would like. That said, if I cannot convince people internally that we have to take action regarding sustainable biz, then it's really not the right place for me anyway. In a perfect world, I'd be in an org. that wants to pursue susbiz and I would be the investment/catalyst with management buy-in. On the other hand, I think this will be a good management and political learning experience that will serve me well in the future. I can completely understand his concern for my overcommitment to school & work...and he has been open and honest with his thoughts that if he perceives that I am slacking with work, it will be time to make a choice. I am planning NOT to reach that point. For once, I am optimistic and excited...though bouts of anxiety creep into my consciousness almost daily.Some "real world" comments from my manager boils down to this (I have paraphrased):
I have...concerns about your ability to devote the effort needed for BOTH this academic pursuit and your job...If this interferes with your job, I will likely ask you to choose between continued employment and this program.His comments are completely fair. He is ultimately responsible for hitting revenue targets for the company, therefore, as a good functional manager, he is focused on that goal. It's his responsibility to keep me on task as well. I am very grateful for his support, considering I am a relatively new employee. I guess I am stupid enough to give this a go. Heck, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
1 comment:
Hardly a "little stupid." More intelligent than most and going after something is courageous and commendable. I am a fan and look forward to future tales of how you will make a difference with what you learn. You're a champ Wayne-O!
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