In 2024, I graduated with my MBA, and it’s left me thinking, “Now what?” It’s certainly been helpful on my career, but as I’m approaching the end of my subsequent master’s degree, I’ve been reflecting on what this entire program has meant for me.
What Did I Learn?
As you might expect, the coursework focused heavily on business fundamentals. I sharpened my ability to apply frameworks and mental models that break down how a company functions, teaching me broadly how to think. More concretely, I learned how to analyze operations by looking at the numbers—whether that involves data analysis or crunching financial statements. My grasp of finance, in particular, became deeper with every class, though that might have been a result of having great professors in this area.
We also examined how to launch a company from the ground up in my entrepreneurship class. From filing legal documents, to establishing sources of revenue, to structuring a leadership team, the process became a tangible roadmap. I also learned how to use AI tools effectively, but that more led to debates with professors who seemed to believe AI could solve every problem in existence. I’m not anti AI, but I lie somewhere in the middle between a luddite and a cautious optimist.
Another surprise was a class on law, which coincided with starting to date my girlfriend who is in law school. Suddenly, I was avidly interested in legal topics out of a sense of wanting to talk shop with her. Nevertheless, an MBA teaches you little about a lot, providing an overview into many business topics and establishing a foundation for many career paths.
Are Job Prospects Any Better?
An MBA doesn’t hand you a golden ticket to employment, but it does open doors to conversations you might not have otherwise. The network I built through my cohort and professors has been invaluable. One professor even hired me for a freelance project at a nonprofit, which served as a springboard for additional opportunities, and I’ve just recently gotten some promising full-time job prospects.
I would not say recruiters are racing to offer positions, seeing as the Bay Area has a horrendous job market, but the program boosted my confidence in presenting my skills and showed me how to create opportunities when they are not immediately apparent. In a sense, I have become a better salesperson for my own career, better equipped to create and capitalize on opportunities.
Am I a Better Person—or at Least a Better Employee?
Becoming a better person is subjective, but I can confidently say I grew into a stronger, more resilient employee. In early 2022, I was in a rough spot: laid off, stuck in an abysmal job search, newly single, and slowly drifting away from many friends. The MBA gave structure to a life that felt like treading water.
Spending time in class and being a leader on tough projects reminded me that I am intelligent! Some friends like to joke that I’m an “academic weapon” because I consistently approach the top scores in my classes and am solid at both writing and presenting. Beyond grades, I found genuine friendship—bonds that have lasted well beyond group assignments. That renewed sense of belonging and the realization that I have value to share made me feel more purposeful and far more supported than I had felt in a long time.
It’s a Revolving Door, Actually
After finishing the MBA, I chose to pursue an MS in Financial Analytics. Most of my previous credentials leaned toward soft skills, and I wanted something more quantitative. Finance crosses every industry, so it seemed wise to add that dimension to my resume. The MSFA is also only 7 extra classes on top of the MBA, so it’s a light additional course load for two semesters—though I’ve had many administrative headaches with the university, like double-charged tuition fees.
How Would I Re-Do College and Grad School?
If I could redo my educational path knowing I’d end up doing an MBA and MSFA, I’d likely do my undergrad education totally differently. For instance, I likely would have double-majored in Music and Japanese rather than only minoring in them alongside marketing, or I might have double majored in a hard science (e.g. Computer Science) and a more “artistic” option. Maybe I would minor in marketing, film, economics, or entrepreneurship to keep a business background
I also wish I had embraced content creation much earlier. My most valuable marketing abilities—like understanding audience engagement—came from my experience on YouTube rather than from marketing lectures. Working at the Apple Store during undergrad (I worked there for 3 days over the summer before getting a different job offer) could have been another interesting route, given the great benefits and relatively high pay.
In retrospect, I see how layering creative and artistic pursuits on top of business skills can lead to a richer perspective. Still, I won’t dwell on what-ifs at the expense of appreciating what I gained. I met wonderful people and discovered my strengths in the process, which is more valuable to me than any hypothetical “perfect” path.
So, was the MBA worth it? Absolutely—it pushed me out of my comfort zone, introduced me to new kinds of thinking, and helped me rediscover a sense of direction. Sure, I learned a lot more about business and finance, but the real payoff has been a stronger sense of self and a community of friends who challenge and encourage me. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Andy Cormier 