Personal Perspective Mba500

Personal Perspective Paper

"How did you decide to pursue your MBA?"

"What do you expect to gain from completing your MBA program?"

October 30, 2007

University of Phoenix

Personal Perspective Paper

The decision to pursue my Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree came about through introspective analysis. Recently, a general malaise forced me to critically examine my life since leaving the military five years ago. This self-examination and candid feedback from family led me to conclude that earning an MBA would stimulate personal growth and prepare me professionally for future success.

I retired from the Navy in 2002 after a tremendous 20 year career. I am proud of my service yet remember humbly the courage and wisdom of inspirational leaders and distinguished colleagues. The Navy was very good to me.

Although I have a wonderful job, my professional life since retirement seems less fulfilling and more mechanical. I am stuck, nostalgically longing for the excitement and camaraderie of Navy days. Rather than simply aging, I find myself getting old - anchored in what once was rather than growing toward what could be. At 44 years old, I refuse to accept that my finest moments are in the past, fading memories of adventure on the open sea.

Consequently, I have decided to re-invent myself before I became another fixture at the VFW swapping lies with other old Sailors. My wife, Sylvia, and I discussed this desire to shake things up at length while on vacation last August but struggled to settle on the method.

While visiting Alaska, I was struck by the majesty of Mendenhall glacier.