Personal Perspective

In this personal perspective, I will explain some of the important reasons why I decided to pursue my M.B.A as well as what my expectations are once I have completed the program.

I decided to get my M.B.A. because I was finally ready to make a serious change in my life. This epiphany was due to a culmination of professional life experiences, which consisted of missed opportunities in mildly related and unfulfilling jobs and the responsibilities tied to them.

I have learned over these past two decades that life presents many challenges. Whether it be relationships or management, certain elements or variables need to be in place for opportunities to present themselves. In relationships, I have learned when both parties are emotionally ready and committed to succeed; there is a better chance for success. In management, one must possess the necessary tools and skills that are commensurate with the role.

I have been an employee of Ameritrade Inc. Inc. for over six years. I am currently in a Supervisory role within Resolution Services, which is a subset of Risk Operations. During the past two years, I have challenged myself to seek additional responsibilities as my day-to-day responsibilities have become somewhat mechanical. I have also learned from previous positions prior to my tenure at Ameritrade Inc. that once I am no longer challenged, it is time to move on. My initial perceptions on advancement were; since I know the product, the people, policies in my current role in Risk Operations, I should be able to walk into a management position. However, after several failed attempts to reach middle management, I began to evaluate my own qualifications. By observing others who succeeded in career advancement, I began to see trends in what senior management was looking for in a leader. Ameritrade Inc. chooses leaders, who have the ability to motivate, think critically, understand a business cycle, negotiate and communicate effectively. It was also during the same self-analysis that I came to the realization that I did not possess several of these qualities. The only way I was going to effectively learn them, was to enter into an M.B.A program. Here is where the process for me began. I began weighing the pros and cons of earning an M.B.A. and evaluated the obstacles that stood in between. There were three distinct concerns; could I commit the necessary time since