Mario Andres D’Amato: ‘With my working experience I was able to apply immediately what I have been learning in the program, contribute actively to classes with a solid point of view and perspective, and learn from my colleagues around the world in a safe environment.’
4. I Am Too Old For An EMBA
“Before going back to school, I received several times a comment that could be considered a myth: with my age, I may be late to get an MBA and get the most value possible from the program. If you have received this feedback, it is never too late to learn! With my working experience I was able to apply immediately what I have been learning in the program, contribute actively to classes with a solid point of view and perspective, and learn from my colleagues around the world in a safe environment. I firmly believe that this program has made me a better leader and professional.” – Mario Andres D’Amato, Duke University (Fuqua)
“Myth: The degree I earn will not benefit me and it would be harder to learn/stay motivated at my age.
“Reality: This was different for me because the Oxford EMBA program flung me way out of my comfort Zone. As a lawyer, I do NOT do calculations, so imagine how out of depth I was on my first day in an analytics class. However, learning about business finance, accounting, micro and macro economics, and private equity have greatly impacted the way I converse with my colleagues from finance, sales or commercial departments at work. I now understand numbers and can hold conversations that sounded alien to me before the EMBA program.” – Madonna Okpaleke, University of Oxford (Saïd)
“The biggest myth about going back to school was that there was no point in going back to graduate school now that I’m older. Yes, business school comes with a cost, but it is more of an investment in your future than a burden, regardless of age. Stress does not automatically mean distress. We all know it’s in times of pressure that we can become the best version of ourselves. Just as in the gym, we get stronger when we can lift heavy weights, right? There were days I showed up with a full tank and ready to give 100%, and there were other times I only had an empty tank and had to be towed by my teammates.” – Pierre S. Aristide, Rice University (Jones)
5. I Am Too Dumb For An EMBA
Jessica Stark: ‘Do you remember the fear you had as a kid or teenager that you would say something dumb in school and the whole class would laugh at you? That’s the fear I thought I would face coming back to school.’
“Do you remember the fear you had as a kid or teenager that you would say something dumb in school and the whole class would laugh at you? That’s the fear I thought I would face coming back to school, that I would be too terrified of other students judging my questions or thoughts. But that fear completely melted away in the first class. I immediately knew that everyone was so open to hearing new ideas and thoughts and that I would never have to be afraid to speak my mind.” – Jessica Stark, Duke University (Fuqua)
6. Life Experience Is The Only Teacher That Matters
“One of the biggest myths around going back to school is that most of what is taught in class can be learnt through real-life experiences. This is true. However, I also believe that one need not make all mistakes to learn from them. Going back to school does not guarantee that we will not make mistakes, but it does ensure that we learn from the mistakes others have made before us.” Chinmayee Prasad, London Business School
7. Learning To Study Again Is Difficult
“The biggest myth was that learning how to study again would be one of the hardest parts. Starting the program, I was prepared for the workload, extremely motivated, and excited to be a student again. I was able to hit the ground running on coursework. What’s more difficult is making a conscious effort to keep that motivation throughout the program. For me, this required checking in with myself to ensure I was reaching the goals I set when entering the program.” – Dana Drouillard, Michigan State (Broad)
NEXT PAGE: More Myths From Top EMBA Candidates
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