Emily Wood’s Post

Years ago, I cannot recall precisely when I quietly set a goal to obtain a Master's degree. Fear crept in as I started considering enrolling. How could I go to school while working full-time and starting a family? Eventually, I realized there would never be a "good time" to return to school. I enrolled. I knew juggling my responsibilities and career obligations would be challenging while reading textbooks and writing papers, and it is, yet it is also fulfilling to be working toward a personal goal.  There are countless reasons for not doing something that scares us, yet if we focus on all the reasons we should, we may achieve something beyond our expectations. As a goal-oriented person, it was about accomplishing something I had always wanted to do while setting myself up to capitalize on career progression opportunities. While there are days that are difficult to get it all done, it has been rewarding to show my daughters - and myself - that we can set and achieve goals at any age; I look forward to graduating in 2024.   (I'm soooo excited you are pursuing your master's! Cheers to believing in yourself and taking that leap!)

I decided to go back to earn my MBA this year to prove to myself that I can succeed in school. I faced many hardships during my undergrad, therefore, I earned a low GPA. This became an insecurity and I carried so much shame. Today, I have a 4.0 in my graduate program. Don’t let your undergraduate experience hold you back from trying school again. You are in a much different place today (mentally and financially). You deserve a second chance.

I got both masters degrees as a working professional and mom! I continue to obtain certifications to this day. I do this because its important to me!! I want to continue to learn, improve, and be the best version of myself. These educational gifts have allowed me to grow in my career and as a person which has allowed me the opportunity to do well, be well, and give back. My advice to others would be to just do it. You will never regret learning and education can never be taken away!! Bonus tip - share your experience with your team/supervisor - the support will help when needed (hopefully). Go you!!!

I was able to obtain my Master’s Degree over the course of two years (graduated 2017) as a working mom of three. I also obtained several certifications over the course of my career as I have worked full time. My advice is that you should never stop learning. You will change as you grow in your career, and so should your learning. Identify what could give you a boost for a next step in your career or what might benefit you in your current (or next) role, and go after it. Find a program and schedule that works for you. Take your time. Ask your family / friends for support. Celebrate every step along the way - especially when you complete your program.

I applied to grad school and was accepted and then got pregnant a month later (after 5 years of trying and giving up). So I worked full-time, went to grad school full-time all while pregnant and then with an infant at home. I finished my Masters in 2020, which added homeschooling my kiddos to the list of responsibilities. I won’t lie, it was daunting and looking back I don’t know how I did it all. But I’m so proud of my accomplishment and modeling perseverance to my daughters. My husband and children supported me and gave me grace when I spent every Sunday at Starbucks cranking out papers and reading text books. I had to separate school, work and home to be able to pull it off.

Working on my research of finding meaningful work as my dissertation for a PhD from Drake. My decision to get the PhD was to close literature gap of lack of voices from Asian American and especially the American Asian Indian diaspora and the journey from Asia to America. Being a Working professional and pursuing a PhD is extremely difficult but not impossible. Prioritizing work, school work and raising extraordinary toddlers , sacrifices..was a path which does not come with a playbook for any of those spaces. Supportive peers, partners, and tons of self determination were some of the reasons why I continued to complete the program. Now, On my final leg of research!! And I am amazed at how much I have learned, grown and contributed to my work and community. Reach out if you like to chat Emily Wood

Hi Emily! A small restructuring within our company moved my role from marketing to HR. I realized I loved the new focus and decided to lean into the department change. I pursued my SHRM certification to feel confident with solid foundational knowledge, knowing that I was passionate about this new direction and would want to pursue growth in this field. I am so thrilled that I did it and love the education and connections that my certification has provided. It felt overwhelming to take on extra as a full-time working mom. My advice would be to join a network--whether that is in your current job or organization, the university or professional society, or an online community, that will help support you and keep you accountable. There is nothing like the comradery and support of someone pursuing the same goal.

I started my PhD in 2016 and completed in 2020. A FANTASTIC decision! Good luck with your article. I not only expanded my knowledge and skillset, I met amazing colleagues who are still valuable members of my professional and personal circle today. Additionally, the additional degree was a critical component of obtaining my current role.

Christen Bain You'd be great! [Edited: Emily, not sure if this is purely to advance in a role; Christen switched to a totally different career path.]