–Heidi Stoltzfus McHugh, ’17
Business and corporations often assume blame for what is wrong in the world, and the behavior of some regularly contributes to this perception. As someone who spent a majority of her career in the for-profit corporate world in companies from 4 to 1,000+ employees, I know this to be an incomplete narrative. In fact, I continue to believe that business can be part of the solution.
Before children and the ubiquity of online programs, I looked into some MBA programs. The thought of regularly driving 1 – 2 hours for class with an unexciting curriculum, in addition to working full-time, was unappealing. About a decade and two children later, I again considered a master degree, this time in communication and other related areas. However, I was encouraged by some intelligent women in my life to consider an MBA because it was likely to provide a broader range of opportunities.
Then a postcard from Goshen College describing the Collaborative MBA program fortuitously arrived in my mailbox. I hadn’t realized that such a program and curriculum existed. I knew that the Big Ten schools I had considered would give me the credentials to help advance my career. However, I believed my opportunities for personal growth would be more superficial and may not provide me with the tools I really wanted to use in my career to do good in the world.
I had many concerns as I pursued going back to school, time being a big one. My life was already full with a husband and two children under ten, a job, and a commitment in a volunteer church conference leadership role. I knew starting this program was right for me, but I had to begin to let go of worries:
Most of all I had to let go of the fear of not being enough at all times as a mother, student, wife, friend, and employee. I entered the program as a leap of faith.
I found I was able to apply knowledge from each class in work settings. Then, when I was over halfway through the program, I changed careers. I believe my new employer took a chance on me in part because of the degree I was pursuing, but also because of the work and attention required to attain the degree.
I went into the first residency with plenty of apprehension. I came out of the program with a degree, a diverse cohort of friends and colleagues, and valuable experience and resources from which to draw as I work within my own organizational context to be part of the solution for a healthier and just world.
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