I was having the conversation with a classmate the other day about trying to take Capstone, our final class in our MBA program, this spring quarter. I know a few people who are taking it in spring so there is incentive (it’s a team-based course). However, I would have to change my schedule a bit and take an extra course next quarter to finish all my requirements in time. Or, if I really wanted to get in on spring, I could have taken just one of my remaining three required, core courses this quarter and been all set.
However, it makes me wonder about the timing of the program, and the sense of urgency to just get it over with. This goes hand in hand with previous posts about why I choose certain classes taught by certain professors over the same course by a different one and my progress thus far. I don’t feel a particular urgency to get the program done, though I will admit that I’m getting a bit jaded lately and the fatigue of going to classes at night after working a full day is not something I will miss when I am done.
But, with a course as important as Capstone, it’s rather important for me to make sure I have a professor from whom I will learn a great deal, and with whom I will be able to create a solid business plan (that’s the real purpose of the course). So making sure that I take courses such that I can take Capstone at my earliest possible moment…not so sure about that. I’m pretty comfortable setting myself up for Fall term for Capstone (though I hope I know some folks in the class).
I’m also quite lucky – my work will start paying for up to 2 classes per quarter starting next term, and that is a benefit I want to take advantage of for at least 2-3 terms. It gives me the freedom to wait until the right Capstone professor comes along. Few enjoy this option. But even those that do, many are determined to power through as quickly as possible.
The MBA will come in time. Instead of 2 years I’m looking at 2.5. Almost certainly less than 3. That’s pretty okay with me.