Erika’s Tips
Erika’s tips for women considering an MBA:
#1: Just do it! Many women want to feel fully qualified before jumping into something. That never really stopped a guy, and that’s why you go to school anyway — to learn something you don’t already know. Before starting the Program, I had some self-limiting fears around what I didn’t know. At Kenan-Flagler, I gained confidence. I learned that we’re all in the same boat. I learned to network and find the answers. And I learned that it’s not how much you know but how you apply it that really counts. If I had waited until I was ‘ready’, I’d still be waiting.
#2: Don’t compare yourself to other MBA candidates. You’re chosen for your ability to make a unique contribution. There is only healthy competition at UNC Kenan-Flagler — people want to share their experiences and knowledge to help each other grow.
#3: Be prepared to come face to face with yourself. Yes, that’s a difficult visual image to get a hold of. But while you’re in the Program, you’ll find out how others see you. And it can be a humbling experience. Before I started the Program, if you had asked me if I was a team player, I would have said “Absolutely!” The truth is, I wasn’t. I was very career self-centered. In the MBA for Executives Program, I learned what teamwork really is. Each of us had to recognize our strengths, admit our shortcomings, and use that knowledge to work together toward a goal. That’s where growth comes in, not just in knowledge, but self-knowledge. It’s priceless.
#4: Be tenacious. Expect challenges along the way. That’s what makes life interesting. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Don’t give up.
#5: Be able to laugh at sticky situations. And — most of all — at yourself.
#6: If all else fails, there’s always the vending machine!
