CBS Local recently spoke with Kevin Stevens, a graduate of the MBA program at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business about the benefits of an MBA.
Currently, Stevens works as a commercial product market manager for Choose Energy. When he chose to pursue his master’s degree, Stevens was the only one of his four immediate family members who had earned their undergraduate degree. The decision to continue his education came as the result of a promise to his mother that she would see him walk across the stage at a graduation ceremony. (Stevens skipped graduation for his undergraduate degree.)
In discussing the biggest challenge he faced while pursuing his MBA, Stevens talks about the balance of work, home life and school. Lucky for Stevens, his position at Choose Energy allowed a great amount of flexibility, as his supervisors were supportive and encouraging throughout the process of earning his master’s degree. However, Stevens also emphasizes the importance of making time for family and friends while in school.
The interview concludes with Stevens’ discussion of the benefits of an MBA. He states that while the answers are limitless, one of the most important benefits of a master’s degree is the new opportunities made available to you. Choose Energy, Stevens says, offered him new opportunities related to his studies while he was in school and continues to present him with new challenges now that he has his degree. This has allowed his career to move and grow in unexpected directions. Furthermore, opportunities unrelated to his career—such as the chance to travel to Asia as part of his MBA—have become an integral part of Stevens’ life.