Today I received my degree certificate in the mail and it led me to thinking that I’m glad I had more business experience before pursuing my MBA. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t consciously decide to defer graduate school… I simply didn’t have the ambition to go after an advanced degree when I finished undergrad. But now, having just completed the Santa Clara University EMBA program at the age of 37, I think the lessons I learned over the last 2+ years are more meaningful and practical than if I had been exposed to the same teaching 10-15 years earlier.

Just out of school 3 months, I find I’m employing a whole range of approaches and techniques in interesting ways at work. So I’m immediately employing my learnings in my already-established career. I’m finding my level of analysis has deepened and I’ve matured in other ways thanks to the leadership skills I’ve acquired through this academic experience.

I’ve also learned much more about myself and can more accurately define the type of work I want to do, the type of company I want to work for, and the type of opportunities I am capable of aggressively pursuing. Fortunately, I’m finding there are worthy options available and my new degree has given me greater confidence in my capabilities in both known and unknown spaces.

I have great admiration for one of my friends from school. He not only decided to change jobs… he changes careers and industries. Bravo to you Mike… you are a brave one. I suspect Mike and many of my other Bronco brothers & sisters would echo the benefits I’ve expressed regarding getting a graduate degree when you are middle aged.