Reflective Essay: A Career As An Activist

When I graduated University of Arizona in 2007, I thought I was done with school. I did not need any further accreditations or degrees, what I had completed thus far was enough to get me a job I desired and experience in the workplace would take over from there. Being in the workforce for almost 10 years now, I have realized my previous notions were naïve and narrow minded, but what did I know at 22?
I finished college with a degree in Family Studies and Human Development wanting to work with special needs children teaching them not only classroom type lessons, but more importantly how to be an independent and self-reliant person in the world. I took great pride in helping provide these children tools for success in the future. After a year,
the physical, emotional and financial stress of the job was overwhelming and I knew I need to make a career change.
My father has worked in Insurance since he finished his undergrad decades ago. Growing up, I never fully understood what he did as insurance is really only a promise to defend and provide financial assistance when something bad happens. Realizing I need to find a new career path, I asked him to give me insight into that world and see if I fit into it. He made it seem like I place where I could learn and grow that also had the potential for a long career and I jumped at the chance.
I began my career in Insurance in Marketing learning the in’s and out’s of how the business worked. I was in that position for 4 years waiting for my time to get into the area I really wanted, Underwriting. In Underwriting you review a risk and all the exposures that factor into it and determine whether or not I want to write the risk. I was a fast learner and worked up the ranks within the Underwriting Department quickly reaching a Supervisor role within 3 years which is where I am today.
As an Underwriting Supervisor I am in charge of an entire area of the country consisting of 5 employees, 55 contracted Agents and over $63 million dollars in premium.
It is my job to ensure my employees are trained properly to underwrite a risk that is profitable for our Company and provide input to our Senior Leaders if I see any changes that need to be made. Working in this role, I have found that my skill as an Underwriter is there, but my skill in the financials, reports and overall business sense is lacking. Acknowledging this and knowing that in order to further succeed I need to further my education to achieve my goals. Getting my MBA is what I need in order to take my career to the next level achieving Senior Management level and beyond.
In both my personal and professional life, I have always been good at managing many tasks at once. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I prioritize and tackle each item or problem when they come. When I have a work or personal project that requires extended time and focus, I provide myself with the tools and availability necessary to succeed. Having the ability to complete an MBA degree fully online comes at a great advantage because I do travel for work and it would allow me to not miss any classes or cause me to put my education
second.
After a decade in the work force, I have come to realize that in order for me succeed and achieve my career goals, an MBA is not only an advantage, but a necessity. I believe at this current stage in my life and my career is when I should be entering school again. I am mature and stable enough to take on the added responsibility. I acknowledge the commitment it will take in order for me to complete my degree, but I know what it will mean for my future and I am ready to take it head on to achieve this great goal of mine.