She Strengthens

The Unexpected Journey of Self-Discovery

A Degree of Uncertainty

Three years ago, I embarked on a part-time MBA program, hoping it would be the solution to my imposter syndrome. I thought it would give me the authority and sense of accomplishment I desperately craved. But, after burnout, stress, and several much-needed breaks, I realized that pursuing an MBA was not the silver bullet I had hoped for.

A Quarter-Life Crisis

Like many in their late 20s, I experienced a quarter-life crisis. My high-paying jobs in the Middle East didn’t translate to a satisfying role in the UK, leaving me struggling to find my place. I thought an MBA would be the answer, but I chose to pursue it from a place of fear and insecurity, seeking validation rather than focusing on my strengths.

The Naive Decision

Studying for an MBA without a business background and after a six-year hiatus from further education was perhaps the most naive, yet bravest, thing I’ve ever done. It’s both my best and worst decision. I had no idea what I was getting into, and I was hyper-focused on what I couldn’t do, rather than what I could.

The Struggle is Real

Immediately, I was out of my depth, struggling to understand coursework and balance paying work. I took on jobs I wasn’t sure about, and my decisions were based around a degree I didn’t enjoy, which was slowly draining my life and bank account. I felt like I worked every evening and weekend, crying before project deadlines. My insecurities were more exposed than ever, and I became self-critical.

A Change of Heart

Eventually, I took a semester off, and the weight off my shoulders was immense. When I returned to my studies, I began to feel resentful of the mountain of work I was climbing. But then I realized that I couldn’t push myself any further; I had spread myself too thin. I took a step back, and my approach changed. I gave myself permission to study in a relaxed environment, posted about my progress on social media, and co-founded a part-time startup focused on confidence, leadership, and culture.

A Roundabout Solution

In a roundabout way, the MBA has diluted my imposter syndrome. Not because I now know everything, but because I’ve learned that there isn’t one way to do things. I’ve realized that even those I look up to don’t have all the answers, and it’s not holding them back. My definition of success has changed; I’ve come to accept that I’m capable, even when I don’t know what I’m doing.

Would I Do it Again?

If I had a time machine, I wouldn’t choose an MBA again. It’s too generalist for me when I want to be specific, and too specific when I want to be a generalist. I’d invest in a sought-after technical skill, like data analytics, instead. While MBAs may have prestige, I think they’re on their way out, and the business world is changing too quickly.

The Finishing Line

I’ve just started my last module, and I’m nearing the finishing line. Finally, after all this time, I can see the end in sight. I’m excited to close this chapter and move on to the next.