My MBA Journey: Why I Chose to Pursue an MBA (At Age 36 & Abroad)

Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Senior Manager Pursues MBA to Propel Career Despite Challenges

In a remarkable career move, Erin Gulyas, a senior manager at a health insurance company, has decided to pursue her MBA despite being in her mid-thirties and having two young children. Gulyas believes that enhancing her business acumen and soft skills is crucial for advancing her career and making impactful decisions that drive companies forward.

Having consulted her husband, who recently graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree, Gulyas made the bold decision to pursue her MBA internationally. After careful consideration, Canada emerged as the ideal destination, with the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management offering excellent career outcomes, an extensive alumni network, and a special emphasis on brand management.

While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, such as tackling the GMAT, arranging tuition, and uprooting their lives to start afresh in a different country, Gulyas and her husband remain determined to make it work. They view this decision as an investment in themselves and their future, recognizing the potential the MBA program holds for their personal and professional growth.

Currently enrolled at the University of Toronto, Gulyas is already two months into her MBA program. Describing the journey as a process of self-discovery and continuous learning, she brings with her a solid background of 13 years in advertising and marketing. Having worked as a copywriter at prestigious advertising agencies and companies in New Zealand and the United States, Gulyas hopes to leverage her extensive experience to excel in her MBA studies.

Driven by the belief that pursuing her MBA will unlock new opportunities and lead to a brighter future, Gulyas remains optimistic about the outcomes of her decision. With her determination, experience, and the support of her family, she is ready to face the challenges head-on and emerge as a successful business leader.

By sharing her story, Gulyas hopes to inspire others who may be contemplating an MBA at a later stage in their careers. She hopes to prove that age and family commitments should never be deterrents when it comes to pursuing higher education and seeking personal and professional advancement.

As Gulyas continues her journey at the University of Toronto, she stands as a shining example of someone unafraid to take risks and invest in self-improvement. The path ahead may be challenging, but her unwavering dedication and inspiring story will undoubtedly fuel her success in the MBA program and beyond.