Dallas CEO Says, M.B.A. Opened The Door To His Dream Job
Ernie Cote is the CEO for ChemicalInfo, an online service critical to helping chemical and pharmaceutical companies make informed sourcing decisions and expand their market share through highly qualified sales leads.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I had a successful career in sales, but knew that I wanted to do more. I wanted to be in an executive leadership position and getting a master's degree would be required. I recognized my strengths and weaknesses; sales and marketing capabilities and people leadership were my strengths, but understanding the financial side of businesses was my weakness. I knew an M.B.A. would shore that up for me, and it did."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Consider why you want it, and have a plan to do something with it quickly. If you're getting it just to learn, that is terrific. If you're doing it for a professional reason, then map it out and act on it. I communicated what I was learning to my employer and made it clear the M.B.A. was part of my desire to advance. I actively sought out opportunities to advance. I didn't wait for them to come because I suddenly had an M.B.A.."
"It's what you do with the additional education that matters, not just having 'It.' If you slow down at work because you're 'getting your masters', then you've missed the point. I love knowing employees are seeking out educational opportunities and have a desire to advance. That gets my attention, but an employee dropping the ball at work because school got in the way also gets attention from me that they don't want. The same goes with your family; if you damage relationships because of school, you're a fool. Prioritize what's important. For me it was family, then work, then school. I didn't have the best grades in the class, but I graduated with my family proudly watching and I got a promotion soon thereafter."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Balance. I was traveling with work, had two small kids and in class or studying all weekend. Glad I did it, and glad it's over."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"It's twofold. First, I have the job I dreamed of. I love being responsible for a team, establishing the culture, earning the respect and the rewards for good company performance, and owning up to and addressing poor performance. Secondly, I have a new level of confidence. I am rarely the smartest guy in the room, and I know that. But, I don't have to be. As a result of my experience, and my master's, I can 'hang with' the smartest in the room, hold my own and bring value in ways they often cannot. Previously, I envied the smartest folks in the room and made a lot of mistakes as a result. Today, I appreciate their strengths and have confidence in my own."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com