Dallas Dart Police Sergeant Says Master's Degree Leads To Promotion
Schkennia Smith is a sergeant in the Dart Police Department. She serves as supervisor for the Central Business District as well as the southern sector of Dallas. She earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from University of North Texas. She earned a master's of business administration through a combination of online and on-campus classes at the University of Phoenix.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"It allowed me to be more marketable and competitive in many career fields. I believe you can write your own path in life. To say you have a master's degree carries a little more weight in status versus obtaining an undergraduate degree. That is in no way to belittle those who only have bachelor's degrees, it just makes you walk a little more confident each day."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"I would say, 'go for it.' A master's program is very demanding, frustrating, and can be costly but, at the same time, rewarding. Work on your time management skills, stay focused, but don't forget to come up for air and, most importantly, never quit.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
My biggest challenge was the time constraints between being a full-time employee, mother and wife, and a full-time student. Having deadlines and assignments due with classwork as well as the demands of daily life of taking care of a family was very trying and at times frustrating. Some days, I wasn't afforded the luxury of sleeping. I knew it was a temporary situation, so I just stayed the course and fought through the challenges.
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
A sense of personal accomplishment – I was extremely proud of myself in completing the master's program. Being able to use my degree as an additional tool, to compete and market myself in an industry that is dominated by men, was also a big reward for me. My degree actually helped in allowing me to compete for my current position as a supervisor. Instead of waiting seven years, I was promoted in four because of my master's degree.
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