Education Adds Up To Independence Says Dallas Financial Advisor
Rick Salmeron is the owner of Salmeron Financial, a financial planning company. He gives independent advice to busy individuals and families so that they may make smart financial decisions in order for them to secure financial independence. Salmeron earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Trinity University in San Antonio and a master's degree in business from the University of Carolina at Greensboro.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"To expand my ability to think, process, and understand business and life. I recognized that a single college degree wasn't competitive enough in the marketplace. My employer, at the time, paid the tuition. How could I say 'No?'"
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Here is the best way to be equipped for this period of time in our lives: Have multiple skills. We can witness what happens to individuals with just one skill... the company gets diminished, division gets cut off…. they become vulnerable. One of the reasons? They only had one skill. What electrified my life back in the late '80s was recognizing I didn't want to stay stagnant in corporate America, and I needed to learn multiple skills. I saw that as key to growth and success. Learning multiple skills can only help in one's career path, whether it is for a company or becoming an entrepreneur."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Time management. I was working full-time during the day, going to school at night and I commuted 45 minutes to work—one way. My day began at 7:00 am, and I would arrive home between 9:30pm and 10:00pm. Wash, rinse, and repeat for nearly two years, including summers."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The control it gave in my life. Possessing this credential gave me person so much more control over my career path. Sure, an MBA can translate into better earnings in one's career, but there is a lot more to life than money, and a sense of being in charge of your life is one of the most important elements you can have."
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