Master's Degree Is The Ingredient To Success Says DFW President
Doug Renfro is the third generation president of Renfro Foods. This family owned business has been providing gourmet foods for 75 years. Renfro earned his bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of North Texas and his master's degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"I was a 22 year-old kid working for a huge international corporation. My boss said 'You're doing great. Now, that you've earned your CMA (certified management accountant), go get an M.B.A..'"
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"The talent pool keeps getting deeper and more qualified. An advanced degree gives you another chance to avoid being filtered out of the mix during the search process. If two candidates seem equally qualified, I suspect that most employers will go with the one having an advanced degree. It demonstrates determination, commitment and intellectual curiosity."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"I worked 50 to 60 hours per week while getting my M.B.A. at night and on the weekends. Balancing work and family life was my biggest challenge. One of the good things was that my wife figured out early on that she might as well get her master's degree (in education). That decision is probably why we're still married."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The biggest reward from earning my M.B.A. was that I was constantly able to apply the lessons to real life, whereas my B.B.A. had been strictly theoretical and academic. Working for a major corporation in a professional capacity while pursuing an advanced degree lets you instantly see what is valuable, as well as what is not relevant, with each class. I also benefited from realizing that many goals in life, such as an M.B.A., rely much more on determination and persistence than on sheer talent and intellect, though I'd certainly love to have more talent and intellect."
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