Obtaining An M.B.A. Was Key To Success For Dallas Investment Advisor
Rob Blakeney is a private investment advisor, he advises those with a high net-worth how to grow and preserve their investments. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Texas with the intent to become an attorney like his father. As he started to see what was involved in becoming an attorney, he decided it wasn't the career path for him. Blakeney explored different career options and decided to earn his master's degree in business so could pursue his true passion, finance and investments.
What is the value of a master's degree?
"It isn't cheap. But, I tell people absolutely go for it if you know what you want to do. If you are in your undergrad and you think you should just get it just to have a master's degree then don't do it. For me, the return on my investment for time and tuition was significant. Earning a master's degree gives you a whole new set of skills, with an M.B.A. you can go in a variety of directions – marketing, management and finance. I gained skills in financial analysis, including how to read a balance sheet. I learned what drives a company's finances, which has a direct correlation with a company's stock price"
Blakeney earned his master's degree in business administration from Babson College in Massachusetts.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Time and financial management were my biggest challenges. I had been working for about seven years before I decided to go back to school full-time. As a full-time student, not working, I had to manage my study time as well as my finances. My wife was also a full-time graduate student, too. We both went from full-time employees to full-time students."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"I love what I do. Job satisfaction and the financial benefit that comes from doing what I love to do is the biggest reward for me."
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