Pursuing a graduate degree is never just about earning another credential. For many professionals, it is a personal challenge and a reminder that growth never stops. It is about building confidence, sharpening your skills, and rediscovering what you are capable of when you step outside your comfort zone.
In a special conversation on The Chundria Brownlow Show, Dr. Chundria Brownlow sat down with Reid Mitchell, MBA and Vanna Quon, MBA, two Western Governors University graduates who shared how their academic journeys reshaped their confidence, career paths, and sense of purpose. Reid and Dr. Brownlow completed their MBAs around the same time in Fall 2021, while Vanna recently finished her degree this past summer.
For Reid, the decision to return to school came during an unexpected pause in his career. “COVID happened, and that’s why I decided to take that time to go back to school, get my MBA, and further my career,” he shared. With a background in technology, he saw the program as an opportunity to connect technical skills with business strategy. “I wanted to do more of the business side of things,” he explained. “It was one of the better decisions I’ve ever made.” That decision paid off. Reid successfully transitioned from technical work to project management, a shift he credits to the foundation built during his MBA journey. “I got a good foundation of financials, ethical leadership, marketing, and operations,” he said. “It helped me apply those lessons to my career.”
Vanna’s story reflects that same spirit of discovery. With more than a decade of experience in healthcare and IT, she decided to pursue her MBA after reaching what she called a “career plateau.” “I didn’t really know where I wanted to go,” she admitted. “But when I hit that plateau, it forced me to think, what do I really want to do with my next step in my career?” That reflection led her to the MBA program and, ultimately, to entrepreneurship. “Ever since I was young, I’ve always wanted to start my own business or co-found something I believed in,” she said. “Going through the capstone and operating my own startup in the simulation gave me the confidence to do it.”
Both graduates described the program as demanding but rewarding. “It’s short-term pain for long-term gain,” Reid said. “It’s manageable and doable. Once you get it done, there’s not only pride but also new opportunities that open up.” Vanna agreed, emphasizing the importance of mindset. “When you feel like something’s really hard, that’s the time to take that challenge,” she said. “Once you finish, you’ll feel that boost of confidence. You’ll really believe that you can do it.”
Dr. Brownlow reflected on the impact of returning to school later in life. “It gave me such a boost of confidence,” she said. “I wasn’t a stellar student growing up, but earning an MBA reminded me that it’s never too late to grow or to challenge yourself to be better.”
The common thread between these three journeys is clear. Education is not only about career advancement. It is about rediscovering who you are and what you can achieve when you commit to learning and growth. Whether you are considering an MBA, a master’s degree in another field, or a professional certification, let this serve as a reminder that you can do it. The path may be demanding, but the reward is transformative, not just for your career, but for your confidence and sense of purpose.
Watch the full interview with Reid Mitchell, MBA and Vanna Quon, MBA below to hear more about their experiences, lessons learned, and advice for anyone ready to take the next step in their academic or professional journey.
The Chundria Brownlow Show 
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