So I have made a decision. It's been seven months since I graduated with my MSOL and I found myself feeling like I needed something a little more to further my immediate career. Big announcement time! Que the drum roll!
I have decided to return to school and get a second master's, in education! While my EdD is on my radar in a few years from now, I decided I wanted to gain some skills and credentials now to more quickly move my chosen career path along in the more short-term.
Wait a minute! A second masters'!? This was not part of the plan! How did this come to be!? Great question, thanks for asking! So I had checked out a graduate certificate at a wonderful institution called Post University. Post offers an M.Ed (Master of Education) with various track options within the degree -- one track being instructional design and technology.
I called Post to to sign up after making up my mind, talking things over with friends and family, and here we are now! For the time being I am earning my graduate certificate in instructional design and technology, but as the graduate certificate program is actually part of the M.Ed program as well, I will be getting the entire masters degree after I earn my certificate. Two birds, one stone.
Why a second masters? It really became a no-brainer for me these past few months after getting my first masters. My love for empowerment, leadership, and technology all intersect at instructional design technology. I get the best of all my worlds and passions with this profession. I wish to move my career further in the field of instructional design, and with a second masters I will be empowered to do just that. The degree is not just for the credentials, but also because I am a scholar at heart. The rewards of learning all that I can are as important to my career, as they are to my heart. The intrinsic value I get from learning something I love is honestly more of the driving passion behind my decision to get my second masters and eventual doctorate then the credentials themselves.
So lets talk about my first masters for a second. Did I make a mistake? Did I waste my time? Not in the slightest! My leadership degree is one of the most amazing, transformative experiences I have ever lived; I am so proud to have earned my MSOL degree. But I do need some more education and skills for the career path I have chosen. The MSOL degree was not a waste of my time in the least. It helped me become the person I am to do what I am doing now. I'm a leader at heart, and the MSOL program empowered me to be the person I am today. My MSOL degree paired with my M.Ed degree will enhance both degrees adding so much value to my endeavors. Educators are leaders by virtue of the profession, what a fine dual degree pair to have. And should I ever choose to enter into a executive leadership role at a higher ed institution, my leadership degree will proven its value many times over.
What about my doctorate, that was supposed to be part of the grand plan? There are other life goals I am committed to before I tackle the bear that is a doctoral degree. The masters in education degree will not only help me gain valuable skills and credentials in the short term, but will also make it far easier for me to transition into the EdD program once I am ready to begin my doctoral studies, as the progression path from masters in education to doctorate in education is a natural progression path given both degrees are the same studies.
I am so excited! I have truly fallen in love with the work I do in the higher ed sector, and can't wait to open so many new doors with the credentials, skills, and knowledge I gain as a result of this journey. I'm learning what I love, so I can live what I love too.
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