From Manufacturing to MBA: Jerome Kirkland's Educational Journey

Graduate school is an ambitious trek that requires not only academic prowess but also exceptional determination and patience. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jerome Kirkland, a site manager at BASF and a graduate of the University of Michigan Flint, who shared his invaluable experiences and insights about his journey through graduate school. Our conversation highlighted key aspects of his academic and professional journey, which can serve as a beacon for anyone contemplating a similar path.

The Decision to Pursue Graduate Education

A Call to Higher Education

Jerome's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and professional guidance. He reminisced about his initial decision to pursue a master's degree, influenced heavily by his manager, who was a fervent advocate for education. "One of the days he came to me and he said, hey, Jerome, you know, we offer tuition reimbursement. Maybe you should look into that," Jerome recalled. This gentle nudge from his manager played a pivotal role in his decision to enroll in an MBA program at the University of Michigan Flint.

Choosing the Right Program

When considering MBA programs, Jerome's choice to stick with the University of Michigan Flint was driven by a combination of familiarity, comfort, and strong family ties. Despite living closer to the Ann Arbor campus, the Flint campus offered him the proximity to family and friends, making his academic journey a holistic experience. "I still have family there. At that time, I was living in Belleville, Michigan... but it gave me an opportunity to, you know, just come home, visit family and friends, and still have an opportunity to get a good education," he shared.

The Graduate School Transition

Re-Engaging with Academia

Transitioning back into academic life after establishing oneself in the workforce can be challenging. Jerome emphasized the importance of time management, patience, and leveraging one's foundational education to navigate the graduate school terrain successfully. "Graduate school is not for the faint of heart... You really have to dedicate time, you have to dedicate patience," Jerome advised, highlighting the need for a disciplined approach.

Overcoming Challenges

Every academic journey comes with its unique set of challenges. For Jerome, the global COVID-19 pandemic became a backdrop for his graduate studies, presenting both difficulties and opportunities. Jerome used the increased focus and decreased distractions during the pandemic to his advantage. "I had a little bit more time to really just push myself towards getting that degree in graduate school."

Key Learnings and Applications

Collaboration and Continuous Learning

One of Jerome's major takeaways from his MBA program was the importance of collaboration. "If you're the smartest person in the room... you need to find another room," he said. This mindset has been instrumental in his professional life, where he continuously seeks diverse perspectives and teamwork to address complex challenges.

Practical Applications

Jerome’s experiences in graduate school, from financial analysis to operations management, have had a direct impact on his day-to-day job as a plant manager. He emphasized that the real-world case studies and hands-on learning in his MBA program have made his professional responsibilities more comprehensible and manageable.

Advice for Aspiring Graduate Students

Follow Your Passion

Jerome’s most crucial piece of advice for prospective graduate students is to pursue further education only if they are genuinely passionate about it. "You have to really say that this is what I want. You can't do it for somebody else," Jerome stressed. His journey underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation and personal commitment in achieving success.

In conclusion, Jerome Kirkland’s journey through graduate school offers a wealth of insights for anyone considering this path. His experience underscores the importance of mentorship, the right academic environment, disciplined time management, and the drive to overcome challenges. As Jerome aptly puts it, continuous learning and collaboration are keys to long-term success in both academia and professional life.

TRANSCRIPT

Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]:
Welcome to the victors in grad school, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school.

Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]:
Welcome back to victors in grad school. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis,