Future as a Learner:
Mission Accomplished! Now What?
As I look towards the future, I see limitless potential. With my newly acquired skill set, I envision myself continuing to coach and lead young men and women through their journey in athletics, eventually leading into athletic directing. I picture myself consulting adults in physical fitness in order for them to implement health and fitness programs geared toward children. Developing my own coaching, mentoring, tutoring, and advocating service for students with special needs is also on the horizon. The Sport Leadership and Coaching concentration through Michigan State University has undoubtedly prepared me for these avenues in both leading school-age children and organizations, while helping me critically think, develop, implement new and exciting opportunities to encounter in and out of schools. However, one question looms:
How will I maintain and continue to grow intellectually in order to progress professionally?
I have pondered this question before I completing my undergraduate work at Arizona State University. The number of doors that opened after graduation increased ten fold. Now, with a Master's degree from Michigan State, the possibilities are endless. Being able to put "Michigan State" onto a resume or application, show casing my graduate work through various networking outlets, celebrating my successes through the program with colleagues, family and friends, and building relationships professionally based on respect of the Spartan brand name; there are now too many doors to count.
I admit, and proud to do so, that I could not be happier with my education and the credential that I have have received from Michigan State University. However, I am not done yet. I have only scratched the surface intellectually and professionally. There are two possible scenarios that I have contemplated to ensure my "future as a learner" to be successful: pursue a Ph. D doctoral program or an M.B.A.
Campus life, its athletics, traditions, and camaraderie have appealed to me since I was a young boy. I love walking onto a campus, into one of the sports venues, or evening passing by a college or university in a car or on a bike and feeling the positivity and creativity that radiates from every corner. Going back to school and committing another four years to not only become a part of that life again, but to gain an enormous amount of knowledge and take the status of "doctor" and apply it back to what I am currently building would be fantastic. Becoming a university professor professionally, becoming affiliated with the athletic program, and eventually leading it, would be an dream come true. Being on campus on a professional level would also crossover to an intellectual level because I would always have access to the cutting edge research and facilities. I would constantly be learning and would truly become "a life long learner."
Arizona State University and Michigan State University have provided me with a diverse background from an educational stand point. I was purposeful in diversifying my education because I wanted to have different perspectives and access to a wider range of information. In pursuing a doctoral degree, I would go outside of the stated above schools to become even more widespread. I would be like an octopus with my tentacles holding onto three different and unique specializations, on top of maintaining built relationships with professors and classmates, ever expanding my network.
I have just recently stepped into the business world by creating and providing my own services and products. Pursuing a M.B.A would only enhance my ability to do this at a more refined level. I truly believe that the landscape of education is moving towards privatization, especially here in Arizona. The "hand writing is on the wall" so to speak and believe that I have a head start on this transition. The school that I currently work for is a non profit organization. A M.B.A would allow for me to operate and maintain an organization similar to this, which is what I am in the processing of creating and implementing on a smaller scale at this moment in time. I would be able to take another skill set and apply it to my own personal small business and help it progress forward. Yet another great opportunity to grow intellectually and professionally.
A M.B.A. would also clearly assist in the developing of health and fitness programs geared for children, which I am currently involved in. There are so many intricacies of the business world that I am unaware of, but will tackle with full force, that would only make the process of turning and idea into a production, being able to market and advertise it, and then distributing the finished product that much simpler. Once again, I would step into another school to diversify my portfolio.
To be able to learn and grasp new specialized techniques and methods to increase intellect, while producing real world results to progress forward professionally, I believe is essential to surviving in our global society. I am fully aware of the necessity to always learn, practice, and apply because everything around me is always evolving. I am committed to securing my future as a learner and relish the opportunity to do so.
Spartans Will,
Michael Karpinski
How will I maintain and continue to grow intellectually in order to progress professionally?
I have pondered this question before I completing my undergraduate work at Arizona State University. The number of doors that opened after graduation increased ten fold. Now, with a Master's degree from Michigan State, the possibilities are endless. Being able to put "Michigan State" onto a resume or application, show casing my graduate work through various networking outlets, celebrating my successes through the program with colleagues, family and friends, and building relationships professionally based on respect of the Spartan brand name; there are now too many doors to count.
I admit, and proud to do so, that I could not be happier with my education and the credential that I have have received from Michigan State University. However, I am not done yet. I have only scratched the surface intellectually and professionally. There are two possible scenarios that I have contemplated to ensure my "future as a learner" to be successful: pursue a Ph. D doctoral program or an M.B.A.
Campus life, its athletics, traditions, and camaraderie have appealed to me since I was a young boy. I love walking onto a campus, into one of the sports venues, or evening passing by a college or university in a car or on a bike and feeling the positivity and creativity that radiates from every corner. Going back to school and committing another four years to not only become a part of that life again, but to gain an enormous amount of knowledge and take the status of "doctor" and apply it back to what I am currently building would be fantastic. Becoming a university professor professionally, becoming affiliated with the athletic program, and eventually leading it, would be an dream come true. Being on campus on a professional level would also crossover to an intellectual level because I would always have access to the cutting edge research and facilities. I would constantly be learning and would truly become "a life long learner."
Arizona State University and Michigan State University have provided me with a diverse background from an educational stand point. I was purposeful in diversifying my education because I wanted to have different perspectives and access to a wider range of information. In pursuing a doctoral degree, I would go outside of the stated above schools to become even more widespread. I would be like an octopus with my tentacles holding onto three different and unique specializations, on top of maintaining built relationships with professors and classmates, ever expanding my network.
I have just recently stepped into the business world by creating and providing my own services and products. Pursuing a M.B.A would only enhance my ability to do this at a more refined level. I truly believe that the landscape of education is moving towards privatization, especially here in Arizona. The "hand writing is on the wall" so to speak and believe that I have a head start on this transition. The school that I currently work for is a non profit organization. A M.B.A would allow for me to operate and maintain an organization similar to this, which is what I am in the processing of creating and implementing on a smaller scale at this moment in time. I would be able to take another skill set and apply it to my own personal small business and help it progress forward. Yet another great opportunity to grow intellectually and professionally.
A M.B.A. would also clearly assist in the developing of health and fitness programs geared for children, which I am currently involved in. There are so many intricacies of the business world that I am unaware of, but will tackle with full force, that would only make the process of turning and idea into a production, being able to market and advertise it, and then distributing the finished product that much simpler. Once again, I would step into another school to diversify my portfolio.
To be able to learn and grasp new specialized techniques and methods to increase intellect, while producing real world results to progress forward professionally, I believe is essential to surviving in our global society. I am fully aware of the necessity to always learn, practice, and apply because everything around me is always evolving. I am committed to securing my future as a learner and relish the opportunity to do so.
Spartans Will,
Michael Karpinski