With a BA in psychology and five years in the ad agency world, I knew I needed to round out my soft skills with a quantitative foundation. Too many times I found myself in a client meeting or forecasting budgets and knew I needed a better grasp on finance and accounting. What exactly is deducted from revenue to determine net profit? Why is inflation important when raising menu prices? I wanted to be able to answer these questions intuitively.

Earning my MBA will not only serve a functional need but it will also satisfy a life-long goal to have a master's degree. While my parents are incredibly diligent, they didn't attain the level of education they wished they had. I saw how much they struggled and wanted to get it right early in my career so I had more choices both professionally and personally later on.

I've spent a mere month in my summer internship, but I know already that I bring a lot to the table. I am driven and energetic. I look for opportunities and am proactive to solve potential problems-- making sure all players are on-board with the ultimate goal. I have fortitude and dedication but am also great at inspiring others and communicating in a way they understand.

In addition, I bring a strong foundation in marketing and advertising. I am good at marketing a product but also good at marketing myself. I know that so many of the "lucky breaks" we get are a result of relationship building and consideration for others. I have a strong sense of humanity as I was raised by parents of the 1960's. I long to market a service or product that truly helps those that need it. What a perfect balance: doing right by yourself in an interesting career and doing right by the world. An MBA seems like the surest way to get there.