Forté Foundation | Your Next Move

I read a quote recently that reminded me of what it takes to make a professional leap: “Everything you want is right outside your comfort zone.” When I left my career in consulting to immerse myself in Style MBA full-time, I was nervous—but I also knew there was the potential for great reward.

I’d spent seven years working for Booz Allen, a consulting firm. I was successful and had a consistent salary. And while I enjoyed the work, fashion and photography were my true passions. I started blogging as a hobby and taking photos after work and on the weekends. Slowly brands started catching wind of what I was doing. They wanted to pay me to get featured on the blog. Ultimately, I came to an inflection point where I had to choose whether to dive in full time and grow my blog further.

I was successful as a consultant and I was confident that I would be prepared to run my own business due in large part to having my MBA, which I got from University Maryland because it was a flexible and reputable part-time program. I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to take that type of risk had I not had the foundation I learned by having a business degree. My studies had prepared me to wear all hats in my business—I was the CEO, CFO, and COO, plus I managed my team and did all the HR. There are also a lot challenges and problems that arise just from running your own business such as HR issues, late payment with due invoices, and so my MBA also helped me better understand how to navigate around challenges and look for the best solution.

What I love about the Forté Foundation is that it serves as a powerful building block for women who are looking to make the next move in their career and personal life. It supports you throughout the MBA process from beginning to end and helps maximize your MBA experience. It connects you with top business schools, companies, and like-minded individuals who are at all stages of their careers.

I never imagined that having my MBA would push me to take a risk and open my own business. It was easier to stay at my comfortable consulting job where I had a competitive salary and benefits. But it wasn’t my passion. And I credit my MBA for giving me the confidence to pursue my true passion and become an entrepreneur.

I wish I had known about Forté before I started my MBA. I probably would have made the next move sooner and pursued my dreams of owning my own business early on! Good luck and dream big!

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Special thanks to Forté Foundation for sponsoring this post.

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4 Comments

  1. Susan
    April 30, 2018 / 7:01 pm

    Sara, You are such an inspiration. I recently graduated with my MBA degree from The Smith School as well. I, too think that getting my MBA is helping me grow into a business person that I strive to be. Part of the reason why I went back for my MBA was to find my inner self and the confidence that I need to follow my dreams. Although I haven’t taken the next step like you have, I know that one day I will. I follow you every day and not only do I love your blog/page, you are my role model. Thank you for being who you are! Go TERPS!

    • Sara
      Author
      May 3, 2018 / 3:01 pm

      I love hear your story Susan! Thank you so much for sharing. Yay terps!

  2. Samantha
    May 4, 2018 / 7:27 pm

    You are such an inspiration!!! Thanks for sharing this, it has encouraged me to start thinking next steps with my career. You are the ultimate girl boss xxxxx

    • Sara
      Author
      May 8, 2018 / 8:02 am

      aww so sweet thank you love! you can do it! x

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