The Last Leg – Choosing My Stacks

My current MBA program allows me to finish off my degree by focusing on what are called “stacks.” These are like majors for an undergrad, however they do not print on your degree certificate. These stacks include the traditional accounting, finance, and marketing focuses but also include alternatives like business analytics, healthcare information, and supply chain management. I have decided upon two things, first, I will double up my classes so I can graduate in December 2026. Secondly, I will choose Leadership/Organizational Change and Project Management as my two stacks.

I am choosing Leadership/Organizational Change because I have spent the last eight years in a highly changing environment. I suspect that will be palpable in most organizations that I join in the future, especially if I remain in technology. I also want to strengthen my leadership skills, especially around building high functioning teams. For Project Management, I would like to strengthen my knowledge in leading projects correctly. In fact, when I finish the Project Management stack I will have everything I need to get my PMP, which will be a useful designation.

I start on these classes very soon. I am told the stacks are doable and can be doubled up on and I am counting on it. I plan on spending my mornings when I am freshest before work on one class and my weekends on the other class. I will see which one is more intense between the two that are coming up and choose the harder one for the weekend. I do feel some relief knowing there is finally an end in sight and I am excited about how I can put this degree to use.