“So what are you going to do next?” my friend asked me over dinner last June.

I had just told him the news that I had received my “Professional Engineer” designation after completing five years as an “Engineer-in-Training”, a law and ethics test, and a few other application hurdles.

Although a simple question, my friend had unknowingly made me realize that I had come to a crossroads in my career.  With my recent Professional Engineer designation, I had now reached a level of experience and seniority in my field where I could either continue down the same path, solidifying my name in the engineering industry, or I could change paths now, before I had gotten too far down my current path to ever turn back.

Admittedly, at this time I found myself in a very good situation.  After graduating from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2007 with a Civil Engineering degree, I immediately began working at an industry-leading Transportation Consulting firm in downtown Vancouver.  During my time there, I had the privilege of working on some of the Lower Mainland’s highest profile projects, such as the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the future redevelopments of Oakridge Centre and Brentwood Town Centre.  In addition, I had great co-workers, excelled at my position, and had established myself in the industry.

Despite all of this, however, I still felt something was lacking in my career.  While I was very proficient at my job, I did not feel that I had the same passion for the transportation industry that the senior Principals at my office had.  Moreover, while I had learned a great deal as an engineer and enjoyed the many challenges, I was dissatisfied with a primarily technical career path.  I felt that my current role did not allow me to fully take advantage of my leadership, interpersonal skills and competitive nature.

After some soul searching and self-reflection, I realized that it was indeed time for a change.  With the hope of opening up new career opportunities, enhancing my business knowledge, and ultimately finding a position where my strengths could be fully utilized, I knew that an MBA degree would be the best path for me to achieve my goals.

It has now been over a year since I made that decision, and after several months of studying for the GMAT, researching business schools, writing application essays and speaking with MBA Alumni, I now sit here, ready to embark on my MBA journey at UBC’s Sauder School of Business.

While I am nervous at the prospect of becoming a full-time student again after six years of being in the workforce, I am very excited about the opportunities that await me, the new friends that I will make, and the vast amount of knowledge that I will gain.   Although I do not know what is waiting for me at the end of these next 16 months, I fully intend to enjoy the journey there.