Regarding the recent question in this forum about priorities for a
career, including whether to learn management (theoretical and
real-world first, or technical work, or consulting, etc.):
After a lot of years with occasional reflection about this question, I
don't think it matters so much in which order you learn the above -- but
it is important to have some background in each topic.
I first got a bachelors in psyhology, which helped me understand human
development. Then I got a bachelors in computer science, which gave me a
lot of theoretical knowledge. But it wasn't till I worked as a computer
engineer that I really could ground my understanding of technology, its
development and usage. Then I Then I got an MBA, which gave me great
context about management. But it wasn't until I'd actually managed that
I could really ground what I'd learned in my MBA. Then I got a PhD (from
the Union Institute) which, overall, really helped me integrate and
ground much of my other learning.
Then I became a parent, which grouned everything else.
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- FREE MANAGEMENT LIBRARY at
http://www.mapnp.org/library/topics.htm
- Authenticity Consulting for coaching and management development;
- - - Call 612-536-9984
- Provide peer-coaching to clients (see
http://www.leaderscircles.org )
- Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Minneapolis, MN; email:
mcnam007@tc.umn.edu
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