From engineer to MBA

career advice
By Nelson

I've made it a point to live a life that satisfies my aspirations and dreams. I adopted the idea of chasing my "Personal Legend," which is my actual purpose and passion in life, after being moved by my parents' sacrifices.

Like Santiago, the main character in the book The Alchemist, I was aware that following my heart was essential to realizing my goals. Knowing that engineering was my calling, I set out on this quest. I learned from The Alchemist that enjoying the journey is just as important as getting to your final destination. I discovered that I could enjoy every step of the engineering degree process. From late-night study sessions to hands-on projects, each experience taught me valuable lessons and transformed me into a better version of myself. I realized that the learning process itself was a treasure worth savoring. Similar to Santiago's encounters with fear and doubt, I faced my own share of challenges as an aspiring engineer. But the book's wisdom helped me understand that fear was merely a hurdle to overcome. By trusting my instincts and believing in my abilities, I tackled each obstacle with renewed strength and resilience. The novel instilled in me the belief that when I pursued my dreams with passion and determination, the universe conspired to help me along the way. Signs and synchronicities guided me towards the right opportunities and people, making my journey smoother and more fulfilling. 

Soon, I realized that my journey was meant to lead me towards a new chapter. Inspired by The Alchemist's message of embracing change, I decided to pursue an MBA at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, transitioning from engineering to the world of business. Just as Santiago discovered new aspects of himself during his quest, I embraced this change as an opportunity for personal growth and development. The lessons from The Alchemist will continue to guide me - perhaps it will also inspire you to find your purpose and passion, wherever and whatever it may be.

Nelson is an MBA Candidate at MIT Sloan. He previously earned his MS in Microwave Engineering and BS in Mechanical Engineering at UMass Lowell and the University of Rochester respectively.

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