Finding New Trails: How an Executive MBA Redefines Mid-Career Professionals

Liz Varga, a seasoned genetic counselor with over 25 years of experience, found herself at a crossroads. Her career, deeply rooted in science and healthcare, had always provided answers. But as she approached her mid-40s, a different set of questions emerged, questions that science couldn’t solve. These were existential questions about her path, her potential, and her future.

"Is this the path I want to continue on?" she wondered. "Am I maximizing my potential and living the life that I want? What’s next for me?"

Varga recognized the commonality of these midlife reflections. Even with a fulfilling profession, the feeling of limited growth and the desire for new challenges can take hold. "Because even if you love your profession — and I did love my profession — you can get to a point where you feel like there are only so many more paths," she explained. "I’ve always blazed new trails, and I was running out of trails to blaze."

For three years, Varga grappled with this restlessness. Then, the idea of pursuing an Executive MBA (EMBA) resurfaced. A single day observing the EMBA program at The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business proved transformative.

"I was so inspired by the classroom conversation," she recalled. "The dialogue and being in that environment with knowledgeable professors and the other students left me feeling like I was surrounded by a tribe of like-minded people who really were just so interested in pushing themselves forward."

A Real Return on Investment

The Fisher EMBA program aims to redefine how mid- and senior-level professionals approach thinking, leading, and creating value. It builds upon Ohio State’s rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, immersive learning experiences, impactful coaching, and a global alumni network.

Nate Craig, EMBA academic director, emphasizes the program’s focus on transformation. "For 25 years, the Fisher EMBA has been about transformation — not just in the classroom, but in the lives and careers of our students," he said. "As we look to the next 25, our vision is rooted in a simple truth: Our students are our legacy."

Cristiane Ueno, a plastic surgeon and associate program director for Ohio State’s Plastic Surgery Residency Program, (EMBA ’25), joined the EMBA program with a dual purpose. She aimed to enhance her own skills and ensure that the residents she supervises were well-prepared for private practice.

"Because nearly 85% of plastic surgeons eventually go into private practice, these residents have to be savvier in terms of managing not only the financial aspects of a practice, but also their time," Ueno explained.

As Ueno embarked on her academic journey after a long hiatus, her personal goals evolved. "I came into the EMBA not wanting to be in the C-suite, but as I got all of this knowledge, I came around to the idea that I want to use it in some sort of hospital administration role," she said.

This shift in perspective led to immediate benefits. Even before graduating, Ueno was selected for the Plastic Surgery Foundation’s Visiting Professor Program. As one of eight plastic surgeons chosen nationwide, she will guide residents and medical students.

Her first assignment takes her to Indianapolis, where she will collaborate with a healthcare organization to develop a plastic surgery and breast cancer program in a hospital lacking those services.

Ueno’s experience reflects the common trend of EMBA students realizing a significant return on their investment during and shortly after their enrollment. Varga (EMBA ’25), for instance, played a key role in creating a new position for herself at her pediatric healthcare organization: administrative director of patient and family experience.

These success stories are not isolated incidents. Approximately 70% of their class received promotions during their EMBA studies. Moreover, recent data from the Class of 2022 reveals a 52.5% salary growth within three years of graduation, with an average annual increase exceeding $100,000.

"There Is No Perfect Time"

Subbaiah Annamalai (EMBA ’25), an enterprise architect in IT, spent a decade contemplating a return to school but kept postponing it, waiting for the "perfect time." After years filled with family, work, relocations, and travel, he finally enrolled at Fisher.

"There is no perfect time. Life is always busy," he acknowledged.

However, Annamalai admitted that his first day back at school was filled with anxiety. "I was going back to school after 25 years. It was daunting," he said. "My undergraduate degree was in computer science, so I didn’t have much accounting or finance training. But as soon as I got in the program, everyone shared similar insecurities."

"Completing this MBA is a dream come true moment for me. I hope this inspire my kids not to give up on their dreams."

Annamalai, who was named valedictorian of his class, highlighted the EMBA program’s emphasis on coaching as a game-changer.

"It helped me grow both personally and professionally," he said. "The coach provided valuable insights on communication and leadership strategies, guiding me to uncover and address my blind spots — those unconscious habits or behaviors that had been holding me back."

Answers and Advice

Almost five years after the EMBA idea first entered her mind, Varga has finally found answers to her midlife questions. She also offers advice to others considering a similar path.

“An EMBA is not for everyone. It’s hard. But you’re going to get out of it what you put into it,” she advises. “Throughout my life, there’s been times I felt like a bit of an odd duck, either in my ambition or the things I want to talk about. Finding my tribe here in the EMBA program has been a comfort to me.”

“I’ve got these supporters who are just as ambitious as I am and who want to make an impact. We all want to be inspired, motivated and encouraged to do big things. They’ve made me better and I feel like I’ve helped make them better.”

The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business EMBA program offers mid-career professionals a chance to redefine their careers, discover new paths, and maximize their potential. With a rigorous curriculum, personalized coaching, and a supportive community, the program provides the tools and the environment for individuals to not only advance their careers but also to achieve personal fulfillment.