Going back to school is always a big decision. Going back while raising kids, holding down a demanding job, and tackling a highly technical curriculum? That is something else entirely.
In this episode of The MBA Golden Buzzer, Ebi Eyesan returns to share the unfiltered truth about navigating a graduate program in artificial intelligence and machine learning as a full-time working mother.
From 4 a.m. wakeups to missed movie nights to burnout that nearly broke her, Ebi shares what helped her stay the course, what she would do differently, and why this season of her life gave her more than just credentials.
It Starts with Knowing Your Why
Before starting her AI and machine learning certificate, Ebi had one major fear: time. As a full-time professional and parent, she knew something would have to give. But she also knew why she was doing this.
“I was doing this to grow, to stay relevant, and to open new doors for my family,” she said. That clarity helped her commit to the process and to herself.
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Grace Is Just as Important as Grit
A self-proclaimed go-getter, Ebi hit a wall halfway through the program. Burnout was looming. Her career coach literally blocked her from scheduling another call until she took a break.
“I was pushing so hard I couldn’t even show up for myself,” she said. That reset became a turning point, teaching her to prioritize recovery as a part of progress.
Routine Is Non-negotiable
Ebi’s schedule may sound impossible, but it works because it is intentional. She wakes up at 4 a.m., studies before the house wakes up, works remotely during the day, then uses evenings and weekends to finish projects.
“Time management became less about finding extra time and more about being consistent,” she said. She uses JIRA for quarterly planning and her Notes app for daily to-dos.
And the key? She celebrates small wins. Even if that means checking off “pelvic floor exercise.”
Guilt Is Real. But So Is Growth
“The hardest part isn’t the coursework. It’s the emotional juggle,” Ebi said.
From skipping movie night to needing weekend study time, she often felt guilty about missing moments with her kids. But she also learned to prepare them for those sacrifices and bring them into the process.
Her daughter, age six, is now learning to code. And Ebi proudly reminds her: “I’m in school too.”
The Right Program Is the One That Fits
Ebi was accepted to NYU’s Tech MBA with a scholarship. But it required her to step away from work entirely, and that didn’t align with her reality.
Instead, she chose a program that let her work, learn, and still support her family.
“You have to know what sacrifices you’re willing to make,” she said. “For me, giving up my income wasn’t one of them. And I don’t regret it.”
GOLDEN BUZZER TIP: It Goes by Fast—So Try to Enjoy It
Everyone talks about the sacrifice. But Ebi wants you to know this: it flies by.
The long nights, the stressful weekends, the early mornings? They pass. What remains is not just the knowledge but also the confidence that comes from proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
We Help High Performers Make Big Decisions—and Get Results
When Ebi partnered with us, she was ready to grow. Together, we crafted a compelling MBA application that earned her a scholarship offer to NYU’s Tech MBA.
But Ebi didn’t stop there. With the clarity and confidence she gained from the process, she chose a different path—one that let her stay in the workforce, upskill technically, and keep showing up for her family.
That is the kind of decision-making we specialize in. Smart. Strategic. Aligned with real life.
With a 98.9% success rate, we help high-achieving professionals like Ebi turn their ambition into a game plan that works.
Apply to work with us here, and let’s craft your strategy for what’s next.
