Having recently completed the final assignments for the MBA Program at Wake Forest Schools of Business, I had a chance last week (while on a much needed vacation) to reflect on the last two years. I was fortunate enough to participate in the two-year Charlotte Evening Program that Wake Forest offers through its facility in SouthPark. My reflections last week included the thought that we are extremely fortunate to live in Charlotte, a place where higher education is at our fingertips. We have a tremendous wealth of educational facilities in and around Charlotte.

As the economy has become rather stagnant over the last few years, many young professionals have taken the chance to improve their resumes or seek opportunities for higher education. Whether that choice includes a full-time or part-time program, or simply some occasional training, it is important that we all seek continually to better ourselves. Not only does continued learning benefit us as individuals, but also helps to improve our community.

Formal education is available through local institutions such as UNC Charlotte and Queen’s University as well as through satellite programs offered by Wake Forest University and others. Wake Forest actually drives professors down to Charlotte from Winston Salem to teach courses in their Evening and Saturday MBA Programs. Informal education is also available through our library resources and many trade associations.

A wealth of opportunities is available to all of us. I encourage you to check them out.