Generations of Higher Learning: A Father and Son Duo achieving an MBA
For many, taking the next step in their educational journey can be intimidating. Embarking on a new stage of higher education can leave many with a sense of stress. But for two students attending the University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Business Part-Time Master of Business Administration Program, the stress is lessened for a very special reason.
Oswaldo Ortiz Sr. and Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. (Oswald), a father and son duo, are enrolled in the Part-Time MBA at the same time, as well as taking the same courses. Motivated by his son, Oswaldo Sr. chose to take the next step in his educational journey and accompany his son in the Graduate Program.
“I thought this program would be a great opportunity for my dad and I to learn together and spend time together,” said Oswald. “It’s great to get this time with my dad because you get less and less time with your parents as you transition to the professional workforce. It also helps us both professionally grow too.”
While Oswald is attending the program after finishing his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Texas at Dallas, Oswaldo Sr. is picking up graduate school 29 years after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering from the Autonomous Metropolitan University in Mexico City in 1995. He explained that not only the curriculum is different, but also the mediums of learning.
“Oswald motivated me to start the program years after getting my bachelor’s more than 29 years ago in Mexico, I can say that education has come a long way,” said Oswaldo Sr. “This program is more interactive with more participation. The program here focuses on management and working with and understanding other people. Leading people from different backgrounds requires unique styles. Compared to my education in the 90’s, this course uses more tools, and you gain more information.”
Oswaldo Ortiz Sr. stands in front of the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington on May 31, 2024.
As an immigrant from Mexico, the program was perfect for Oswaldo Sr. due to his business experience in Mexico and the US. Oswald discussed how his father's experience has impacted his education.
“With my parents being immigrants, I understand the challenges they’ve had to face, and I get unique perspectives from that. Seeing him apply what he learns in class to his experience contributes to my learning journey. I can see how true the curriculum is.”
With so much time with each other, many opportunities of joint growth have been afforded to the duo. This dynamic has led both men to learn new aspects of each other and deepen their familial bond.
“I get to know my dad a bit better and see how he is as a student and person outside of home,” said Oswald. “We’ll just walk and talk about class on the way back and throw ideas at each other. He’s shown me a lot of different ways of thinking and studying. In this Part-Time MBA program, there’s so many different courses and ways of thinking. So we’ll sit down and discuss them and learn from one another.”
Though the courses can be challenging, each of the pair lean on one another to provide motivation. This motivation also extends to the rest of their family and friends, illuminating them as motivators to their community.
“Sometimes our family hears about it when we’re talking at dinner, and sometimes we get carried away with school talk. But I think it's good to show our family that we’re doing this,” said Oswald. “We really try to be high achievers, and because of what my dad and I are doing, my other siblings and friends are really pushing us to be the best we can, and I can tell we’re having an effect on them too.”
Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. (Oswald) stands in front of the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington on May 31, 2024.
By navigating a graduate academic program together, the pair have solidified their bonds, learned from one another, and grown alongside each other as they near their graduation date in fall of 2024.
“I have to emphasize just how thankful I am for our time here at UT Arlington. Through all of the faculty and courses I have gained more confidence in myself, technically and professionally,” said Oswald. “This has been an amazing opportunity for us. My dad and I have definitely made a lot of milestones in this program.”
Though the pair are achieving a milestone in their career development and education, they also build more pride in one another for their accomplishments.
“My son was doing a great job in his bachelor’s program, and I knew he was good, but I always wondered how good,” said Oswaldo Sr. “I remember the first time we were going to present in class. After watching Oswald present his project, I told my wife it was one of the best moments of my life. I want to cry seeing him stand out and grow in every class I share with him. It’s truly amazing.”
Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. (Oswald) (Left) and Oswaldo Ortiz Sr. (Right) pose in front of the College of Business at the University of Texas at Arlington on May 31, 2024.