Finding Balance and Growth

When Lazaro Becerra graduated from Norwich University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Spanish, he believed his academic journey had reached its conclusion. At the time, he was proud of his accomplishment and ready to move into the workforce. What he did not anticipate was that nearly a decade later, his career and an unexpected opportunity would lead him back to Norwich to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in organizational leadership.

Returning to the Classroom

Becerra’s decision to return to school began while working in talent acquisition for Raytheon. The company offers their Employee Scholar Program, which provides employees with access to partner universities and covers tuition, books, and fees.

“Even with it being free, I still wasn’t sure if it was right for me,” Becerra admitted. “Truthfully, it was tough to think about returning to school while working full-time. At that time, I was traveling a good amount for work and participating in many different events. I was worried about how flexible an MBA program would be.”

That concern quickly shifted when he revisited Norwich. He was already familiar with the university’s structure, values, and academic rigor, and he discovered that Norwich Online’s flexible MBA program was well-suited for professionals balancing busy lives and demanding careers. “The classes were great, and the biggest thing for me was just flexibility,” he explained.

Leadership for the Future

As someone building a career in human resources, Becerra sought an academic program that would align with his professional growth. Norwich’s MBA concentration in organizational leadership proved to be a natural fit.

“I think it’ll help me pivot myself into a larger leadership role over the next couple of years at Raytheon,” Becerra said. “The courses on strategic leadership and leading change gave me a new perspective. Even though I’ve been leading projects, it’s different to focus on leading people. Those classes helped solidify the foundation of things I only had a top-down view of.”

One professor in particular left a lasting impression. “Dr. Lazar really encouraged me to investigate the grey between the black and white,” Becerra recalled. “He expanded my thinking on how to adapt to people and change as a leader. For me, he made everything click.”

Balancing Work, Travel, and School

For working professionals, one of the biggest hurdles to pursuing higher education is finding time. Norwich’s approach helped Becerra manage the challenge.

“The schedule is great. Everything is focused on a week-to-week basis,” he explained. “Professors would post announcements on Sundays outlining expectations. Whether you had time on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, it was up to you to decide when to do your work.”
Technology also played a role. Whether on a laptop at home or an iPad while traveling, Becerra found Norwich’s online platforms accessible and convenient. “It gave me the flexibility to use multiple platforms when on the go,” he said.

The workload varied depending on the subject. “Some weeks are harder than others,” he admitted. “Managerial finance required more hours than my other courses, but it was manageable overall.”

The Raytheon Advantage

Raytheon’s Employee Scholar Program was instrumental in Becerra’s return to school. The program covers tuition, books, and fees for full-time employees pursuing degrees aligned with their careers.

“It was seamless,” Becerra noted. “After each class, I submitted a form, and Raytheon provided a voucher. Almost everyone at Raytheon is eligible after six months of full-time employment. For me, my wife already had her master’s degree, and she encouraged me to take advantage of it.”
For fellow employees, Becerra’s message is simple: “The program speaks for itself. It’s an opportunity you need to take advantage of, whether it’s completing a bachelor’s, a master’s, or a certificate.”

Norwich Roots and Lasting Impact 

Becerra’s connection to Norwich began long before his MBA. As a member of the Corps of Cadets, he embraced the university’s traditions and values. “I picked Norwich for the Corps of Cadets. I wanted to join the military, and I figured there was no better way,” he said. “Although I was unable to serve, my time in the Corps and the defense industry has kept me connected to those roots.”

During his four years, Becerra participated in the drill team, Shock Platoon, and the Honor Committee. Those experiences influenced his career trajectory, ultimately leading him into defense recruiting and talent acquisition. “When I started recruiting in defense, it felt like going back to my Norwich roots,” he reflected.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

Looking back on his MBA experience, Becerra is quick to emphasize the value of consistency. “If I could give myself one piece of advice, it would be to prioritize getting things done early in the week,” he said. “There were weeks where I started strong and it made all the difference.”

For him, continuing education is not only about credentials but also about growth. “Even though it’s not a requirement, I think it’s a huge benefit,” he explained. “The evolution of constantly learning something new is tremendous, especially in leadership roles where you tend to see more people with advanced degrees.”

Most of all, Becerra values the balance Norwich provided. “It was worth it,” he concluded. “It’s hard, and it takes time to ground yourself while working full-time. But you learn how to prioritize, find that groove, and before you know it, you graduate.”

Like Becerra, you can balance work, travel, and personal commitments while advancing your career. Explore Norwich’s flexible Master of Business Administration program today.