It was the true essence of keeping up with the Jones Ms. Kraska said.

WSJ: Earning an E.M.B.A. for Future Growth

"We wanted to keep the long-term goals in perspective for the family, " said Mr. Kraska, a senior financial analyst at GE.

WSJ: Earning an E.M.B.A. for Future Growth

Ms. Kraska moved with him to North Stamford, Conn.

WSJ: Earning an E.M.B.A. for Future Growth

In her last year at Columbia, Ms. Kraska also began training for the New York City Marathon, having drawn inspiration from her fellow classmates: One worked as a pediatric surgeon and another owned a New York City restaurant, she said.

WSJ: Earning an E.M.B.A. for Future Growth