“I feel confident. l feel like I can go out there and get whatever job I want to get. And, not necessarily just a job, but a career.” – Ina Ray, BBA ’18

Learn about our Bachelor of Business Administration program today.

“Even though I enjoyed working in the medical field, I knew I wanted more. And I knew that I had to continue my education in order to get it. My motivation to finish my degree was my daughter.

I did not graduate from high school and I felt like I needed to give better to my daughter. And so I chose to go back to school and get my degree, so I could show her that no matter what, you can pursue your dreams. I needed to be able to work full time, be able to take care of her, and help her with her studies – and still be able to pursue and study myself. I chose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝, because of the convenience of being able to do all of that online.

I feel confident. I feel like I can go out there and get whatever job I want to get – and not necessarily just a job, but a career. And, be able to do exactly what my dreams were to do.

My advice for anyone who is thinking about going back to school would be — even though life gets tough and you might go through some things you don’t expect, you still can come out on top. And, you can finish what you started.

The more you contemplate it, the more you think about it, the longer it will take for you to do it. So just, just do it! Just sign up and go!”

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We have four (4) daughters and have instilled in them through life that it does not matter how long it takes to complete a task, just complete it. After allowing my husband and my daughters to move forward and complete their respective degrees, I have finally taken the time to complete something I started some time ago (leading by example).

Why did you choose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program? ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

My husband is an ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ Alum of the MBA program and I loved how the program worked for him, so it was an easy decision, when I decided to finally complete my degree, and ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ was my first choice. The support from the school is great. My schedule is very busy with life, after-retirement work, my network marketing business and singing with a band, so I needed a program that fits into my schedule. The GPS program is just that. I do not have the luxury of having the time to go to a brick and mortar building for class. Being able to go online or on my smart phone, at my convenience, and submit my work is the best method for my lifestyle.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

One tip is hard, so we’ll count this as one. Work ahead of schedule if at all possible and do not wait until the last minute for preparation of papers, etc. I print out my complete assignments for the upcoming week, in advance, keep a copy with me at all times, and check them off as completed. Any down time is used for research, which I save and then compile it all together. Also, save a backup of everything on a flash drive (technical problems will occur, but you will be prepared).

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

The fact that I can show my children and grandson how being persistent and consistent pays off in the end is priceless to me. Also, if at all possible, get it all done before the responsibilities of a family, etc. are added to the equation. I can show them better than I can tell them, any day. They have seen the struggles and the appreciation for hard work, and ultimately the joy of finishing what is started!!

The fact that I can show my children and grandson how being persistent and consistent pays off in the end is priceless to me.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝, Class of 2018.

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The post Meet Janet Davis, Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice Student appeared first on ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ Online.

I chose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝â€™s GPS program specifically because I am a self-sufficient, full-time working adult, and ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ really caters to those of us already in the workforce.

What is your motivation for obtaining your degree?

I am earning my Bachelor’s degrees, which will be followed by my Master’s Degree, with the intention of using my degrees to excel in corporate banking.

Why did you choose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program? ĚýĚý

When I first got out of high school, I was one of the many individuals that lost their way. I wasn’t certain what I wanted to do with the rest of my life at only 18 years old, so I went back-and-forth to Tidewater Community College attempting to do what was considered the “right” thing, which was earning a college education. Fast-forward 5 years later and I have had the opportunity to gain experience in a banking career, and am now extremely confident in what I am choosing to earn my degree in. I chose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝â€™s GPS program specifically because I am a self-sufficient, full-time working adult, and ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ really caters to those of us already in the workforce.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

Don’t fantasize about success — work for it.

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

Being unsuccessful is not an option for me. I have high expectations for my future and I will not allow anything, including myself, get in the way of achieving my goals.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝, Class of 2020

Read 6 Reasons Why Now is the Perfect Time to Earn Your BBA Degree

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You’re already well aware that time goes by very quickly. You’ll be even more aware of that feeling once you start taking your college courses. From the onset, you’ll want to get (and stay) organized with your schoolwork, your study area, and your resources. Pick one designated area in your home where you plan to do most of your reading, studying, and writing. While you can certainly move around with your laptop ~ from couch to bed to desk ~ on any given evening, you’ll still want to have an area in your home that is organized with your school stuff. If you’re printing articles or chapters from online books, immediately staple the pages, put the date on the top of them, and label them with the course name and the designated week. When you are wanting to refer back to the resources weeks later, you will be very glad you did this. In no time at all, it’s easy to have a desk stacked with miscellaneous articles and portions of research studies you’ve downloaded from ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝â€™s online library. It doesn’t matter if the rest of your home seems like it’s in disarray; for your school stuff, keep it all organized, together, and easily accessible.

2. Prepare to make sacrifices.

Just accept the fact that while you are accomplishing this life-changing goal, you will be making sacrifices in other areas of your life. Let your family and friends know that, too. For a while, you might have to forego your Wednesday nights out with the girls or your Friday poker nights with the boys, but that’s okay. You can still keep in contact with your friends and, if you get your schoolwork done ahead of schedule, you still might be able to meet with your pals a few times a month. What you don’t want to do, however, is think that your current routine will be exactly the same when you start your classes. It won’t. Accepting that fact now makes it easier to enjoy and embrace the change of your routine later.

3. It won’t be easy.

It won’t. If earning a college degree were a breeze, every person on the planet would do it. You might find that you are reading the same chapter in one of your academic books three different times and yet still not understanding it. You might get frustrated trying to find a research article online. You are enrolled in the courses to learn. You aren’t expected to know everything. What will help to make it easier, however, will be all the online resources and links ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ provides to its students to help you any time of the day or night. It won’t be easy, but it won’t be impossible either.

4. It can be very affordable.

Students’ costs of attending ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ are less than 80% of other private colleges throughout the state of Virginia. In addition to the very likely possibility that your employer probably has a program already in place to help pay for your college coursework (check with your HR Department), ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ has lot of plans and options to help make your academic journey affordable, too. Each year, ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ awards $20 million in financial aid and scholarships. In fact, 99% of the traditional program students benefit from financial aid. From scholarships, grants, and loans, to work study options and alternate resources, ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ makes attending college affordable with its various funding options and sources.

5. It will be worth it.

There are no material things that you can buy that you can absolutely guarantee will increase in value over the years. While a classic car, a beautiful home, or a stunning piece of jewelry may seem like a great investment at the time you purchase it, there is no guarantee that someone else in the world will one day want to pay you what you paid for it, or pay you more for it. Investing your time, attention, and finances in your education, however, will never decrease in value. Your college degree can never be taken away from you or de-valued; it will instantly and permanently add value to your life.

Investing your time, attention, and finances in your education will never decrease in value.

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#5 – An Overriding Sense of Commitment

At some point along your academic journey, you are going to feel 100% committed and confident about your academic pursuits. The feeling of commitment will be similar to the feeling you get when you go for your daily walk with your dog, attend morning Mass, or choose water over soda pop. It won’t be a struggle. It won’t be a drag. You will actually look forward to your next assignment, discussion, and course. When that innate sense of commitment shows up, nothing and no one can stop you from achieving your daily, weekly, and monthly goals.

How to handle it: Embrace it

Everyone knows people who are committed to something that is good for them. From physical fitness buffs and avid book readers, to gluten-free folks and vegetarians, once someone is committed to something that is good for them, there’s no need to wonder if they are still passionate about it the next time you see them. They are. When you suddenly realize that you are committed to the learning process and earning your degree, embrace it – it will become an integral part of who you are. Your commitment to your academic accomplishments will radiate for all to see through your words, actions, and decisions.

#6 – Acceptance

Once you’ve overcome the doubt, fear, and procrastination that will inevitably show up at the onset of your journey, acceptance will settle in. You’ll realize that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, and that you are accomplishing a life-changing goal with every assignment, every course, and every semester you complete. Accept that you are going through the process and that the light at the end of the tunnel is going to be there and it will be in the form of a degree!

How to handle it: Continue to act

Your actions will forever speak louder than any words you can share with someone. Continuing to move forward on your academic journey speaks volumes of your acceptance of your new, wonderful role as a college student.

With every big decision in life and with every big change, different emotions will come and go. Understanding that it’s ok to feel the way you are feeling, that you’re not alone on your journey, and that you are exactly where you are supposed to be will help you enjoy your academic journey. While earning your degree is the goal, all the experiences, accomplishments, and friendships you make along that journey will be just as integral to your development and success as a contributing member of society as the actual degree.

Catch up on this series:

6 Emotional Stages Every Adult Student Experiences: #1 & #2

6 Emotional Stages Every Adult Student Experiences: #3 & #4

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1. You’re not 18.

Phew! Thank goodness, right? Who really wants to be back at that stage in life where how many “likes” you get on your social media platforms for your 100^th selfie of the week seem to be more important (and all-consuming) to your 4,305 friends than what really matters most to you – making a profound difference both in your world and in łŮłó±đĚýworld. Though there are certainly teens achieving incredible things at their young age, there’s just really no comparison between earning your Bachelor in Business Administration right out of high school vs. going back to school when you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50+s. Your focus on the big picture of how your BBA degree will help you be of service to others, your ability to enjoy the journey and embrace each and every college course, and your choice regarding how to spend your Friday nights, are all vastly different when you pursue your BBA degree when you’re older (and know a lot more) instead of when you’re 18 (when you think you already know everything)!

2. You’ll bring more to the party.

Perhaps you’ve held various jobs for various employers or you’ve been with the same company for years; maybe you’ve been a full-time (and by full-time we mean 24/7) housemaker, mother, father, or single parent. It doesn’t matter which scenario seems to describe you best, the fact is – your personal and professional life experiences throughout all these years will contribute significantly to your success in your college classes. The unique perspectives, opinions, philosophies, and ideas you will bring to the “party” will not only help you to garner a deeper understanding of what you are studying, but also enable you to inspire and help your peers secure a broader and deeper understanding of the particular topics throughout your Bachelors of Business Administration classes.

3. The “swag” gift bag you’ll get will be overflowing.

The knowledge, skills, and experiences you bring to a conversation, a college class, a seminar, or a party directly affect what you will “get” out of that experience. If you don’t know anything at all about sailing the Atlantic on a catamaran and attend a conference on catamaran sails and pontoons, you won’t get much out of that experience. Granted, you will know a little more about the topic than you did before you attended the event, but it will be nowhere near what an avid daily Hobie Cat sailor gets out of it.

When your BBA degree’s marketing course requires you to read case studies about how businesses like Red Bull and Gatorade have mastered the art and science of brand marketing strategy, you’ll get a lot out of it if you have knowledge of marketing and/or have ever seen some of Red Bull’s or Gatorade’s phenomenal marketing commercials. The more knowledge, experiences, and skills you bring to your college courses, the more you will get out of them. That’s why this is the perfect time to pursue that academic goal. Had you attended college right out of high school, many of the concepts, scenarios, and research studies you would have explored back then would have been hard to relate to, challenging to understand, or just not meaningful to you in any real-world way.

4. It’s your ticket out or up the next step on that corporate ladder.

Whether you’ve been wanting to be promoted to a managerial level with your current employer, or you have been looking to change jobs and secure that dream position, obtaining a Bachelor in Business Administration degree will significantly help you to accomplish that goal. In fact, just starting your academic pursuit is often enough to be offered a promotion. If your employer sees that you are striving to improve yourself and enhance your skills by taking the initiative to earn your BBA degree, you could be offered that manager’s position right now over an outsider with a college degree getting it.

Employees who get promoted are the ones who go above and beyond what is expected of them. They arrive earlier than scheduled; they stay later; they help their colleagues before they are asked; they take pride in their work; and they have a “can do” attitude. If your positive disposition just doesn’t seem to be quite enough to get you where you know you ought to be, earning your BBA degree is your ticket to go where you want (either up that corporate ladder or out of your current position and on to a better one).

5. If not now, when?

°Ő´Ç»ĺ˛ą˛â’s the day. Not tomorrow, not next week, and not when things get better or things change. Getting information today about the steps involved in earning your BBA degree will get you started toward your goal. Making a phone call today to talk with an experienced, personable Admissions Counselor will get you the answers to all the questions that have been collecting cobwebs and taking up space in your head. Enrolling in just one Bachelor in Business Administration college course today will get you up and moving closer towards achieving your lifelong goal to earn a college degree (and you get to stay in your pajamas the whole time!)

6. That pajama thang.

Decades ago, the pursuit of a college degree meant you had to take a shower, get dressed, look presentable, gather all your assignments, tackle the traffic, and drive to a brick and mortar building to attend your scheduled classes. Sometimes you’d have more than one class on the same day, but hours apart. That meant you either had to stay on campus all day long until the evening class started, or you’d drive home only to have to drive back later. Thanks to 21^st century technology, you have other options now.

Today you can still earn that Bachelor of Business Administration without leaving your home, without leaving your dog, and without getting out of your pajamas. Moreover, you don’t have to be “present” in a class at the exact same time every week; instead, you typically simply have to post a weekly discussion by the designated day, respond to other students’ postings a few days later, and then turn in an assignment by a Sunday night deadline. Voila! It’s (really) that easy! So, at two in the morning while the rest of the world sleeps, you can be sporting your favorite PJs while writing a magnum opus about how entrepreneurial-spirited people launch their dream businesses (even while in their pajamas).

On Campus or Online BBA Degree Programs

ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝â€™s popular BBA degree program explores all the essential topics relevant in today’s business world. From accounting and finance classes, human resource management coursework, and economics to management, marketing, quantitative analysis and statistics, and legal, regulatory, and ethical issues, a BBA degree from ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ will enable you to gain confidence and have a solid foundation in the various facets of creating, developing, managing, and sustaining a profitable, successful business (whether your own or someone else’s).

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From 8 Reasons to Go Back to College as an Adult to How to Choose an Online Degree Program to Tips to Balance Work, Family, and Going Back to School, ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ Graduate & Professional Studies is here to help you succeed in both your professional life and your academic life (which, when combined, will help to make your personal life everything you had hoped and dreamed). You may also like Tips to Consider If You are Dealing With a Bad Boss or You Know It’s Time to Go Back to College When.

Until next time, explore our online degree programs ~ all specifically designed for the busy lifestyles of adults.

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My motivation to obtaining my degree is the four people you see in the picture with me. My lovely wife Stacy, my handsome sons Robert & Jalen and my beautiful daughter Ada. I want to lead by example for my children and set the standard for my household. I want to earn my degree so I can maximize my potential in society. I’ve worked in the community mentoring and coaching for over 25 years. I’ve had the opportunity to help thousands of youth. Once I’ve earned my degree, I can do more for my family and my community. It’s a WIN/WIN for me!

Why did you choose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝’s Graduate & Professional Studies Program?

I chose ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ GPS Program because I wanted to finish what I started over 25 years ago. The program was recommended to me by a friend. Once I did my research, I knew this program was the best fit for me. I have a full-time job, I’m a father, I’m a husband, I’m a community activist and I’m a high school football coach. I needed a program that would work with my hectic schedule and ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝’s GPS Program fit like a glove. The 5 week classes go by so fast, but you gain a great deal of knowledge during those 5 weeks. In 5 weeks, your brain is infused with the material you learn in that short period of time. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be, I wish I would have done this 10 years ago. I started in September 2016, it’s now March 2017 and I’m in my 7th class!

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

Fellow classmates: If you feel like quitting, think about why you started! Future AU students: You can and You will!

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

Looking at my grades from the classes that I’ve taken so far has kept me motivated! I’m currently at 3.9 GPA and I want a 4.0! Just knowing every 5 weeks I’m closer to my goal.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝, Class of 2018

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The post Meet Robert Scott, Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice student! appeared first on ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ Online.

1. More career options

Career advancement is one of the biggest reasons that most adults consider going back to school. Perhaps you started your bachelor’s degree right after high school but were unable to finish. Or, maybe you did finish, but would like to continue to get a master’s degree. Either way, securing these degrees will open the door for many career opportunities. In łŮłó±đĚýcompetitive job market, a formal degree can make the difference between hiring a candidate with one and overlooking one without the degree.

2. Polishing your skills

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, obtaining a master’s is a great way to polish the skills you have and learn about advancements in your chosen field. Learning about new technology, gaining professional certifications, and forging new connections are all possible when you go back to school.

3. Personal satisfaction

There is nothing quite like the feeling of holding a diploma in your hand from a university to let you know that you’ve achieved something magnificent. If you’ve faced challenges in life, this goal is a great way to boost your confidence and prove that you can handle a challenge.

4. For your family

If you aren’t going back to college for yourself, there’s a good chance you’re doing it for your family. Many parents go back to school to set an example for their children or to keep a promise to their parents. Naturally, your family will also benefit from the greater career opportunities you’ll gain.

5. Expanding your perspective

Education shouldn’t always be viewed in strictly practical terms. Sometimes, education for its own sake is just as valuable. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about how something works, a college education is a great way to do it! Immersing yourself in learning is a viable way to grow as a person.

6. Staying sharp

One of the unfortunate side effects of aging is that cognitive abilities may start to decline. Luckily, going back to school keeps your brain sharp. For older adults, earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree is an excellent way to stay engaged with others and maintain critical thinking skills.

7. Making a bigger impact

Finishing a college degree can enable you to leave things better than how you found them — you can make a bigger impact on the world. Fields like teaching, counseling, and healthcare require specialized degrees. If you want to transition into a role that helps your community, a college degree can be that stepping stone.

8. You’re finally ready

People who go to college immediately after high school often don’t know what they want out of life or are more interested in socializing than studying. If this sounds like you in the past, don’t worry. Going back to school as an adult is very different. You now have the life experience and responsibility to take your education seriously, making it much more likely that you’ll succeed this time around.

Obtaining your undergraduate or graduate degree will lead to changes in your life. Whether you want to continue your education for practical reasons related to your career or for more personal reasons of growth and satisfaction, there is no time like the present to get started!

From Tips to Balance Work, Family, and Going Back to CollegeĚýłŮ´Ç How to Choose an Online Degree Program to Tips to Become a Better Public Speaker, ĚÇĐÄ´«Ă˝ Graduate & Professional Studies is here to help you succeed in both your professional life and your academic life (which, when combined, will help to make your personal life everything you had hoped and dreamed).

Next, we’ll cover “How to Deal With a Bad Boss” (and still keep your job)! Until next time, explore our online degree programs ~ all specifically designed for the busy lifestyles of adults.

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