Chris Spicuzza’s career path wasn’t a straight line.
After taking time off to raise her children, Spicuzza found herself struggling to re-enter the workforce. Despite her background in graphic design, she encountered job market barriers that made it clear: She needed to further her education. That realization led her to Arizona State University.
Now an alum, the California resident holds a Master of Science in user experience (UX) and attributes her academic achievements to the flexibility and immersive experience found at ASU Online.
“I knew I wanted to get my master’s degree,” she said. “There are only a handful of UX programs in the entire country. I know because I hunted down every single one. ASU stood out right away.”
Spicuzza initially set her sights on another university, but after comparing programs, the decision seemed obvious. Through ASU Online, she would have access to the course options available to on-campus ASU students.
“When I looked at ASU’s curriculum, I saw that I’d get to take courses in interactive design and other exciting subjects,” she said. “The electives and options really appealed to me. I could tell I would do more at ASU.”
Enrolling at ASU gave Spicuzza the opportunity to complete her degree online while staying engaged with the university community.
“Even though it was online, I felt connected,” she said. “The social media presence, the emails, the Slack channels; it all made me feel like part of a family. And when I went to campus for graduation, that feeling was even stronger.”
Spicuzza’s confidence in the value of her degree paid off. She graduated with distinction and secured an internship in the competitive UX industry. Her education set her apart in the job market.
“The boot camp I did before ASU wasn’t enough to get me hired, but this degree was,” Spicuzza said. “I learned from incredible professors; people doing the job. One of them, Michael Madson, is the reason I stayed on track.”
Beyond new career prospects, earning her degree had a deep personal significance for Spicuzza.
“I wasn’t always a 4.0 student,” she said. “I struggled in college the first time around. I was working three jobs and paying for school on my own. I had to drop out. It just wasn’t the right time for me. But now? Getting my master’s degree is an immense accomplishment, and I’m so proud of the example I set for my children.”
When she graduated, her children were by her side, celebrating the moment with her.
“My boys and I took pictures on Palm Walk, and they wear ASU gear all the time now,” she said. “One of my sons doesn’t see himself going to college, and I want to show him that education doesn’t have to follow a straight path. You do it when it’s right for you.”
For Spicuzza, earning her degree made all the difference.
“I want my kids to see that you never stop growing and you never stop learning,” she said. “ASU Online gave me the opportunity to achieve something I’m incredibly proud of.”