Sun Devil Spotlight: Eric Sanchez

Eric Sanchez’s education journey had a rocky start.

As an undecided student, he changed majors at his local college several times. Juggling family, work and classes proved challenging. How would he complete his degree while meeting his commitments as a husband and father at home? He found the answer with ASU Online.

Now an alum, the California native attributes his career success to earning his degree from Arizona State University. He started as a customer service representative and, thanks to his education, worked his way up to vice president of operations for a medical devices manufacturer.

The Bachelor of Science in communication he earned through ASU Online demonstrates the versatility and employability of a liberal arts and sciences degree, paving the way to leadership and success, even in an industry like manufacturing.

“I’m the vice president of operations for a company that manufactures medical devices, and I tie a lot of that success back to ASU for giving me the chance to graduate while being a full-time employee, husband and father,” he said.

“When I first heard that ASU Online is one of the leading programs in the country, I was impressed,” he said. “An advisor immediately connected with me and helped me map out a program that aligned with my career goals and personal life.”

After enrolling, Sanchez and his advisor discussed his career goals and determined that a degree in communication would be the ideal fit. Sanchez was able to transfer many of his college credits to ASU, allowing him to graduate in two years while working full-time.

Shortly after graduating, he applied for a leadership position within his company. It would prove a pivotal move.

“Having a bachelor’s was required for that role,” Sanchez said. “Securing my degree played a big role in my career. Applying for the supervisor position was the first step that led me into operations.”

Sanchez flourished in his new role, and within a few years, he was encouraged to apply for a management position.

“I got leadership experience as a supervisor out on the production floor, which enabled me to get my first management position in customer service,” he said. “Eventually, I transferred back to the operations floor as a manager, and then I was headhunted to run my own facility as a plant manager.”

Two years later, Sanchez was tapped for the vice president of operations role he holds today.

When thinking about operations and manufacturing, a communication degree might not be the first to come to mind, but it was essential in providing Sanchez with the confidence and skills he needed to become an effective leader.

“Leadership is built on communication,” he said. “The program gave me tools to effectively communicate and present ideas, even in high-stakes situations. It helped me break out of my introverted shell and become the leader I am today.”

Today, Sanchez often reflects on the impact ASU, and earning a degree online, had on his career and home life.

“Without ASU Online, getting my degree would have been ten times harder,” he said. “I probably would have stopped my education process, feeling terrible for leaving my wife at home alone to manage two young children. Instead, I tackled my assignments and took my tests on my schedule. That was critical.”