When Jenna Colvin set out to take the next step in her career, she discovered employers wanted more than just work experience; they were looking for a degree.
“I have the experience,” she said. “But many places you apply to want to know if you have a bachelor’s degree. As a woman working in the oil and gas field, having an education and experience is really important.”
The Dayton, Texas, resident tried attending an in-state university and intended to earn a bachelor’s degree that built on her associate degree in logistics and supply chain management. The university wouldn’t allow her to take online classes because of her proximity to campus, but she still lived too far away to manage in-person classes with her busy schedule as a mom, wife and full-time employee.
Rather than quit school and give up on her dreams, Colvin began looking for a different path and found ASU Online.
Learning from and engaging with the same world-class faculty who teach at Arizona State University, online students receive a similar experience as on-campus learners. The accelerated and asynchronous courses allow them to earn a degree while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Colvin is excited to put her education to work, starting with moving up in her company. She’s on track to graduate with her bachelor’s in international trade in December and plans to complete her master’s shortly after.
“Having that degree will allow me to expand not only my knowledge but also grant the potential to grow into multiple positions in a company,” she said. “I work for an offshore oil company now, so I'm hoping to climb the ranks, utilizing my degree and gain more experience.”
Here's what Colvin had to say about her ASU journey:
Question: Why were online courses the right choice for you?
Answer: Online courses were the only way for me to finish my degree. As a wife, mother, and full-time employee, I needed something flexible that would allow me to pursue my dream while still being present for my family. I don't think I would have been able to complete my degree if I had to commute to class and sit through lectures before commuting back home. I needed something that would work best for me and my family, and an in-class setting wouldn't have worked.
Q: Was there a course that stood out to you and if so, why?
A: The course that truly made an impact on me was TGM101 Principles of Global Management. As my first class in my degree path, it opened my eyes to the intricate process of global trade and collaboration. It provided me with valuable insights into the efforts of individuals and companies striving to trade goods across borders.
