Jessica Wagner graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She works as a staff accountant for Elite Dental Partners. She completed her degree online and recently shared her thoughts about her EKU Online experience.
How has earning a business administration degree changed or aided your career?
I worked in retail while earning my degree. Now that I’m working in the healthcare field as an accountant, I cannot express the impact earning my degree had on my life. I have been able to move to Chicago, work in a job I really enjoy and earn a good salary. Now I am able to travel and live a life I am content with. I am very thankful for EKU.
What motivated you to get a business administration degree?
I am the first person in my family to earn a college degree. I think all first-generation students have a “something to prove” attitude. The motivation to get my degree by not only what it would mean to me, but my family as well. I am proud of my degree and the hard work it represents.
What was your favorite part or the highlight of your time as an EKU Online student?
The highlight of my time as an EKU Online student was getting to know my classmates. We were all at different points in our lives. Almost everyone had other commitments, being work, family, etc. but we were all making our education a priority. It was nice to be surrounded by other people that understood what I was going through.
How did the EKU Online faculty aid in your success?
I always felt the faculty was available and willing to help at any time. A lot of the faculty made sure to express that they would be available to us even after graduating. I think that showed how invested they were in their students and their success.
What did you find surprising about the business administration program?
I entered the program the first year it was made available, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was surprised by how well the program was set up and the faculty’s creative use of different forms of technology to teach and engage. Also, as someone who was used to commuting from Lexington to Richmond for class, I was pleasantly surprised at how much time and stress moving to an online program saved me.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become an EKU Online student?
My advice is to be serious about your time management. There is more flexibility with online programs, so you need to make your education a priority and set up a schedule for studying.
Connect with your classmates as you talk on discussion boards and work in group projects. I had classmates I had multiple classes with over different semesters. It was nice to have those connections going through the program.
Lastly, discuss your goals with people in your life. As you go through the program, they can encourage you and remind of what you are working towards. It also makes celebrating on graduation day more fun!
Interested in achieving your goals and earning a bachelor’s degree in bachelor’s administration?
Earn your online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university that has been an online education leader for more than 15 years. Our flexible, online format provides students the ability to complete coursework and assignments according to their schedule.
Complete the form to learn more about how EKU’s online business administration program can help advance your career.