Garrett Chain is a student in Eastern Kentucky University’s online bachelor of general studies degree program. Garrett is an application designer for TC Energy. He recently shared his thoughts about his EKU Online experience.
How has earning this degree changed or aided your career?
The formal education I have received by attending EKU Online has helped my career in many ways. While I had a very strong technical background due to my on-the-job training, I was lacking the foundational knowledge that employees typically gain from a university. By attending EKU Online I was able to study areas such as finance, project management, risk management, operations management, etc. When added with the technical skills I have learned on the job, I am now well prepared for many new advancement opportunities in the workplace.
What motivated you to get this degree?
The biggest motivator for obtaining my degree was the support of my family and company as well as my love for learning. I am constantly seeking out new challenges at work, and by obtaining my degree from EKU I will be opening the door to future opportunities that wouldn’t have been available to me otherwise.
What was your favorite part or the highlight of your time as an EKU Online student?
The highlight of my experience while attending EKU Online was definitely the EKU faculty. All of the professors demonstrated a true passion for the subject they taught. It was always clearly evident that they cared greatly about the success of each of their students. Online learning can be tough because you do not have the chance to have face to face interaction and build the bond you can in person. That problem doesn’t exist at EKU because the faculty is so dedicated that the typical problems you might expect with distance learning do not come into play. Whether it’s the amount of detail put into designing courses, or the dedication each professor displays for the success of every student in the course, EKU distance learning is set up to make sure every student succeeds.
How did the EKU Online faculty aid in your success?
The EKU Online faculty was crucial to my success as a student. They put a lot of effort into designing their online courses to really deliver the maximum return on investment. The quality of the content was fantastic, and the faculty made sure they were always available to ensure student success. I will always be amazed at how much time the EKU Online faculty dedicated to the online students. We weren’t just distant learners they had never met; we were valued students who they focused on just as much as their in-person learners.
What did you find surprising about the program?
The common myth is that online learning is easier than traditional brick and mortar settings. I found my time at EKU Online to be quite the opposite. I had studied on-campus in the past and I actually found EKU Online to be a bit more intense than the on-campus experience. This was an excellent surprise though. Most employers are now beginning to realize that online learning isn’t subpar to on-campus learning and that is due to institutions like EKU raising the bar and challenging their students to work hard and really gain as much as they can from their time at EKU.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to become an EKU Online student?
Don’t wait! Attending EKU Online was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Online learning can be a scary thought. You worry about whether you’ll be able to succeed because you’re “on your own” but I assure you that isn’t right. The amount of support I received from the faculty at EKU made the challenges of online learning almost non-existent. At EKU you’ll receive a quality education that will help you challenge yourself to really unlock your potential.
Interested in a bachelor’s degree from EKU Online?
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 general studies program can help advance your career.