What is your name, current occupation, and degree program?
Cassie Lehnhart, Graduate Assistant of Career Services, Master of Business Administration; Human Resource Management.
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
Immediately following high school, I enrolled in a technical school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Management; from there I was offered a management position at a corporate restaurant. I was so excited; I thought this was going to be my career. However, life had other plans. The demand of the job was extremely overwhelming, I was a new mom, a wife and I wasn’t able to pursue those other positions in my life; roles I had always wanted to acquire. It was then I made my decision to return to school and pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration; Healthcare Administration from The University of Findlay. As I was closing in on graduation, I came to the realization that Human Resources interested me more, so I decided to earn a higher degree so that I had the potential to be more valuable to a future employer.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I chose Tiffin University for a few reasons. First, it offered the degree of my choosing; Human Resource Management at a Master’s level online. Next, it was within close proximity of my home if I ever had to visit campus. The campus is well maintained, easy to navigate, and the employees are extremely friendly. Finally, the University is affordable, $700 a credit hour as an MBA student.
What has been your experience with the program so far? What has your experience been with the teaching staff in the program?
Excellent, my experience has been excellent! I am only in my second semester, but the four courses I have already completed were so beneficial to extending my comprehension of the subject matter. I am better able to apply the methods and knowledge to real world scenarios. The professors are incredibly helpful, educated, and eager to ensure that you are retaining the content. The amount of coursework is fair; it isn’t overwhelming. Each syllabus lays out the amount of time required each week so that you can effectively plan your schedule. They will do whatever possible to ensure that you finish the course with more knowledge than you began with!
The professors are incredibly helpful…They will do whatever possible to ensure that you finish the course with more knowledge than you began with!
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
I want to succeed, I want to have a career that I am proud of, and I want to love my career so much, that it doesn’t feel like going to work. I have two small children, Lexie, 7, and Lennex, 19 months; it is important to me that they witness hard work paying off and that you can conquer anything you set your mind too. Barriers are just that, obstacles to distract you and they will do that if you allow them to. Quitting is/was never an option for me, but it is especially not an option with two sets of little eyes watching me.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Just do it, debating and waiting to apply will only further delay your professional career, or your passion. It won’t be easy, but things that are easy usually aren’t worth working for. Returning to college means that you are allowing yourself to fail (because you won’t be good at everything), succeed, and grow as an individual.
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