Stephanie Wilson, MBA – Human Resource Management
Current occupation: Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support Specialist with the Air Force (assisting military families with special needs)
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
After years of working in social services and dealing with some military service-connected disabilities, I was offered the chance to return to school to pursue a new degree through the vocational rehabilitation program at the Veteran Affairs.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I choose to study at Tiffin University because it had an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources, which fit my desired professional goals. In addition, their accelerated online program, the required course work, and the focus on strategic business and human resources was ideal over the numerous other universities I researched. I started out with a list of 30 universities and after researching, Tiffin was the optimal program and the university is well known for being prestigious.
What has been your experience with the program so far?
My experience online has been great so far! I love that the classes are set up the same, regardless of who is teaching, so that everyone gets the same education. I have been impressed with the high demand for critical thinking, application to real-life business, and the accountability required of the professors.
The faculty have been great. They all provide wonderful feedback regarding how to improve your critical thinking. Standards required of students to meet graduate level work have been enforced in such a way that I feel like I am more than just a number being pushed through the program. You can tell that the faculty want the best from their students in order to send the best into the business world upon graduation.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school?
Time management has been critical for me. I work full-time, own and operate a small farm, am raising a family of 4 teenagers (who all have after school activities), plus my own and my husband’s medical issues that add extra stress to everything else. I always set time aside to work on my work and ensure that I use my time wisely. I tend to work on my school work during my lunch hour. My family has also been a great support in making sure that they help as much as possible so that I can study.
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
Watching my children put the same amount of work and dedication into their schooling has been my motivation. While they don’t like mommy having to constantly study, you can see that they recognize that it is important and all of my children have begun putting extra effort into their own schooling. In addition, watching them begin planning for their own college endeavors in a few years is also motivating. Also seeing them recognize that regardless of my schooling, I still show up for them. They are my biggest motivation. I want them to see that it is possible!
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
No matter what is going on in your life, you can do it! I have watched people make excuses regarding returning to school, but, in the end, if you really want it, you can do it. It’s all about time management and dedication.
TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?
My greatest risk taking venture was joining the Army. I may have come out on the other side with several disabilities, but I have also gained so much from it. I have a career I love, mentally I am stronger than most, and I have had the opportunity to obtain 2 graduate degrees (with this one being the second). If it wasn’t for taking the risk of joining the Army and serving for four years with a year-long tour in Afghanistan, I would not have been as successful as I am in my career or in my life in general.