As an adult, setting a goal to earn your degree is a big decision. Navigating how to balance busy schedules with school may be challenging but can ultimately support your personal and professional future. At Johnson & Wales University Online (JWU Online), current students and alumni share the impact of earning their degree and how it supports their future aspirations.
Elevate Your Career
Earning your degree can help you step into a new position, further supporting your professional career goals. Our courses are taught by industry professionals who bring their experience and expertise into their courses. Stephen Taylor ‘27, A.S. Hospitality Management has over twenty years of experience in the culinary industry. However, he decided to pursue the hospitality program to help him step into leadership roles. Recently accepting a new role as Assistant General Manager at the Whitford Country Club in Exton, PA, Stephen’s journey at JWU Online has helped him to step into a role that aligns with his personal goals. “Without a doubt, continuing my education with JWU played a role in the club’s decision to hire me,” Taylor notes.
Commitment To Self-Growth
Deciding to pursue your degree highlights your commitment to investing in yourself. It takes hard work and dedication and showcases your ability to achieve a goal you’ve set your mind to. Reyna Salcedo ’25, B.S. – Public Health balanced a career in healthcare, being a mother and participating in an internship while pursuing her degree. Crossing the stage at commencement was a valuable moment that highlighted her determination. Salcedo shares, “I felt happy and proud of myself. Persevering through the tough times while I was working, caring for four kids and navigating challenging courses was worth it to get my degree. And I know my kids were proud, too, because as I walked across the stage, I could hear them cheering for me.” At JWU Online, we can help support you throughout your journey to ensure you accomplish your goals.
“College is not simply about earning a degree; it is also about developing confidence, building connections, and growing both personally and professionally through the learning process,” – Harry Ryan, Jr., Academic Program Director
Advance Skillsets
Our flexible online learning format allows students to advance their expertise and gain new skills that support their career. Our mission to support life-long learning is seen throughout current students and alumni experiences. Ben Huntzinger ’25, B.S. – Digital Marketing & Social Media gained hands-on learning through an internship which ultimately led to a promotion. Huntzinger notes, “The promotion confirms that by putting the skills learned in the Digital Marketing & Social Media program to work, first as an intern and then as an employee, I am providing value to the Faulkner Automotive Group.”
Huntzinger recently stepped into a new role as a Marketing Project Specialist for D&H Distributing. Continuing to apply the skills he gained from his courses and internship experience, his story shows that by advancing your skillset you can further your knowledge, prepare for a promotion or explore a new career path.
Explore A New Career Path
It’s never too late to learn something new. If you are considering a career change, a degree can help you to pivot into a new field. Our programs equip you with diverse skills that are applicable to different roles and positions. General and Vascular Surgeon, Ajay Patel, MD ’26 graduated with his Master of Business Administration – Finance degree. This change allowed him to not only expand his knowledge into the business industry but also prepare him for a new direction in his career. “I feel reassured that, should something happen so that I am no longer able to perform surgery, the MBA will have prepared me for new opportunities. I will be able to pivot my career path to other avenues — ones that I would never have been able to pursue without going back to school and earning this degree.” By submitting an application, you can take the first step towards reaching your dreams.
Ready For What’s Next?
Don’t wait — at JWU Online our dedicated admissions team is here to help you get started. Explore our wide range of online degree programs, complete our brief Request Info form, submit a free application or contact us directly at [email protected].