Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet DeShorie Grant
MSM with a concentration in Information Technology – Graduate
MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management – Current Student
Single Mom with a Mission to Succeed
After having worked in her federal government job for 20 years, DeShorie Grant, single mom of three children (ages 6, 9 and 21) decided it was time for a plan. "I didn't have a plan, so I felt by returning to school, I could make a plan so that when I retired from the government I could easily transition into another field."
DeShorie also knew that she was not likely to receive a promotion from her current position of 12 years as a legal assistant. She had reached her own "glass ceiling". In order for her to be considered for more advanced positions; she needed to improve her skills and knowledge base as well. "I started to investigate different universities. I chose online learning because I have small children to care for. There was no way I could attend classes at a ground campus because of the time constraints involved and childcare issues and needs."
When DeShorie decided to return to school, she enlisted the support of extended family members who were available to help out with childcare. Her biggest supporter though, was her oldest son who was able to assist her with the smaller children while she spent time online completing her projects and assignments. It was important to DeShorie to not miss out on quality time with her family. "Raising children by yourself requires organization and it is challenging to fit in school work and get it all done!"
After waiting 20 years to return to school, DeShorie obtained her first Master's degree at another online university. One Master's degree was not enough for DeShorie, however, she wanted more. She enrolled through Colorado Tech Online in the Master of Science in Management degree program with a concentration in Information Technology.
DeShorie chose to attend Colorado Tech Online for her second Master's degree because she preferred Colorado Tech Online's Virtual Campus as compared to her former online university. "At Colorado Tech Online the Virtual Campus is very visually stimulating and attractive and the (Online) Library is very user friendly. The way you can interact with other students and the faculty is a lot better than the other online universities I've experienced. I never had any problems with connecting to the Virtual Campus where I had problems connecting with my former university."
"I've had an outstanding learning experience with Colorado Tech Online. The instructors are true professionals in their fields. They are not just reciting from a textbook. They have worked in the trenches, done the work, even worked for Fortune 500 companies. They've been there and done that and they can relate to different scenarios that may come up in the business world." DeShorie also benefited from the "live" class sessions at Colorado Tech Online. "Other universities don't have that. A lot of people think that online is impersonal, but I don't feel it is." DeShorie also liked that fact that Colorado Tech Online has programs that include certificates. "I believe the certificates listed on your résumé make a difference when you go to apply for a job."
Another aspect of Colorado Tech Online which DeShorie found beneficial was the Virtual Commons. "I can hear what other students and alumni are saying about a particular subject or career field. The networking capability has really enhanced my education. By interacting with other students, you can open up the world of networking and benefit from the knowledge and experience of your fellow classmates."
After earning her second Master's degree, DeShorie was able to advance in her career and is now employed with the Department of Labor as a Claims Examiner. "The agency is new and there is a lot of growth for me." She is able to utilize what she learned from the systems analysis and IT course work. Her current department is in the process of getting a new computer system and DeShorie's newly acquired IT experience and knowledge will greatly enhance this new system major overhaul in the coming months.
DeShorie enjoyed her experience through Colorado Tech Online so much that she enrolled for yet another Master's degree program; this time working towards her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management. DeShorie's long-term career goals are to teach at the university level – either online, at a ground campus, or in a corporate setting. "I have started the third phase of my journey, to accomplish a task no one in my immediate or extended family has ever accomplished, which is to obtain three Master's degrees. I am amazed how the power of education can transform a person's life. I have witnessed it first-hand."
Back to Student/Alumni Profiles Home