Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet Jacqueline Kunesh
BSBA with a concentration in Information Technology
MSM with a concentration in Information Technology Management – current student
Ten years ago, Jacqueline Kunesh learned a lesson she will never forget. "I was an inside sales representative at the Mead Corporation and was given an opportunity to interview for an executive management position. I took a very lengthy psychological test known as the Challey test and scored extremely well. Then I went through a rigorous seven panel interview. When it came time to make a decision, the vice president of the company reviewed my file and found I did not have a college degree. He said he would never have guessed I had no higher education because I certainly handled myself as if I had. Nonetheless, he regretfully informed me I was ineligible to become part of the executive management team because I did not have a college degree. That is what motivated me to continue my education."
Jacqueline also learned that being motivated to continue her education was only the beginning. She also needed time, which can be a precious commodity with a full-time job and two daughters. "I managed to earn an Associate's degree by taking night classes at a technical college, but I still needed a Bachelor's degree in order to achieve my career goal of attaining an executive management position. I have a very demanding position as a project engineer, with company goals that had to be met, combined with my family responsibilities made attending a traditional university not feasible for me. So I began looking into online universities."
After looking into online universities and taking tours of several virtual campuses, Jacqueline chose Colorado Tech Online. "I was looking for accredited online universities that also have reputable, time-honored brick and mortar locations. After extensive research, I felt Colorado Tech Online was my best choice. I was impressed by the fact Colorado Tech Online has the same high academic standards and accreditation as the ground campuses of Colorado Technical University. The deciding factor for me, however, came after I took a tour of Colorado Tech Online's Virtual Campus. I am a visual learner, and the look and feel of the Virtual Campus was an important factor in my decision. The interactive multimedia format, user-friendliness and huge library database that Colorado Tech Online offers blew away the competition."
Jacqueline was equally impressed with the staff and course materials offered through Colorado Tech Online. "I enrolled with very high expectations and Colorado Tech Online met every one of them. The interaction with my instructors and the guidance they provided was superior to what I experienced in brick and mortar schools. Most of my instructors have hands-on experience working in the subjects they teach and bringing that into the virtual classroom is priceless. Sharing practical experiences with my instructors and classmates has helped in my career. In some of the live sessions, I discussed topics in my work that also pertained to the curriculum with my fellow students and instructor and was able to utilize their input in my current position. The knowledge and skills I gained through Colorado Tech Online have definitely given me an edge over the competition in my career."
Jacqueline recently graduated magna cum laude from Colorado Tech Online, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Information Technology. She feels she may be closer than ever to achieving her career goals. "Earning a degree has broken down barriers to achieving my career goals. I have been able to utilize the knowledge and skills I acquired through my courses at Colorado Tech Online to demonstrate my technical abilities and leadership skills to management. I have proven that I am ready to accept the challenge of leading a team and motivating employees to excel in their work and make a difference within our organization."
Jacqueline also feels that earning a degree through Colorado Tech Online has helped her improve on a personal level. "Knowing that my commitment to continuing my education is making a difference in my career path has also led to personal improvements in my life. I have more self-esteem and others recognize that. I have been asked by local businesses to conduct training seminars on system design. Local community organizations have requested that I speak at career events about my professional and educational achievements. I am viewed as a team player, a forward thinker, an individual that is dedicated to learning in order to help others and make a difference."
Jacqueline has proven her dedication to continue learning by enrolling in the Master of Science in Management degree program with a concentration in Information Technology Management through Colorado Tech Online. She plans on staying with her current employer because executive management is now within her reach. "I am currently being considered for the executive management position that has been my career goal for so many years. I am also enrolled in a Master's degree program that may result in further advancement in management upon completion. The professional and personal improvements I have experienced have made all of the time, effort and finances I have invested in continuing my education well worth it!"
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