Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet Johnny Mills
BSBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management – Graduate
MSM with a concentration in Project Management – Current Student
Setting a Course for Success
While aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, Hospital Corpman 1st Class Johnny Mills was in a unique position. "I was the only Advanced X-ray Technician out of a crew of approximately 6300, which sometimes meant more than 60 hour work weeks." Balancing more than a full-time job with earning a degree in higher education can be challenging in the best of circumstances. Johnny Mills managed to pursue his dream of earning a Bachelor's degree despite his extremely demanding schedule while deployed at sea. "I do not let anything get in the way of my dreams, because when there is a will, there is a way." Enrolling in a degree program through Colorado Tech Online not only helped make it possible for Johnny to continue his education under difficult circumstances, but also helped him pursue new opportunities thereafter.
Johnny originally decided to continue his education through Colorado Tech Online in order to apply to be commissioned as a naval officer. "A four year college degree was required in order for me to become a commissioned officer in the Navy. Online learning was my only option aboard the USS Stennis. I also began to think about what I was going to do after I left the Navy. I have always been outgoing. I have an interest in human resources because I feel people are the most valuable asset in any organization. One of the reasons I chose Colorado Tech Online is that a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree program with a concentration in Human Resources Management was one of my options. In addition to having an interest in that field, I knew a business degree would create opportunities for me in the private sector as well as in the military."
Johnny was somewhat apprehensive about online learning when he began his courses while aboard the USS Stennis. That quickly changed as he became at ease with Colorado Tech Online's Virtual Campus. "Adjusting to school in an online setting was difficult at first. I found the Virtual Campus very user-friendly, with a wealth of resources for research at my fingertips. The online library, with state-of the-art informational databases, as well as technical support, is accessible through the Virtual Campus around the clock. The Virtual Campus enabled me to use my free time to the fullest extent and helped me learn how to learn."
Online learning through Colorado Tech Online was a good fit for Johnny in many other respects as well. "I am a people person, but I am also self-disciplined and I like structure. Although there is a certain degree of flexibility with Colorado Tech Online, there are also deadlines to meet. The focus on deadlines and the step-by-step progression of the courses was very goal-oriented and structured. That helped me establish a routine and manage my time more efficiently, which worked very well for me in my situation. I also found that online learning is very personal. There is a very high degree of personal interaction and teamwork between students. The instructors make themselves available through e-mail, instant messaging, office hours and phone. I was very surprised that many of the instructors gave out their home and cell phone numbers and said I could call them any time I had questions. If the information I needed wasn't right at my fingertips on the Virtual Campus, it was only an e-mail or a phone call away. Overall, Colorado Tech Online was a great experience!"
As Johnny got closer to completing his degree program through Colorado Tech Online, he became more confident in his ability to make a smooth transition from military to civilian life and opted to retire from the Navy. "Leaving the Navy was a tough decision. I had 21 great years in the Navy. I had lots of fun and I have a great sense of pride in having served my country. I earned more respect from my superior officers by pursuing a college education and they had been very supportive throughout the time I was enrolled. But I also felt ready for a change and wanted to be closer to my family. I was now very confident in my ability to pursue a career in the private sector. Instead of wondering what I was going to do after retiring from the Navy, I had many options to choose from."
Johnny eventually chose to pursue a career in management at a large retail pharmacy chain. He feels earning a Bachelor's degree through Colorado Tech has paid off for him in many ways. "Immediately after retiring from the Navy, I obtained a management position at Rite-Aid. I would not even have been considered for that position without a Bachelor's degree. I enjoy my new career because I am able to work closely with people. I use the knowledge and skills I learned in my management courses every day in my position. I learned how to manage people more effectively and I get very positive results. Whenever I look at my diplomas hanging on the wall of my office, I am proud of my achievements and am inspired to set even higher goals for myself."
Johnny is so pleased with the results of earning his Bachelor's degree that he enrolled in the Master's degree program through Colorado Tech Online. Johnny's ultimate career goal is to advance into an executive management position. "Along with my degree and the management experience I now have, Colorado Tech Online has opened many new doors of opportunity for me. I am currently enrolled at Colorado Tech Online in the Master of Science in Management degree program with a concentration in Project Management and I plan on beginning work on a second Master's degree with a concentration in Business Management in July 2007. I have also set my sights on a position as an associate program manager with another large company. Thanks to Colorado Tech Online, my aspirations are higher now than ever."
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