Jacob Massaquoi, II
BBA - Human Resources Management- Graduate
MBA - Organizational Psychology and Development - current student

Many people facing several reconstructive orthopedic surgeries and two years of homebound recovery would view it as a setback. Jacob Massaquoi, instead, viewed it as an opportunity to continue his education. AIU Online offered Jacob that very opportunity.

Jacob, a political refugee from war-torn Liberia, his leg shattered by a bullet, was physically unable to attend a traditional university where he now lives in New York City. But, that did not stop him. "I began researching academic institutions that offered online degrees with the intent of finding an outstanding institution that would help me achieve my educational goals. I chose AIU Online. I enrolled at AIU Online during a very challenging time in my life. I was very determined to complete a Bachelor's degree program. I believe higher education is the best way to secure a bright future. AIU Online opened the door to a brighter future for me."

Jacob's educational goals relate directly to his work. As the Director of African Refuge, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and legal services to refugees and low-income emigrants, Jacob has a deep interest in organizational management and a need to manage human resources in a cost-effective manner. "I am deeply involved in my community and my organization. We provide crucial services to low-income families by linking them to social service providers through information. I give credit to AIU Online.for helping me learn the mechanics of organizations and helping me learn how to motivate individuals in my organization to make the most of themselves and contribute to our efforts to the best of their ability."

Jacob earned a BBA degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management and is currently working on an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Psychology and Development. What Jacob learned through AIU Online was immediately applicable to his work environment. "I am now able to effectively appraise my staff and volunteers, design effective staff training programs, conduct needs assessment surveys with confidence, write professional job descriptions, interview new employees, and perform many managerial functions which I could not have executed independently prior to earning my degree through AIU Online. I give credit to AIU Online for helping me advance in my career."

Jacob has found that AIU Online has other benefits as well. "It is convenient because it fits my schedule, but more importantly, it is a friendly environment. The Virtual Campus is easy to work with. I am exposed to people from diverse professional and social backgrounds that are willing to share their experiences and help each other learn. The instructors do more than teach. They guide students through the learning process. It is a wonderful experience!"

Jacob's ultimate goal is to expand his organization beyond the realm of New York City and reach out to people in his native country. "When institutions collapse there is real need for professionals with the knowledge and ability to develop infrastructure to step in and help in the rebuilding process. Even with ten years experience in civic organizations, the knowledge and skills I learned through AIU Online have helped me to better understand the mechanics of organizations. Immediately after my graduation, a consultant in my organization told me 'from this point onward I will consult with you not as a teacher, but as a mentor and professional colleague.' That was a huge transformation for me."

Jacob has some words of advice for current and potential AIU Online students. "Nothing in life is determinate other than your own choices. You must be strong-willed, determined and disciplined. If you can bring qualities like that to an institution like AIU Online there are no limits to what you can achieve. AIU Online is the perfect environment for achieving your goals."

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