Cindy Villa
Associate of Arts in Business Administration

Meet Cindy Villa

By the time Cindy Villa reached her 40's, she began to think that continuing her education was no longer an option. Then her life changed unexpectedly. "I was a good student in high school and I always wanted to continue my education, but I kept putting it off. I had a well-paying job with excellent benefits and I became convinced I would stay in that position until retirement. Then the unthinkable happened. I injured my neck and arm and was unable to work. Although I was able to take sick leave, I was unable to file a workers compensation claim. I knew then that it was time for a change. I remembered an advertisement for AIU Online I had seen that had made me begin to think that my dream of earning a college degree may not be out of reach. So, I contacted AIU Online and my life soon changed for the better."

Cindy looked into several online universities before choosing AIU Online. "I spoke with friends and family who had experience with higher education, I read testimonials, I contacted several universities and I also looked into attending brick and mortar colleges. I decided that online learning was the right fit for me because of the convenience and flexibility, and because learning from home would be easier for me while I recovered from surgery. I chose AIU Online for several reasons. The advisors I spoke with were helpful, informative and not at all pushy. I liked the accelerated degree programs and curriculum and I was very impressed with the Virtual Campus."

Cindy enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree program with a concentration in Business. Cindy was somewhat anxious at first, but any doubts she had about returning to school and online learning were quickly put to rest. "When I began my courses I had not been a student for almost 30 years and I had only basic computer skills. I soon found I had a wealth of resources at my disposal with AIU Online to assist me in learning. The Virtual Campus is very user-friendly and the online library is incredible. The instructors are very dedicated, interesting and supportive. Help was readily available whenever I needed it. I had great interaction with my fellow students. The study skills I was afraid I had forgotten quickly came back to me and my computer skills rapidly improved. AIU Online is a great fit for working adults who are thinking about continuing their education but have been out of school for a long time. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend AIU Online to anyone!"

Cindy completed her Associate's degree through AIU Online in less than 13 months and worked with Career Services in seeking employment. She immediately got positive results. "The staff at AIU Online stayed with me every step of the way throughout my job search. Regular phone calls and e-mails from my Career Services Advisor, job search tips, offers to help me write my résumé and even conduct mock interviews were just a few of the benefits I received after graduation. Whenever I informed my Advisor I was up for an interview, she made sure I knew I could call upon her anytime for assistance. She encouraged me and was genuinely interested at every phase. When I accepted my new position, the first congratulatory e-mail I received was from my Career Services Advisor!"

Cindy is currently employed with the IRS as a data transcriber. She feels the knowledge and skills she learned in courses through AIU Online have helped her excel in her profession. "AIU Online not only gave me the tools for success, but also showed me how to use them. I have sharpened my computer skills and that helps me every day in my current position. The math courses and business ethics courses have also been very helpful in my current position. I learned how to write as clearly as I speak. The knowledge of business operations and the organizational skills I have acquired are not only applicable in my current position, but also in any profession. I have more professional opportunities than I ever have had. Instead of settling in my current position, I view it as a foot in the door leading to greater opportunities."

Cindy also feels a greater personal sense of achievement after earning a degree through AIU Online and has set higher goals for herself. "I have benefited most from the increased confidence and heightened sense of self-esteem that earning a degree has given me. I plan on continuing on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice through AIU Online. My ultimate career goal is the get involved in a criminal justice profession, perhaps doing research for the DEA, FBI, or even a local law enforcement agency. I am also looking into opening a business with my husband and son. I feel like the possibilities for me are almost endless. I graduated with new found confidence and I am proud to be able to say to my children and grandchildren that I earned a college degree. I give thanks to AIU Online for making a profound difference in my life!"

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