Firsthand Experiences

Meet Stephen Bugayong
U.S. Air Force
BBA - Management

Military Student

Stephen Bugayong always knew higher education was in his future, but some things are easier said than done. Although Stephen's parents stressed the importance of earning a university degree, being the oldest of five children made attending a university difficult financially, so Stephen enrolled in a junior college while working part-time. Juggling work, school and family responsibilities, however, produced less than satisfactory results. The solution for Stephen was the United States Air Force and AIU Online.

"I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to pursue my formal educational goals. My intention was to do my patriotic duty and take advantage of the educational benefits. Being a part of the world's greatest Air Force, however, seemed to be what I was destined to do, so the decision to make it a career was an easy choice. I knew with a military career, I had the time to pursue my educational goals later in my life. Although military service gave me technical training, without a formal degree, finding a rewarding career after military life would be difficult. Unfortunately, even 20 years of technical experience is not always enough. A university degree matters."

Nearly 20 years after his first attempt at higher education, Stephen was ready to try again. He turned to the Air Force educational guidance office at the base where he was stationed and found that AIU Online was highly recommended. "I then did some research and what set AIU Online apart for me was structure within flexibility. Although I am a very structured and disciplined person, I needed flexibility because my military obligations afforded me limited time for my family and community activities. Any university that required a physical presence was not a good fit for me. I decided AIU Online was the best fit for my family, my career, my educational goals and for me. When I contacted AIU Online, the knowledgeable and professional Admissions Advisors took charge and took it from there."

Stephen enrolled in the Bachelor's of Business Administration degree completion program with a concentration in Management with the goal of making a transition from military service to civil service as a budget analyst in the field of financial management. He found AIU Online not only met all his expectations in terms of structure and flexibility, but also provided a support network that helped him succeed. "The flexibility enabled me to structure my coursework around my military and family obligations. I set aside a daily three hour block of time in which I could attend to my studies wherever I had an internet connection. I found help always was available from my instructors. I was surprised at the amount of interaction I had with my classmates both online and off. Although earning my degree was a significant accomplishment, it was even more of an honor to graduate with a 3.82 grade point average, Magna Cum Laude."

Immediately after earning his degree, Stephen's superiors in the Air Force recognized his ability to excel in his career and his achievements began piling up. "As the Support Flight Chief and Financial Programs Manager, my section was awarded the Best Customer Support Section of the Year for the 372nd Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. I have also been recognized for my dedication and outstanding work by being the recipient of the Knight Guard of 3rd Quarter, 372nd Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. I have been chosen as the Non-Commissioned Officer of the 2nd Quarter for the 369th Recruiting Squadron, Los Angeles, California in a selection of over 100 personnel. During a recent Inspector General Visit, my financial program was honored as the Inspector General Operational Inspection Superior Performer, Air Education and Training Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. My financial program was the only such program in the entire squadron to receive an outstanding rating. Applying the knowledge and skills I learned through AIU Online has definitely helped me excel at what I do and advance in my career."

Earning his degree through AIU Online also paid off for Stephen when he succeeded in achieving his goals in civil service. "My degree definitely helped me advance. As soon as I was able to list a Bachelor's degree on my job applications along with my achievements I got more responses. It immediately put me on a higher level of responsibility and higher pay scale. I give credit to my degree for helping me get there and to the knowledge and skills I learned along the way for enabling me to excel in my career."

Stephen believes that "while the retirement benefits from the military are great, they are not enough. You have to prepare yourself for a transition to civilian life through higher education and AIU Online is a great way to get that education before you leave the military. All you have to do is make a phone call, make a commitment and get started."