Firsthand Experiences

Military Student

Sara Dmytrus was off to a good start continuing her education when she encountered an obstacle that may have impeded most people. As a member of the Delaware National Guard enrolled at the University of Delaware, she was deployed in support of Operation Nobel Eagle. Despite remaining stateside, her deployment combined with working an enormous amount of hours made it impossible for Sara to attend class in a traditional university setting. That is what led her to AIU Online. "I discovered AIU Online while discussing education with a fellow soldier during my deployment. I realized the only way to continue my education at that point was through online learning. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about AIU Online, so I enrolled." It turned out to be the beginning of an educational journey that ended with success for Sara.

Sara earned an Associate's degree and began a Bachelor of Business Administration degree completion program through AIU Online while deployed overseas. After returning home, Sara realized online learning would help enable her to pursue even higher educational goals and career opportunities without interfering with her busy schedule at home and in the National Guard. "I thought about how much I had learned from my courses and how much it could benefit me if I went on to earn a Master's degree. But with all I had going on at home between maintaining a house, serving in the National Guard and beginning a career, it was just not feasible for me to take time out to attend classes at a traditional university."

So, when Sara began looking into a Master's degree program she once again contacted her Admissions Advisor at AIU Online. "I had done some research comparing online graduate degree programs when I contacted my Admissions Advisor at AIU Online. While the program offered through AIU Online seemed more structured, I ultimately chose to enroll there again because everyone I spoke to on the phone was friendly, knowledgeable and informative and that made me feel comfortable with my decision. It turned out to be the right decision for me because it enabled me to advance in my life and my career while learning."

While working on a Master's degree, Sara discovered other benefits besides convenience with online learning through AIU Online. "At first I thought that I would feel like I was doing this alone, but I found the people I came in contact with at AIU very helpful and motivating. If I ever needed anything I found I could call my instructors or people in my class and reach out to them. In the end it was a real team effort." This structured, yet cooperative learning experience has helped teach Sara skills that can benefit her in today's highly competitive work environment. "I have learned discipline, teamwork and how to take the lead and get things done. AIU Online has been a great experience!"

Sara earned a MBA degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management and is near completing a second concentration in Marketing. Sara feels the degrees she has earned through AIU Online have helped her to advance her career opportunities. "In most companies today it is absolutely imperative to have education in the field you would like to work, especially in my industry. My degrees have enabled me to get a foot in the door and gain experience. That experience has helped me to advance."

Currently employed with a human resources consulting firm, Sara has been able to immediately apply the knowledge and skills she learned in her marketing and human resources courses through AIU Online. "Since graduation, I have been able to work within my field and really put my knowledge to use. My most significant professional accomplishment is being awarded a position with a ground breaking company within the human resource services industry. I am by far the youngest employee, and yet I still play a significant role within my firm. I am extremely proud that I was afforded this opportunity to make a difference and really change the industry. Thanks to AIU Online, I was able to advance in my career and my education at the same time."

Sara's short term goals are to finish her second Master's concentration, complete her service in the National Guard and further advance her career opportunities. Her long term goal is to share her knowledge and experience with other AIU Online students. "I would love to teach at AIU and give something back to the school I learned so much from." Nearing the end of her educational journey, Sara has some words of advice for potential AIU students. "Take advantage of the opportunities that await you. Take advantage of the many things the people you will encounter through AIU Online have to offer and use them to get ahead. AIU Online is a great learning experience."