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Online Learner Profiles: Barry T.

Profiles of Real Online Learners

Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Barry T., Bachelor of Business Administration

Though finally earning his degree came at some expense, Barry's new position at the technical college pays over $20,000 more than any salary he'd made previously.

His job as Executive Director of Public Relations allows him to exercise his writing abilities while serving as the face for the college in the community. Though these are skills that Barry spent his adult life acquiring, he would not have been able to fill the position without a full bachelor's degree.

"Don't get me wrong," he says, "I learned so much while involved in my coursework at AIU, and I'm probably better at my job because of it. But even if I already had the relevant skills, it wouldn't have helped me to get the job - a bachelor's degree was absolutely required."

Barry's career advancement may be largely due to finally achieving his B.A., but it's because of the life lessons he picked up along the way that he is motivated to take the next step.

He plans to start earning a master's degree, probably an M.B.A., in the next few months. "I never want there to be another opportunity that I'm not eligible for," he says, and adds that he will most definitely be getting his next degree via distance learning.

And even if achieving his master's doesn't necessarily mean his job or salary changes, he is convinced that the general knowledge and sense of accomplishment he will have will be worth the work.

What advice does he have for someone considering distance learning? "Don't get discouraged," he says. "And don't give up. It was literally 29 years from the time I started working toward a degree and actually graduating."

Sometimes, he says, you just have to dive in, trust yourself, and have the confidence to make sure that things will work out when nothing stands in your way.

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