How did we manage before the advent of the internet? All that traffic, terrible parking, long lines, a bookbag crammed full with text books and a trapper keeper, disgusting commissary food… Ugh! What now seems like many years ago, I got my BA at a large in-state college. Been there, done that.

I can only imagine the gasps of disbelief, when a few years from now I tell my kids, while their whining about helping me shovel the driveway, about how when Daddy was a college student, he used to walk 2 miles from the student parking lot his classroom, up hill, both ways, in the snow…

Seriously, to those of you considering earning your degree online, for me, it has been a blessing. I've known for the last couple of years that my bachelors degree in business administration probably wouldn't be enough to move me up the corporate ladder.

I checked into local programs, filled out the paperwork, and was ready to enroll. I work full-time and have 2 kids at home. My wife also works and wasn't thrilled with the idea of my being gone 3 nights a week taking classes. Then a friend of mine asked if I had considered getting my degree online. Honestly, the possibility had never even crossed my mind. I'd seen advertisements on TV and in the newspaper. Maybe I should at least look into it.

So I started researching and discovered that there are hundreds of online MBA programs. HUNDREDS! I narrowed the field to 3 well-known accredited colleges and contacted them. All were very helpful, answering all of my questions about tuition costs, financial aid, explaining how the program worked, and more. Before I made a final decision on which college to attend, I spoke with the Director of Human Resources at the company where I work to see if they would value an "online degree" the same as a degree earned in a tradional, on-campus college. The answer was, "Yes, provided it was from a reputable, accredited college or university".

So here I am, one semester into an online MBA program, and I've got to tell you, this rocks! I login online to get and turn in assignments, take exams, communicate with others students in my class, attend lectures, ask my professor questions - it's amazingly convenient! I still have to do all the same work, but even that's more convenient since I can do it all at home, when it works into my schedule - at night after the kids are in bed, on the weekend, or during my lunch hour. I know I'll make it through the program and I know I'll do well.

In the coming months, I'll be sharing my online education experiences with you and giving you some tips you might find helpful if you're an online student or considering becoming one. Look for new resources, study tips, programs, and special offers for students. Hopefully by the next issue, I'll be saying, "Spring is here!"

Got to go now, time to study!

–– Chris