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 AIU Online alumnus David Larson has moved closer to his dream job as a CIO after obtaining his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Information Technology from AIU Online. We talked about why he has become an advocate of the university.
Why did you decide to continue your education?
After being in the military for eight years, I was working in my field. I kept getting promoted, but I had to move to Texas. After the dotcom bust, I took a pay cut, so I determined that I needed to go back to school to bridge that gap.
I knew I wanted to be a CIO about 8 years ago and thought of what I needed to do to get there. I knew that my education would be a shortcoming. I did some job-hopping to get to the position, and when I settled with a good, stable company, I decided that it was time to go to school and I get my degrees.
Why did you select AIU Online?
Originally, I liked AIU Online because of the rapid 13-month* program. Other schools had longer programs, even though the price was the same. I'd also read an article about AIU Online on CNN's website, which is how I found the AIU Online site.
Did you consider other universities?
Definitely. I considered other online universities as well as brick-and-mortar universities. AIU Online was willing to give me more credits from my time in the military. When you have a full-time job, it's difficult to go to school in a university setting. The online environment works better with your schedule. I spent at least 20 to 25 hours a week working on projects and assignments. I worked hard, and I don't think I ever felt like I wasn't challenged. It was many late nights and long weekends, but it was worth it.
What did you like about AIU Online?
I liked the self-study aspect and the way the site provides everything you need, including the resources necessary to write your papers. The chat room area allows for collaborations on group projects, which was the next best thing to being in a classroom.
When did you earn your degrees?
I got my Bachelor's in Information Technology in August 2003 and my Master's in Information Technology in July 2004. I went straight through. When I finished the first one, I thought it would be smart to go for another 10 months to get my Master's. It was a good decision. I graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Have you moved closer to your goals since obtaining your degrees?
I got a promotion right after earning my Master's. I'm currently a Manager for Corporate Data Management. Part of the reason for promotions was my job performance, but I know that they wouldn't have put a non-degreed person in the position that I have.
I think that my degrees and the promotions that I've earned will help reach the goal of becoming a CIO or CTO. I'm much closer today than I was three years ago; in fact, I'm one managerial position away.
Would you recommend AIU Online?
I do, in fact, recommend it. I have a colleague who works for me, and she mentioned going back to school and finishing her degree. As part of the review and coaching process, I encouraged her to go to AIU Online. She's currently enrolled in her second class. I'm really happy for her.
What advice would you give someone who's thinking about furthering their education with AIU Online?
I think the biggest thing is to just go do it—don't just think about it. Once you start, it goes by really fast, and there's a lot of gratification.
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I got a promotion right after earning my Master's. I'm currently a Manager for Corporate Data Management. Part of the reason for promotions was my job performance, but I know that they wouldn't have put a non-degreed person in the position that I have.
—David Larson |
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