Dan Pierce believes earning his undergraduate degree is essential to his personal and professional growth and will help him advance his career and achieve his long-term goals. Pierce, who’ll graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in spring 2023, selected Saint Mary’s Adult Education Program due to the flexibility that allowed him to balance his work and educational commitments.
He had a desire to continue learning and growing in order to achieve his personal and professional goals, and the timing was right to take on the challenge of returning to school. Ultimately, seeing his oldest daughter earn her bachelor’s degree motivated Pierce to earn his degree before his other two daughters. He also wanted to set a good example for his children and show them the importance of higher education.
“What I enjoyed most was the interactions with my instructors. They had real-world experiences to share, and it was cool to hear how they applied what they were teaching in their own careers,” Pierce said. “Plus, they were super patient and supportive, which made the learning process a lot less stressful.”
In addition, he cited several factors that set the Saint Mary’s business administration program apart from other universities and online programs These include personalized attention from experienced faculty and staff; flexibility with a range of scheduling options; relevant curriculum that provides critical knowledge and skills; networking opportunities to connect with other professionals; and Saint Mary’s reputation for academic excellence.
Real-world Experiences
Working at a bio-pharmaceutical contract manufacturer in Fargo, N.D., Pierce manages the safe storage and distribution of biologics within an FDA-regulated environment. He also handles logistics and inventory management, working to ensure his company’s biological materials are delivered safely and on time.
“The business administration program at Saint Mary’s University provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills that have been incredibly applicable to my career. I love how practical the coursework is,” he said. “It’s not just theories and concepts, we learned how to apply what we were learning to real-world business scenarios. I also developed critical thinking and business-solving skills that have been invaluable in my job.”
According to Pierce, one of the best things about his program was his instructors’ expertise and real-world experiences that brought a wealth of knowledge and insights to the classroom and brought the material to life. He found learning not only from his textbooks but from their experiences incredibly valuable.
Challenging but Doable
The business administration curriculum covers a broad range of topics including accounting, finance, marketing, management and operations, enabling students to understand how businesses function effectively. Pierce believes this understanding is crucial in making informed decisions, effectively communicating with clients and colleagues, and understanding the financial implications of his actions.
Going back to school as a busy adult was challenging but doable for Pierce. It provided a rewarding and enriching experience and helped him achieve his personal and professional goals. He feels strongly that, whether working in an established organization or starting your own business, the skills acquired in the business administration program can help equip students with the skills they need to thrive.
“All in all, if you’re up for a challenge and want to take your career to the next level, I’d definitely recommend the business administration program at Saint Mary’s,” adds Pierce. “If you seek to excel in your career and are prepared to take on new challenges, it’s a worthwhile investment in your future. The program can have a profound impact on your career, as it has done for me.”