Michael Myers was on a fast track. The goal: to finish his degree in two years while working as a tech consultant. An advisor recommended IU Online as a flexible means to meet that goal. It was a solid recommendation: Myers succeeded. In 2019 he earned his BS in Business Administration with concentrations in computer information systems and marketing.
Myers explains why he chose IU Online. “I’m interested in business and marketing. In business, computer information systems is one of the most sought-after degrees, especially on the sales side. I saw IU Online offered computer information systems, and I knew that would be a huge asset in sales.”
When Myers investigated transferring credits, he discovered that some schools wouldn’t accept all his credits. IU Online was the exception. He says, “My academic advisors made transferring all my credits extremely easy. I didn’t have to retake a single class.”
Myers found online learning more rigorous than the face-to-face classroom. “We live in a technological world. Technology makes learning interactive. Using the study applications in Canvas, you complete exercises as you work though chapters. Active learning is powerful. Reading passively doesn’t build the same depth of engagement and understanding. No question: I got a far better education online than I did in person.” Canvas also kept him accountable. “Professors can see everything you do, and how long you spend with the materials. I knew I was being monitored, and I wanted to be one of the best.“
Myers describes lively, interactive class sessions. “Every class held weekly discussion forums. You had to post each week and reply to two posts. We were put into small groups to work on a project. These groups were a mix of students, from kids just out of high school to working professionals. We were a group of diverse minds, different cultures, different stages in life, all working toward a common goal. Learning multiple points of view made a big impact on me.”
Myers said faculty were completely available. “Everyone responded super fast. I didn’t miss anything about the face-to-face classroom.” Two IU East faculty made a special impact: LaCalvince Simpson, lecturer in marketing and management, and Rebecca Clemmons, assistant professor of business and operations management. “Their course structure, materials, and teaching style were enlightening and rewarding. Their mindset from day one was, We’re here to serve students.”
Myers also gives a lot of credit to his academic advisor Diane Kenny. “She was paramount in helping me achieve this wild plan of graduating in two years. She was an extension of my voice with professors when I wasn’t there. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Was the investment worth it? “An advisor told me, ‘This degree is your union card.’ That was true. With my background and dual degree in computer information systems and marketing, I received half-dozen offers from Fortune 500s, including some in the top 10. Working part time as a tech consultant and taking four to five classes a semester was hard work, but I have a degree that can take me anywhere.”
Myers is now a national account manager with the digital marketing company, Proof Digital, in Indianapolis. Proof Digital specializes in website design and marketing, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, and lead generation. Myers says, "I am in a place where I am helping companies across the country grow and elevate their bottom line in the technological age through digital marketing tactics and competitive intelligence. I’m using my marketing and computer information systems business degree more extensively than I could have ever imagined. I’m bringing out the best of my life and educational experiences."
Would Myers recommend IU Online? “Absolutely! I already have.” To those on the fence, he says, “Try it out. Get your feet wet. It will exceed your expectations in what—and how well—you learn.”