The COVID-19 global pandemic disrupted all of our lives in one way or another. With social gatherings limited and businesses closed, I realized that I finally had the spare time in my personal life to return to school and pursue by bachelor’s degree. Working full time required flexibility in my course schedule and I found that through the fully online degree program offered through the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. While I am passionate about being an accountable and productive employee, I have not yet stumbled across a specific career that I wanted to be emersed in and that is precisely what intrigued me about the bachelor of science degree in Business Integrated Professional Studies (BIPS), for its broad application across varying industries. The BIPS program has helped me to polish transferable skills that are relevant in both professional and personal settings.
Most of the courses related to my associates degree were conducted in-person, and that was nearly 15 years ago, therefore it was an adjustment for me to navigate corresponding with peers, professors, and advisors via several different modes of digital communication. My time management skills have increased drastically as I held myself accountable for keeping up with weekly readings and assignments, scheduled Zoom meetings, and planned project deadlines. Having over a decade of experience in professional work environments, I am comfortable with utilizing basic technologies and software although since having the opportunities to demonstrate the multiliteracies that I have gained through my course projects, my colleagues are already commenting on the improvement in the quality of my presentations. Above simply reading about methods and strategies for creative problem-solving, the BIPS program facilitates learning competencies through experience by solving real-world problems.
Six core courses effectively reinforce recurring themes across the curriculum that include empathy, communication, and values. All of these characteristics were instilled in me through hands-on projects that cultivated a strong foundation of relevant skills for the multi-cultural workforce. Invaluable resources have been introduced to me such as website generators, professional branding tools, and innovative mentors that are leading the way towards a sustainable tomorrow. Specifically, the Contemporary Media Literacies course was integral for me personally, as I practiced how best to convey a concise message through written word and determining the rhetoric of an image. As technology advances, so do our connections with people from across the world and the BIPS program facilitated opportunities to have discussions and work on teams with classmates from all demographics, as will be the scenario in the workplace.
Several courses, such as Design Thinking and Systems Thinking were impactful at challenging my previous ways of address a problem. As someone that appreciates comprehension through stories and hands-on projects, tools like storyboards and mind maps were creative ways to connect with concepts. There is typically no single correct answer to a problem and the BIPS program has enlightened me to that notion. Having diverse perspectives accounts for a broader range of needs which is relevant for our global society. Character building tools such as self-awareness has helped me curate my personal brand which I hope reflects my commitment to lifelong learning.
The capstone project has been a culmination of the skills that I have learned throughout the entire BIPS program. I have designed a website that is associated with a presentation video to showcase my dynamic digital literacy. Learning how to analyze and interpret data enabled me to be more creative and I am thrilled with the improvements that I have seen in my writing and presentations.
When I first set out on this journey to get my degree, two years ago, my expectations were not to have a particular career identified, rather I wanted to position myself to be a well-rounded professional that is capable of being flexible and adapting my skillset for the given situation. In the timeframe that it has taken me to complete this degree, I have noticed a greater level of confidence in my own leadership skills because I feel equipped with tools to help me foster collaboration with empathy and inclusion. My studies at UNCG have inspired me to be a proponent of equity and of a sustainable global future, by expanding my perspective and awareness. I am grateful for the knowledge that has been imparted onto me and I am excited to use my talents and skills to further my career goals.
Most of the courses related to my associates degree were conducted in-person, and that was nearly 15 years ago, therefore it was an adjustment for me to navigate corresponding with peers, professors, and advisors via several different modes of digital communication. My time management skills have increased drastically as I held myself accountable for keeping up with weekly readings and assignments, scheduled Zoom meetings, and planned project deadlines. Having over a decade of experience in professional work environments, I am comfortable with utilizing basic technologies and software although since having the opportunities to demonstrate the multiliteracies that I have gained through my course projects, my colleagues are already commenting on the improvement in the quality of my presentations. Above simply reading about methods and strategies for creative problem-solving, the BIPS program facilitates learning competencies through experience by solving real-world problems.
Six core courses effectively reinforce recurring themes across the curriculum that include empathy, communication, and values. All of these characteristics were instilled in me through hands-on projects that cultivated a strong foundation of relevant skills for the multi-cultural workforce. Invaluable resources have been introduced to me such as website generators, professional branding tools, and innovative mentors that are leading the way towards a sustainable tomorrow. Specifically, the Contemporary Media Literacies course was integral for me personally, as I practiced how best to convey a concise message through written word and determining the rhetoric of an image. As technology advances, so do our connections with people from across the world and the BIPS program facilitated opportunities to have discussions and work on teams with classmates from all demographics, as will be the scenario in the workplace.
Several courses, such as Design Thinking and Systems Thinking were impactful at challenging my previous ways of address a problem. As someone that appreciates comprehension through stories and hands-on projects, tools like storyboards and mind maps were creative ways to connect with concepts. There is typically no single correct answer to a problem and the BIPS program has enlightened me to that notion. Having diverse perspectives accounts for a broader range of needs which is relevant for our global society. Character building tools such as self-awareness has helped me curate my personal brand which I hope reflects my commitment to lifelong learning.
The capstone project has been a culmination of the skills that I have learned throughout the entire BIPS program. I have designed a website that is associated with a presentation video to showcase my dynamic digital literacy. Learning how to analyze and interpret data enabled me to be more creative and I am thrilled with the improvements that I have seen in my writing and presentations.
When I first set out on this journey to get my degree, two years ago, my expectations were not to have a particular career identified, rather I wanted to position myself to be a well-rounded professional that is capable of being flexible and adapting my skillset for the given situation. In the timeframe that it has taken me to complete this degree, I have noticed a greater level of confidence in my own leadership skills because I feel equipped with tools to help me foster collaboration with empathy and inclusion. My studies at UNCG have inspired me to be a proponent of equity and of a sustainable global future, by expanding my perspective and awareness. I am grateful for the knowledge that has been imparted onto me and I am excited to use my talents and skills to further my career goals.