In what ways did you engage with the Walden community (i.e., peers, instructors, staff, etc.)?

I started at Walden University in 2017 for my master’s degree. I regularly interacted with my peers and instructors through online learning, such as discussion posts, as well as via email. During my coursework, I also received a nomination for the National Society of Leadership and Success in which I was inducted as a Presidential Member and advanced to receiving my Advanced and Executive Leadership certifications.

How did your Student Success Advisor help guide you toward achieving your degree?

My advisor for my master’s degree was wonderful. He checked in with me regularly throughout the process of my coursework and even guided me through a grade appeal in which I was successful.

Did you participate in any other organizations while attending Walden University? If so, which ones?

Yes, as noted, I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. Furthermore, I am currently attending Walden again. I am involved with the National Organization for Human Services (TUA Alpha Chi) Honor Society, Golden Key Academy. I am currently serving my second term as the president of the Walden Chapter of the Student Veterans Association (SVA).

How did your experience at Walden help prepare you for your career?

My master’s degree from Walden has allowed me to obtain other certifications related to emergency management, as well as realize my passion for combining crisis intervention work with emergency management. I hope to provide crisis intervention at national disasters in the future. My degree has also assisted me in obtaining a position on a state emergency management team and teaching positions.

Your experience after Walden

What career did you enter upon completing your degree at Walden?

Teaching, emergency management, and crisis intervention.

How soon did you enter your career after graduating from Walden?

Immediately.

How did Walden prepare you for your career?

Walden prepared me for my career through valuable education and leadership experience.

What advice would you give SVA members about how to transition from graduating college to working in their careers?

I would tell future SVA members to utilize all of the tools and resources Walden offers and become a part of any organization they can. These organizations often have their own tools and resources specific to the profession or status of the student that can help in the transition.

 

 

In what ways do you engage with the Walden community (i.e., peers, instructors, staff, etc.)?

My doctoral journey began with Enrollment Specialist Jerrod Cottman. Once enrolled, I learned that I had a Student Success Advisor as well. Because starting a new doctoral program can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience, I joined the Doctoral Peer Mentor program (Ph.D. and Ed.D. students) and hosted live zoom interactive monthly meetings. I was able to chat with mentors and connect with fellow students in the program. The feedback I received from my instructors was invaluable.

How does your Student Success Advisor help guide you toward achieving your degree?

Within my first year at Walden, I had three different Student Success Advisors, but each was able to pick up where the other left off. Early on, I felt that the numerous check-ins and reminders were overkill but later came to appreciate them. 

Do you participate in any other organizations while attending Walden University? If so, which ones?

Other organizations I joined while at Walden are Kappa Delta PI and Golden Key International Honour Society.

How does your experience at Walden help prepare you for your career?

Of the many colleges I researched to earn a doctorate, I chose one where the vision is that knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good. I believe that one of the most effective ways to create social change is to put yourself in an optimal position to influence change so here I am.

Your experience after Walden:

What career do you hope to enter upon completing your degree at Walden?

I am not attending Walden seeking a “career path”. Two years prior to my army retirement (2004), I became a real estate agent, real estate instructor, property investor, and home inspector. Post-retirement, I served as the Education Director for Century 21 First Choice and held a seat on the Board of Education for our local Realtors. I ventured into healthcare and within two years, I was promoted to Director of Medical Informatics for a corporation of 206 hospitals (12 years). Additionally, I was the business partner and the builder/developer of those hospitals’ patient portals. I owned a successful medical software training company (10 years) before dissolving it to pursue a Masters in Education Curriculum Design Instruction because I homeschool my son. I lost many of my brothers in combat, now I’m losing many of those who survived and their children to suicide. Combat veterans are finding it extremely difficult to pursue higher education even though some enlisted specifically for the Government Issue (GI) Bill. As a current Walden Ph.D. student writing my dissertation, I look for literature gaps and generate new knowledge based on scientific research. Whatever is revealed, I hope that a professional doctorate can put a theory into practice in higher education for veterans to help them succeed.

How is Walden preparing you for your career?

Post-graduation, I will create a scholarship foundation for veteran kids, and write a series of short children's books explaining a day in the life of PTSD as a veteran parent; featuring a different veteran that I served in combat with (in each book). I would like to see the books introduced into the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) America's schools located on rapid deployment military bases as a start.

What advice would you give SVA members about how to transition from graduating college to working in their careers?

Know your “Worth”, employees like you are hard to find! If you have an invisible disability, your triggers are your responsibility. Do not expect your workplace to know what they are to tiptoe around you so have your “Safe Space”. If you are not satisfied with your career or want a new path, start your own company! YOU ARE WORTH IT!