How Computer Science Courses Can Jumpstart a Career: A Success Story
It's the middle of the afternoon on a Saturday and Steve Sanchez picks up the phone, eager to have a conversation about his career.
Sanchez, a Grantham University student one class removed from an Associate's Degree in Computer Science, doesn't seem to be bothered that he's working on a weekend.
"Sometimes, it's 60 hours a week," Sanchez begins to say from his home in Danville, Calif. "But it's fun, and I'm doing something I'm passionate about."
Despite having a busy schedule, Sanchez (pictured at left) seems to have found a career formula that students in online degree programs - and, really, professionals everywhere - spend many years trying to create.
Sanchez, 29, started his own software consulting business - Apargo LLC - in January. He works with software and computer programming and artificial intelligence.
How did he put himself in this position? As Sanchez sees it, all it took was following this process: enrolling in an online degree program, a willingness to work (even Saturdays), time management skills and family support.
In February 2011, Sanchez took advantage of an opportunity with Pervasent, a company that specializes in building applications for the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms.
He's been taking classes and pursuing a Computer Science degree at Grantham University since 2007. Sanchez began his professional career in 2003, when he enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer. From 2007-2011, Sanchez was an Army Recruiter.
He's now taking his experience to the entrepreneurial world at Apargo LLC.
"I love programming," Sanchez said. "A lot of the basic foundation I took from classes in my major really helped me build a base to where I could look at the iPhone programming language, and I could understand it."
Misconceptions about Online Degree Programs
When Sanchez speaks about his online education, his words carry a sense of pride and accomplishment. Sanchez feels the education he's receiving is as good as any in the country. He said taking classes online provided him with a competitive advantage in the field of Computer Science.
"At a traditional school, I feel like it would be too easy to get caught up in, 'I'll just ask the professor or go to a study group.' You may not have to work as hard at it ... I don't feel like I was cheated in my education. The online environment forces the student to dig down deep and understand the concepts."
In a field like Computer Science, where professionals are often forced to solve complex problems, the online environment offers Sanchez a realistic forecast for what the real world will entail.
"GU makes students far more prepared to work on their own," Sanchez said. "Especially for me, in an industry where I'm in the early stages of a start-up (business), I don't ever stop learning. The majority of stuff I try to do now, really, the whole process started with some of the classes I took online. That was incredibly powerful."
Tips to Start Your Own Business
Earlier this month, best-selling business author Joseph Michelli spoke in a Webinar about the importance of values when starting a business.
Sanchez noted that another important element when starting from scratch was doing your homework - months in advance, if possible.
"I read a lot. I would constantly research things," Sanchez said. "Tons of podcasts about start-ups. Building partnerships, getting yourself off the ground, having a good understanding of the skills you've gained in the military (if applicable). They are invaluable. Also, never say you can't or 'no.' If I don't know the answer, I'll go find it. You can start a business by having the ambition to start it, and not giving up on it."
How to Balance Work and School
Running a business and attending school keep Sanchez plenty busy. The flexibility associated with completing online courses on his own schedule allows Sanchez to efficiently manage his priorities. What advice would he give students in a similar situation?
"The best way to answer that would be three parts. The first part is understanding the Army system and how it works when it comes to school. The second is time management and knowing what you can balance and what you can't. And the third is support. When I was thinking, 'I'm not sure if I can do this,' my wife really stood behind me and helped me when I felt like I was stumbling. My wife has been a very big part of my success."
What's Possible With Education
It may take a significant amount of hard work, but Sanchez opened a world of possibilities when he enrolled in an online degree program. He soaked up information from his Computer Science courses, and applied these concepts to his career path.
Now, he runs his own business.
If you're wondering what's possible when you work toward a degree, Sanchez is proof that persistence, dedication and a vision pay dividends.
"It's really helped prepare me and set up a stable base," Sanchez said of distance learning courses. "From there, I've been able to branch out and see opportunities become available."
-Photo courtesy of Steve Sanchez
About the author: Eric Sorrentino joined Grantham University as Social Media Manager in October 2011. Prior to his current position, he blogged about the Big 12 Conference for KUsports.com and was a sports copy editor for the Lawrence Journal-World. Eric received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas.
