When Egbeichi Egwu Okoro enrolled in the MBA program at American National University, she was balancing more than just coursework—she was navigating the field of corporate law in both the United States and Nigeria. What she found in the program reshaped not only her professional path, but her confidence in what she could achieve. She happily paints in her free time and advises other creative people on their intellectual property rights. Her work in the corporate world inspired her to dive into the business side with her education. Egbeichi’s dedication has earned her the title of Term Trailblazer for Term 258!

Question: Why Did You Choose ANU for Your Education? How Did You Find Us?

Answer: I found ANU through a colleague and upon doing my research, I realized that ANU’s curriculum was exactly what I needed.

Q: Why Did You Choose Your Program?

A: While my legal background has given me a deep understanding of business law, I chose this MBA program to solidify my business acumen and bridge the gap between my current experience and long-term goals, ultimately allowing me to better drive organizational outcomes.

Q: Where Do You Work? What Are Your Daily Responsibilities?

A: I work full-time for consulting firms where my daily responsibilities span from advisory to strategic implementation. While I secured my current role through independent initiative, my experience at ANU has significantly expanded my professional toolkit, enabling me to deliver more impactful, data-driven results for my clients.

Q: Do You Think ANU is Preparing You for the Work of Your Program?

A: Absolutely! ANU’s curriculum focuses on cross-functional knowledge to help leaders solve complex, parodical problems, a daily reality in my field. Additionally, by systematically embedding research skills into every course, the program ensures output is always grounded in rigorous, data-driven frameworks.

Q: How is Your Overall Experience with ANU? Do Any Moments Stick Out That You Will Take with You When You Graduate?

A: A moment that sticks out is an intensive project in Financial Management where I had to lead a cross-functional team under tight deadlines. Coming from a legal background, I initially focused on risk mitigation. However, collaborating with peers from finance and tech challenged me to pivot toward value creation. That shift in mindset, from being a ‘protector’ of assets to a ‘driver’ of growth, is something I will carry into every client engagement.

Q: Are There Classes or Instructors Who Made Positive Impacts on You?

A: Two professors were particularly impactful. Dr. Racquel Thompson-Best in Business Research taught me to use data to buttress my professional recommendations, while Dr. Traci Dingle in Legal Environment of Business helped me reframe my legal background as a strategic tool for value creation. Their courses provided the foundation for shifting my mindset from a risk-focused advisor to a driver of organizational growth.

Q: What Do You Like Most About ANU?

A: What I appreciate most is the immediacy of the curriculum. I can take a framework from Monday’s exercises and apply it to a client project on Tuesday. It’s not just academic theory, it’s about functional expertise that I can use in real-time.

Q: What Are Your Future Goals? Where Do You See Yourself in 5-10 Years?

A: In the short term, I plan to move into senior strategic roles where I can apply the frameworks from my MBA to manage more complex business operations. Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, I see myself in an executive leadership position, using my combined legal and business expertise to drive large-scale organizational growth. My focus is simply to become a versatile leader capable of navigating both the commercial and regulatory sides of a major enterprise.

Q: Would You Recommend ANU to Others Looking to Earn Their Higher Education? If so, why?

A: I would definitely recommend the program to professionals who want a practical, practitioner-led education. What sets ANU apart is the immediate ROI; the curriculum is designed so that you can take a framework from the courses offered and apply it to your work the very next day. It’s an ideal environment for those looking to sharpen their existing expertise with functional business acumen.

Q: What Advice Do You Have for New ANU Students?

A: My biggest piece of advice is to engage with the faculty early. Professors like Dr. Racquel Thompson-Best and Dr. Traci Dingle bring immense real-world experience to the classroom, and their insights can help you reframe your perspective far beyond the textbook. Also, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone; the real value of the program comes when you stop thinking like a specialist and start thinking like an integrated business leader.

The post Looking Beyond the Law appeared first on American National University.

Long Beach, California, native Siedra Johnson built her life around caring for others—both professionally and personally. Working as a direct support professional, she assists elderly individuals with their daily activities, a role that reflects her natural compassion and dedication. Raised by her grandmother, she grew up with a strong sense of resilience and creativity, often finding joy in creative ventures. Surrounded by a supportive boyfriend, family, and her two stepchildren, she found fulfillment in caregiving careers like home health, where helping others brought her a deep sense of purpose. Although she excelled in school, she once stepped away from her education—until the memory of her grandmother, who always believed she had what it took to work in healthcare, inspired her to pursue that dream with renewed determination. She joined American National University’s online Medical Assisting program to pursue her passions. With her dedication, Siedra was named a Term Trailblazer for Term 258!

When she made the decision to return to school, she began researching programs online, determined to find the right fit for her goals. It didn’t take long for American National University to stand out. “ANU was just on it! They answered all my questions, everything was [sic] timely, everybody was nice and very helpful… I got a good vibe from everybody, it just felt right,” she shared. That positive first impression was only strengthened by her experience with her admissions representative, I’Kea, who played a key role in making the process feel manageable and personal. “I’Kea was very supportive and she understood little things I had going on, she would work around it, I would work around her schedule, it was very cool!”

Throughout her time in the program, Siedra found encouragement and support from her instructors, including Carrie Rodriguez, Dr. Stephanie Denton, and Andrew Halverson. However, one professor who made a particularly lasting impact was Abby Chelstowski, especially during a challenging term when balancing school, work, and life became overwhelming. “She worked with me for Term 258! It was hard! It was like – I wouldn’t say it was hard, it was just with work and the things I had to turn in – I was exhausted! I started procrastinating a lot. And most professors won’t get into depth… she was like, ‘hey, you didn’t turn this in, if you don’t turn in something, you’re gonna have to repeat all of this!’ I was probably like four or five weeks in [a term], she would open things back up for me… I would get it done,” she explained. In reflecting on her time in Professor Abby’s class, she smiled and said, “she was just like, ‘Sisi relax, you got this!’ She was just so supportive, it didn’t seem like she got irritated by my questions… She was always nice and prompt and I love her! She really got me here at this point.”

“I think they, for some positions, they probably overly prepare us for!”

Her future goals include working in a unit for children or within a clinic to give back to her community. “I would love to have an opportunity to work with babies!” She enthuses.

Would she recommend ANU to others? “I definitely would. Especially the busy person who [sic] can’t physically go into a school, that are working or busy with homelife… [With ANU], you can move how you want to, just make sure you get it done. I would definitely recommend it, it’s ten out of ten. And it’s a great online school!”

Her advice to new students: “Come to class, make time for your work, study but don’t overstudy, and just make sure you’re paying attention to all of the material the professors are posting. Check your emails to keep yourself on top of everything.”

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The traditional office setting is changing. While older generations got used to commuting to work and sitting within cubicle walls, newer generations sign onto a computer and meet through videoconferencing applications. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one in five workers do so remotely, and many take on the “structured hybrid” to work both in office or from home. As technology continues to advance and allow businesses to adapt to flexible work models, it is also imperative that employees have the right skills to navigate the remote work environment. An online business degree not only provides industry knowledge but can also equip students with the tools needed to thrive in a remote-first workforce. At American National University, students not only gain first-hand knowledge from career-experienced professionals, but they learn the skills they need to succeed in a job where they aren’t confined to the brick-and-mortar of office buildings.

The Rise of Remote Work

Remote work is no longer a trend – it’s now a defining feature to the modern workforce. While some industries were already making moves to go fully remote prior to 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic drove many more into the realm of online work environments. Businesses quickly adopted virtual collaboration tools, like Zoom, cloud-based software, like Microsoft OneDrive, and digital communication platforms, like Slack, to maintain operations during a time where many could not leave their homes. This shift led many companies to rethink office policies even when the pandemic restrictions were lifted, with some transitioning to fully remote capabilities or a hybrid model. In 2023, according to Pew Research, a third of workers with jobs that can be performed remotely do so without stepping into an office. Additionally, even those who perform in a hybrid environment work from home “three or more days in a typical week” for 6 in 10 hybrid workers.

Remote work has some key benefits for today’s workforce. For both businesses and workers alike, it has unlocked opportunities for all involved. Those include:

• Eliminates geographic barriers – Employees can access careers anywhere in country, as well as internationally, without having to relocate. And for companies, this expands the talent pool of candidates for a role.
• Improved Work-Life Balance – When employees are able to have flexible hours due to remote work, they have reported that it allows them to better manage their personal and professional lives. According to Pew Research, 71% of remote workers support this benefit.
• Increased Productivity: Though many predicted the opposite, many remote positions are being reported to have increased productivity across 61 industries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics explains: “Our results suggest that the rise in remote work and TFP [total factor productivity] growth are positively correlated. From 2019 to 2021, the (weighted) average percentage-point increase in remote workers across industries was 14.9. This suggests that the rise in remote work was associated with an average 1.2 percentage-points increase in industry-level TFP.”
• Cost Savings: Cost savings are a benefit for both employee and businesses. Employees are saving on personal expenses, like commuting costs, eating out, and even professional wardrobe costs – even saving between $600 to $6,000 per year according to Global Workplace Analytics. Additionally, employers save on building costs, lower utility expenses, and leasing, according to BLS.

How an Online Business Degree Prepares You for Remote Work

Pursuing an online business degree is a convenient way to earn a credential that will also give you excellent preparation to work in this growing realm of remote work. Online programs are built around the same principles that remote jobs demand: self-motivation, digital communication, and the ability to manage projects independently. At American National University, students join classes via Zoom videoconferencing, write discussion board responses on our Canvas learning platform, and email regularly to communicate with their support teams. Below are some benefits to earning an online education and the skills American National University will teach you to be successful:

1. Developing Digital Communication Skills – Remote jobs rely heavily on virtual collaboration. Online business degree programs help students build strong written and verbal communication skills through discussion boards, video conferencing, emailing, and digital teamwork, mirroring the realities of remote work. “The interaction with the instructors, even through Zoom – I will say, you guys have really mastered that online platform and being able to really communicate,” says ANU Paralegal student, Ann Burns. “We might work on something, and it didn’t really feel remote. So it was great!”
2. Enhancing Time Management and Self-Discipline – Working remotely requires personal accountability and organization. Online learning fosters these skills by teaching students how to manage coursework, meet deadlines, and stay productive without in-person supervision. Advice from an ANU student, Dickson Lutanjuka, reflects this dedication remote students and employees need: “Try to arrange your schedule, your timetable. Give enough time before due dates. And that’s it! It’s not something that’s too much, it’s just the matter of arranging your schedule. Set time to do your assignments and set time to do your own activities.”
3. Expanding Global Networking Opportunities – Remote work isn’t bound by geography, and neither are online degree programs. Students connect with classmates, professors, and industry professionals worldwide, building a diverse professional network that can lead to remote job opportunities. Kayla Spears, a Medical Billing and Coding graduate, shows this in her experiences with ANU: “[My professor] Sherry Davis is probably my favorite person. She was my biggest supporter… I love the Zoom classes, I like being able to talk to people and having my classmates [around].”
4. Opening Doors to Remote-Friendly Careers – Many business careers are well-suited for remote work, including digital marketing, financial analysis, human resources, project management, and entrepreneurship. An online business degree provides the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these roles. Lora Bernard found that her online education opened her to better career opportunities. She said about her new employer, “The director of the law firm said that because I went to school online, that made me more of an asset since it was a work from home position. She knew that I would be able to handle learning virtually.”
5. Adapting to a Changing Workforce – The workforce is constantly evolving, and professionals must be flexible. Online learning cultivates adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience—qualities that are crucial for navigating the modern workplace. For business graduate, Ashley Hart, her education had already begun helping her adapt her work while she was still attending classes. “It has already made a difference… it has allowed me to lead my team a lot better through different struggles and obstacles, while maintaining that management is at the heart of what I do… It has allowed me to shift my way of managing and leading my team.

To read more about our student successes in how ANU has helped them in this modern workforce, go to https://kentucky.an.edu/success-stories/.

Remote work is here to stay, and professionals who can navigate digital collaboration, manage their time effectively, and adapt to technological advancements will have a competitive edge. An online business degree is more than just an academic credential—it’s a practical foundation for success in a remote-first world. Whether you’re looking to join a remote team, start your own business, or advance in a flexible work environment, an online business degree can help you prepare for the future of work.

Remote work has irreversibly changed the course of modern workplaces. It’s here to stay and employers are already looking for professionals who can navigate this modern take on career. Workers who can navigate digital projects, manage their time effectively, adapt to technological advancements, and can communicate effectively through online channels have a competitive edge. An online business degree is more than just an academic credential now – it is a practical foundation for success in a post Covid-19 pandemic world. American National University teaches two types of skills – the knowledge needed to enter a field, and the skills needed to excel remotely. To learn more about the online programs ANU offers and how they can help your career in many ways, go to an.edu.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

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Originally from Syria, Rama moved to the United States with her family in 2016, eager to build a better future. As a wife and mother, she wanted to earn a degree that would help her reach her career goals while balancing family life after having to put her education on pause during her pregnancy. Upon exploring different opportunities in the medical field, she came across American National University’s Medical Assisting associate degree program and knew it was the right fit for her. “One of [ANU’s] advisors really helped me. He directed me through the whole program… I told him about my situation that I have a baby, like my schedule is not always as I need it to be. He was like, ‘yeah, you can do morning classes! Or if that doesn’t work, you can do evening classes.’ And I was like, ‘okay, that’s amazing, that’s what I’m looking for!’” She explains. As Rama has always had her eyes on the medical field, this program allows her to get her foot into the door and earn more as she desires.

“I love the medical field. I’m so excited since I’m getting to the end of the degree because now we have hands-on stuff. We’re looking more into things in detail and I’m not just learning about the overall human body. We’re now doing blood pressure, we’re doing some injections – that gets me so excited! I always tell my husband, ‘oh my gosh, I have a lab kit coming! I’m so excited to see what’s in it!’”

With her excitement in her courses, Rama was also pleasantly surprised to learn that her lab kits were included in her tuition, and she didn’t have to pay out of pocket to obtain the material she needed to learn in her courses. “When I started the program, and the teacher told us. ‘yeah you have to send us the address and we’re sending [lab]kits.’ I was like, ‘are you sure I don’t have to pay anything?!’ And she was like, ‘no! This is through the program.’ I really appreciated that, it’s really helping me,” she describes with laughter. This is one of the main reasons she stayed with ANU, because she could get the hands-on training she wanted without having to leave her daughter or change her schedule.

Rama has really been grateful to learn from her professors’ previous work experiences. Because ANU has career trained professors and instructors leading their classes, students can benefit from real world experiences through instruction. “I love how they tell us these experiences, their experiences, because that’s what really sticks [in my] mind… if you heard it from someone else, then you’ll know how to react when it happens to you,” she says. In particular, Traci Dingle made an impact on Rama’s education through her engaging Zoom sessions in Ethics. “Her Zooms – I was always excited for it!” She smiles, “she made us all excited because we were all engaging in the [ethics] situation… I really, really enjoyed her class.” Additionally, Rama enjoyed Dr. Stephanie Denton in her Anatomy and Physiology course:

“She is super! I love her. She always tells us examples and made it so simple and easy to understand… She always tells us stories, she has a lot of experience that she shares with us.” She also explains that Stephanie made things easier for her as English isn’t her native language – “It’s sometimes hard to understand some grammar and some words that are new to [me], but she always makes it simple to understand.”

Within the next ten years, Rama hopes to spend as much time with her daughter as she can. She plans to stick with medical assisting for a while in order to evaluate her goals at every step of life. “I see myself working part-time and then continuing my education,” she explained.

Would she recommend ANU to others? She already has! “I recommended [ANU] to my sister… I was like ‘it’s 100% online and you can do things [hands-on]!’ That was like the most important things for me… The instructors are so, so, so good! They help out a lot.” She goes on to describe her experiences in other colleges before ANU. “I used to send an email and not get an answer. I used to send an email and get a late, late answer and that was when the due date was over… Whenever I text any of the instructors here [at ANU], they get back to me within 24 hours. I never get late, late replies or not helpful answers. I told [my sister] all of these things.” Her sister has since signed up for ANU and she’s “so happy and she’s excited for everything!”

Her advice to new ANU students: “Look at everything on Sundays. Sunday is the day where every [assignment] is there… I start early so I have time. I always get on Zoom [sessions], I never missed any Zoom. I ask questions if I didn’t understand the things going on – I can send a message privately if I don’t want the whole class knowing… Do your work on time, attend the Zoom, and go from there!” Rama emphasizes the importance of being active in Zoom sessions so that you can absorb all of the knowledge you need that may come up in later assignments, tests, and even within your career later on.

The post Excitement and Appreciation: Rama Alzamel’s Story with ANU appeared first on American National University.

The Unique Places a Nurse Can Work

If a nurse is seeking a different environment than a hospital or medical office, then they can find it in even the most unsuspecting places.

• Cruise Ships: While cruises are thought of to be fun, there can always be causes for accidents or mishaps. Nurses can be aboard these ships to provide a wide range of medical care to passengers and crew. Carnival cruise ships employ nurses to “act as first responders” or “provide individualized outpatient, inpatient, and ICU care for guests and crew.”
• Theme Parks: Theme parks are exciting and fulfill a need for adrenaline and adventure. These situations can also call for emergency medical staff to handle anything from minor injuries or critical situations. An example of this would be something called a “Disney Nurse” – those RNs that are on site for those in the parks and hotels.
• Schools and Universities: Every K-12 student has interacted with a school nurse during their tenure of education. If those students continue into higher education in person, they can go to a nursing office there as well. These nurses can handle things like allergic reactions, address student health, promote wellness, and handle emergencies.
• Correctional Facilities: Those incarcerated are entitled to healthcare just as anyone outside of prison. Nurses can work within these facilities – where they can mainly deal with assisting prisoners with chronic conditions. They are also there to help assist in emergencies for both prisoners, officers, and administration alike.
• Forensic Nursing: When violent crimes happen, nurses that are sensitive to these situations are needed to care for victims. According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses, forensic nurses “provide specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence, and/or have unmet evidentiary needs relative to having been victimized or accused of victimization.” They can also provide testimony for civil or criminal cases in this field, whether that is from the care they’ve given or their opinions in these cases.
• Military Bases: Military bases need nursing care for the men and women who lay their life on the line to defend our country, their spouses, and their dependents. Those who have served can be military nurses or civilian nurses can work within these bases to provide care.
• Midwifery: These nurses specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. And they can provide care from adolescence to when women hit menopause. Some of their scope of duties, according to the Mayo Clinic, include providing prenatal and postpartum care, providing education for new parents on how to care for their newborns, supporting new parents with breastfeeding, and performing preventative healthcare through screenings and tests.
• Telehealth: Something that started to grow and boom during the Covid-19 pandemic is telehealth. This has allowed nurses to do remote work in a field that is mainly seen with nurses in person. In this profession, nurses provide care through mainly video conferencing to remote locations that may not otherwise have access to such care.

Nursing is far more than a job confined to hospitals and clinics—it’s a dynamic career that offers endless possibilities to make a meaningful impact in unexpected places. Whether it’s navigating patient care on a cruise ship, providing expert legal opinion, helping those who serve our country, or working remotely, nurses have the power to shape lives in so many different ways. Nursing is a career that is flexible and bends with society’s needs – so opportunities are out there in ways many may never guess. And with technology advancing, society developing, and people changing, nurses are needed more than ever to meet the medical needs of all people. Joining the ranks of nurses who help people on their health journey isn’t out of reach! With ANU’s associate degree program, people can become nurses faster and even remotely. To learn more, check out our Nursing Career Guide to find out if this career path is meant for you.

American National University – Be live, in class, from anywhere.

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Kaitlyn’s Journey with ANU

After moving away from home in Massachusetts to build a life with her husband states away, Kaitlyn Pennington set her sights on an education that would align with her dreams for a meaningful career. With her husband’s unwavering support, she embarked on a journey to find the perfect program at the right school. Her path at ANU began in the Medical Billing and Coding program and soon transitioned to Administrative Medical Assisting, demonstrating her determination to find the best fit for her goals. Now, Kaitlyn celebrates the completion of her MBA—a remarkable culmination of hard work and dedication—while returning to her Medical Billing and Coding program beginning to further enrich her healthcare-focused education. Inspired by the memory of her grandfather’s belief in her potential, Kaitlyn’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of education to build a brighter future.

When purchasing her first home in Kentucky with her husband, Kaitlyn was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare, influenced by her mother’s work in a nursing home. While working at Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, she met a coworker who was a professional medical coder, sparking her interest in the field. A quick Google search led her to ANU, where she began exploring opportunities in Medical Billing and Coding. However, after discovering her true calling, Kaitlyn’s student advisor guided her to transition into ANU’s Administrative Medical Assistant program. “I told my husband about [the program]. He was like, “oh my god, that sounds exactly like you… I ended up switching over and I really liked it,” she explains. Kaitlyn even took her finals and certification exams just days after having her first son with the flexibility of our online programs. “And that solidified it for me that I was like, ‘you know what? If I can do all that, then I can go ahead and get my bachelor’s. I can go ahead and get my master’s.’ So it just gave me the push to want to continue on!”

Going to school with two young children is no easy feat for any student, but Kaitlyn used her children as her motivators to keep going. What really helped her through it all was the understanding of her professors. While attending her MBA program, she had her second son while also caring for her oldest as a toddler. She was worried about having to go off camera or care for her children would affect her grades. However, “But Dr. Mary Tan was amazing throughout the whole time, even Dr. Dominika Falsey [too]. And I reached out to them just to let them know how appreciative I was of them, because having someone in your corner like that when you’re going through a difficult graduate degree is really important,” she says.

Even more so, Kaitlyn feels incredibly grateful for Professor Rhonda Brewer. Rhonda’s guidance throughout her education helped her get through the toughest parts of her degree path. “When I was doing my bachelor’s program, she was pretty much my go to person for everything,” she says with a smile, “I definitely wouldn’t have been able to remain in such good spirits, I think, if it weren’t for her guidance.” And with Rhonda’s encouragement, Kaitlyn knew she could earn her MBA.

“And then I just so happened to have these other excellent professors when I was in my master’s, and that’s what made me really appreciate the school… I made lifelong friends from the institution, and I had such good professors just throughout the whole process. [I feel] lucky to have been given all of the opportunities because they kind of all just fell into place for me and I just kind of branched out from there.”

Kaitlyn’s grandfather is the one who motivated her to earn her education as he is the only other person in her family who earned a graduate degree. Family has always been important to her – she moved back home to be closer to her parents and in-laws after her father had a health scare – and the inspiration from her grandfather kept her going. “I had just started going back to school and he was praising me so much. He was telling me, ‘you know what, kid? This is what I always told you. You just keep going.’ And the one phrase that he would always say is, ‘aim high and be all you can be.’” She reminds herself of his inspiration even after his passing by keeping a picture he kept of her on his desk with that same quote. This is the advice she would give any student looking to earn their education – from diploma to master’s.

Would she recommend ANU to others? “Yes, I would and yes, I already have!”

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Dr. Nathan Sullivan

Dr. Sullivan has been teaching at the college level for four years and has over 13 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He currently serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer for the government, specializing in the certification and accreditation of computer systems. His academic accomplishments include earning three associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, and a doctorate in Information Assurance from the University of Fairfax.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Sullivan holds 13 industry certifications, including CEH Master, Security+, Pentest+, Linux, AWS, and Project Management. A veteran of the U.S. military, he served for six years. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys playing strategy computer games, participating in sports, and sharing his knowledge through teaching.

David Henriksen

Mr. Henriksen is originally from Coon Rapids, Minnesota and currently resides in Clarksville, Tennessee. He served in the United States Army as a special agent criminal investigator, from June 1975 until his retirement in June 1995. During his military career, he served in a variety of assignments throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

During Mr. Henriksen’s time in the service, he earned an Associate of Applied Science from Colorado Technical College in Colorado Springs. He later went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Military History.

Mr. Henriksen taught Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment U.S. History with the Cheatham County, Tennessee school system from 1999-2012. He then taught as a full time instructor with Daymar College in Clarksville, TN in the Criminal Justice, Business, and General Education programs until 2021, when he retired from full time teaching. For the last eight years, Mr. Henriksen has taught as an adjunct instructor of American History and Government with American National University.

Mr. Henriksen has three adult children, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and he is expecting another great-grandchild in March 2025. In his spare time, Mr. Henriksen enjoys reading, photography, and camping with his recreation vehicle and traveling throughout the United States.

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First: Understand How Your Degree Fits the Job Market

When graduating, it’s important to begin your search for things that relate to your major and the skills you earned during your education. For example, an English major may look for jobs that have to do with writing, editing, or communications, while a biology major looks for jobs within healthcare, research, or environmental science. For ANU students, most of our programs are designed to transfer into a career – so our Pharmacy Technician students can begin work in a pharmacy, or our Medical Assistants in a clinic, or our Cybersecurity students within a business’s security department.

However, it is important for graduates to know that careers are not strictly their majors. While pharmacy technicians are typically seen in retail or hospital pharmacies, but also within research labs or within government or regulatory bodies. Medical assistants can work within clinics or hospitals, but also outpatient care centers, research centers, or insurance companies among other opportunities. And cybersecurity professionals can work within a business’s security department, government agencies, or even own their own businesses defeating cyber criminals.

Tip: Highlight your transferable skills you developed during your studies – such as critical thinking, research, communication, and problem solving. These skills are important to every career field, so emphasize them on your resume and in your interviews.

Second: Consider Additional Certifications or Training

Sure, you just earned your degree. What more could you do? For many careers, having specific qualifications or certifications can help you find a career. If a medical assistant graduate joined our Phlebotomy and ECG Training program, this could open up opportunities in a specific part of the healthcare field. If a cybersecurity graduate enrolled in our business diploma program, they could understand more about how security affects a business or even the steps they need to take to create their own cyber security business. If a business administration graduate took our accounting diploma program, they could better understand bookkeeping or accounts payable/receivable.

Tip: Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and others offer specialized courses that can boost your marketability. Target courses that align with the roles you’re pursuing.

Three: Network!

Networking is one of the most important parts of finding and making a career after graduation. While ANU is an online environment, our students can still network not only with each other, but their professors and faculty, too. Alumni networks are invaluable to entering your career field so that you can find people to help you find your next move.

Tip: Attend industry events and join professional organizations. For example, ANU is part of American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), an organization that provides “resources and a platform for academic and professional development.” This is one of many professional organizations’ graduates can join in order to network with people within their field.

Four: Stay Open to Entry-Level Opportunities

Entry-level may not always be the ideal goal of a career, especially after putting in years of work to earn your education. However, joining these roles can not only provide you with valuable experience, but pivot the direction of your career in a place you may not have thought before. If you majored in business administration, a role in sales or customer service may still offer you some beneficial information about the market of a business or what customers are wanting. If you joined a medical assistant program, working in a physician’s office can help you develop rapport with patients and enhance your phlebotomy and diagnostic skills.

Tip: Focus on your growth potential rather. Choose roles where you see opportunities to learn and grow. Even if it’s not your ideal position, experience in your industry will make you more competitive when applying for your dream role.

Five: When in Doubt, Consult Career Services

One of the benefits of ANU education is having our dedicated Career Services team to help you navigate the world after graduating. You should rely on them to help you with many things, like resume building or editing, finding job postings tailored to your field, and even prep for interviews with mock interviews. They tailor the consultation to you and your experience/needs.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Nobody gets anywhere alone.

Bridging the gap between college and a meaningful career may seem daunting, but it’s an achievable goal with the right mindset, strategies, and support. Transitioning successfully involves recognizing the value of your academic experiences, honing transferable skills, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing job market. It’s a journey, not a race, so as long as you make it to your goals, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get there. Reflect on all you’ve learned in your education, lean on those who are there to support you, and be proactive. The future is full of possibilities—embrace it with confidence and determination.

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Research.com, a premier university ranking platform that assists students in making informed educational choices, recently released their listings for 2024’s Best Business Degree Programs Ranking in America. They have selected ANU for this award for our achievements in Business education. “It was granted after a meticulous analysis of a wide range of metrics conducted by a team of experienced data scientists. This rigorous process ensures that the award truly reflects the institution’s commitment to providing an exceptional Business education and fostering an enriching environment for its students,” they explain.

“It is an honor for American National University to be recognized by Research.com as having one of the best business degree programs in America,” says Business program dean, Dr. Lyndsey Obringer. “This acknowledgment highlights our commitment to providing students with a practical, industry-relevant education led by experienced faculty. We are proud of the impact our graduates are making in the business world and will continue to prepare the next generation of leaders.”

Founded in 1886, ANU, formerly known as National Business College, has been striving to educate students to be successful in their future careers. To learn more about our business programs and what makes them the best, go to an.edu.

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