Eller Student Balances Family, Career and Earning His Business Degree Online
Balancing family, career and education is no easy feat, but Matt Dorner is managing to do it all. As he pursues his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Eller College of Management through Arizona Online, Dorner is also a proud father to a one- and three-year-old. On top of that, he’s embarked on a new full-time career in medical sales.
Dorner says that the key to balancing being a parent and a student is scheduling. That’s why Matt needs a flexible education. “I can put my son down for a nap, wake him up and accomplish one or two hours' worth of lectures or homework without him realizing I was busy with school."
Pursuing higher education has always been Dorner's long-term goal. He shares that his parents began their careers with very little post-secondary education. But while raising Dorner and his sisters, his Mom became a 'Superintendent' with a PhD, and his dad became 'Chief/ Director' with a master's.
“Similarly, I started a career as a firefighter with an Associate's Degree. I have recently pivoted toward a career in business, and as my parents proved possible, I will continue to open doors with more education."
While looking for a college as a parent, Dorner suggests looking for an option that is truly flexible in the ways you need for your situation.
“Adding college coursework can make any schedule arduous. It has been extremely important for me to access resources like live lectures and reviews recorded and posted for convenience, the ability to take proctored exams 24 hours a day, and professors who offer weekend office hours."