March 3, 2023
Online degree gave him the skills and prep for full-time job
As a senior in high school, Blake Neumer wasn’t really interested in going to college.
Nearly three years later, he has an associate degree in marketing management from JCCC, his education was paid for, he’s employed full-time and has tons of ideas for future business opportunities.
And he did it all online.
From high school and part-time job to online degree and career in two years
Graduating from high school during the height of the pandemic wasn’t ideal, but it presented an inexpensive opportunity for Blake to get his degree without having to be on campus.
“It was great for me,” he says. “I was working, so I could fit my classes around my schedule. Enrolling was easy, communicating with my professors was no problem and the online portal was seamless.”
Most of Blake’s classes were go-at-your-own-pace. He liked that he could see what needed to be done for the entire semester and work ahead if he wanted. He took 15 credit hours each semester and graduated in two years.
While in school, his part-time job led to a full-time job offer after graduation. He now works for a company that provides medical insurance to international students and benefits to small businesses.
“In addition to working with clients, I run social media for the company,” Blake says. “My classes at JCCC taught me about analytics and what might catch someone’s eye on posts. I find myself using many of the skills I learned on a day-to-day basis.”
He says one of the best things about getting a degree online was how it prepared him for the rhythm of working full-time. “Being online and getting my schoolwork done helped me create the discipline to stick to a schedule and get my tasks done on time.
Financial aid, scholarships and grants left him debt-free
“I had no interest in a big university, but you can’t beat the cost and convenience of JCCC." Blake Neumer
While at JCCC, Blake took advantage of all the financial assistance available to him. “The online scholarship portal is really easy to use,” he says. He also received grants that paid for most of his education, leaving him debt-free when he graduated. Blake eventually wants to own a business and is constantly thinking of new business ideas.
“I recommend JCCC to everyone, especially if you don’t love the idea of college or don’t know what you want to do,” he says. “You don’t have to have great grades to get a degree at an affordable cost, and it might be paid for.”