A Q&A with one of the 750 students who received a diploma Dec. 14 at UW-Stout:
Name: Dione Schumann
Hometown: Portage
Major: Management, emphasis on human resources
Awards, honors: Chancellor's Award
Why did you choose UW-Stout? The business management program director and the Adult Student Services coordinator were very much in tune with my needs, my goals, and they put a plan together for me that was manageable and realistic. Stout has taken a lot of time and care to ensure the online programs meet the needs of their students who are studying off campus and for those who are returning to school after being absent for several years. Stout also offers credits for work experience; that was a program I had not heard of previously and was thrilled to be awarded credits toward my program for all the years I had worked in a business profession. Also, I have an uncle (Doug Mell) employed with Stout who has always encouraged me to finish my education; I finally took his advice.
What are the biggest obstacles you faced in earning your degree? I was an older student returning to school after a long break from any kind of education. I had no idea what to expect from online school. The biggest obstacle I faced was the first semester I enrolled because I was not quite sure how I was going to juggle school, my family, work, my home and other commitments. After a few short weeks of my first semester, I realized Stout's online program is designed for people like myself. The schedules are flexible, professors make themselves available, and online students enjoy connecting just as much as on-campus students. My experience with Stout was positive right from day one, and there are resources all around to guide students and offer direction. It almost made school seem easy.
What stands out among your college experiences? The program I worked through was full of real-life experiences from professors who have had varying experiences in business management throughout their careers. Working through those scenarios offers value in a way students can’t get through books. We were also given the opportunity to work with Jack Link's and their HR team to offer new suggestions for their business needs. That project was most valuable to me because in my new position I am working through similar situations daily with employers. The knowledge I had to get started came from the professor's experiences and the opportunities offered.
What’s next? I'm not done yet — graduate degree, UW-Stout of course! In August I started a new position with State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. My title is business service consultant. I work with employers in six counties. I act as a resource to discuss employment trends, training opportunities, turnover rates and many other important topics such as why recruiting from DVR is beneficial and underutilized. It has been an educational experience to the many employers I have had the opportunity to meet with so far. I have also been able to organize and implement three training programs for DVR consumers partnering with employers. So much of what was practiced throughout my school experience is actually being used daily in my position. It’s great to see those connections.
###
