World Campus student Wesley Willard was able to land a job that exceeded his expectations because of his pursuit of his bachelor’s degree through World Campus. We had a chance to catch up with the Labor and Employment Relations student about his experiences with Penn State and his plans for the future.
How did you make your decision to attend World Campus?
I 100% wasn’t in a position that would allow me to fit my life around school. I had to find an option that allowed me to fit school into my life. I had to make some personal compromises as it takes up a good amount of time but once I did give up a few things, I never noticed. In fact it was sort of a change up in my life almost like an alert. I then started looking at ways to make my life more efficient. So in a way the whole though process was a blessing in disguise.
What has your experience been like?
At first I felt bombarded with the thought that I would never finish or if I did that it wouldn’t pan out. This would turn out to be the silliest thing I would ever think. Now I see every assignment, class, or conversation as an opportunity to improve myself. I think maturity helps with this. A mature individual won’t see assignments as burdens but as ways to advance at work and improve life.
How has World Campus prepared you for the job?
Without a doubt World Campus has prepared me for the future. Like I mentioned, I was concerned that I wouldn’t find a job after going through all of this. I’m halfway through and already landed a career in the transportation industry with one of the largest and successful trucking companies in the U.S. I intend to finish my degree though and use my remaining classes left as applications for direct on the job training. It’s all been very exciting.
What are you most excited about in the future?
I think after I wrap up my undergraduate degree, I want to keep going. Being educated has shown its face in several aspects of my life, and it has only been positive. Already it has enabled me at work to deal with critical situations in a timely fashion, successfully. This ability among others is something I only want to improve. With becoming more efficient in my life, class isn’t a burden whatsoever. You just have to be organized and WANT it.
What advice can you give to other World Campus students?
Don’t jump in with half a heart. Truly do the work. Learn it. Don’t just “complete” assignments. DO THE WORK and it will show itself in the best of ways. It’s not an overnight process, it’s long, but worth it. If a person has the desire, Penn State will provide the direction.
