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City University of Seattle (CU): Tell us a little bit more about yourself. What did you earn your degree in at CityU?
Matt Jackson (MJ): I grew up in Minnesota and joined the Navy right out of high school. My last duty station was north of Seattle at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island. I like to sail, ski and travel with my wife and three kids. I’ve also been to more countries than I can count…
CU: Why did you decide to enroll at CityU?
MJ: While in the Navy, I completed my associates. I knew I needed to earn my next degree, but doing that while working and raising a family was nearly impossible. I needed a university where if I took time off work I could focus, work fast, and get it done, while at the same time getting a great education.
CU: What was your experience like at CityU?
MJ: My experience was a mix of both in-class and distance learning. I did distance learning for the subjects I knew well from work experience. In-class courses were for subjects where I benefited from the experience of the teacher, as well as the chance to meet face-to-face with other students.
CU: What have you done since graduating? How did you degree from CityU help you achieve your professional goals?
MJ: My education was a huge part of my career and personal success. I live an unusual life. I am a consultant that uses project management techniques to help turn around software companies that are in trouble.
What’s unusual about my life is that for about the past 10 years, I have been able to work about nine months a year, spending summers traveling with my wife and kids – really living out my personal priorities. The education I received at CityU gave me the credentials and the confidence to continue on that path since I graduated.
CU: Was your degree something you felt you needed to obtain in order to take a professional step forward?
MJ: Absolutely. My career started out by turning around troubled software projects, so as someone with a degree in Computer Science and Project Management (and a PMP) I was perfectly suited to have the knowledge and credibility needed to help my clients.
CU: Any advice for future graduates who might be traveling the same path you are?
MJ: Take business and marketing classes, as well. We are living in a very different economy and the understanding how to manage a business, market and sell are important.
Interested in CityU’s Bachelor’s in Computer Systems? To learn more, visit our website, chat with an adviser or email us at [email protected].
