Will Christensen
Trident University International
Online Only School
Program Type/Area of Study: Master of Business Administration – Strategic Leadership
Years Served: 20
Tell us about yourself:
I am a Major in the United States Army Reserve. I am an Army Logistician with a Quartermaster background. I am currently the S4 (Logistics Officer) for a Brigade. I have been stationed at Fort Sill, Fort Lee, Fort Douglas, and Camp Williams. I plan to remain in the military, using my degree to work towards promotions. Additionally, I have joined Trident University as an adjunct faculty member with the General Education Department, teaching the Trident University Experience (TUX101) course.
What prompted you to return to school?
I have always wanted to obtain a master’s degree.
Why did you choose Trident University International?
I had my eye on Trident University for quite some time, ultimately choosing them because they fit me, my schedule, and my goals.
What military education benefits, such as the GI Bill, did you use?
No G.I. Bill, only Tuition Assistance.
What has your experience been like as a student?
The online environment at Trident was all I experienced. I didn’t experience a campus culture. The online environment was an exceptional experience though. I was able to interact (virtually) with my classmates and professors and utilize the discussion forums and email to help me understand the learning objectives and goals. I didn’t experience any challenges attending classes with younger students. I liked their perspective. I hope they liked mine. I learned things from them and hopefully they learned something from me!
Do you believe your military experience has made you a better student?
I am more mature since obtaining my bachelor’s. I struggled during my undergraduate years 15 years ago. I feel that my military experience and my life experience matured me and helped me settle in and not get so flustered while obtaining my master’s degree.
What advice do you have for veterans returning to school?
Settle in early and make sure you do something involving your course work every day, even if it is only for 20-30 minutes. Do something, like read an article or participate in a post. Do something towards your education goals every day. Start! It took me three years (almost to the day) to obtain my master’s degree. I took a year off or I would have been done earlier. Those three years were going to pass no matter what. Was I going to have my degree at the end of that time or was I going to be in the same place? I decided to just get started.
