Mireles has worked for GVSU's Charter Schools Office in Detroit for
more than a year. She enjoys her work and said earning a bachelor's
degree fits with her career goals.
"For many years, when I worked in different settings, I've seen
younger people promoted. It was difficult for me to compete with them
because I didn't have a bachelor's degree. Now my professional goals
will be met."
The flexible
and customizable degree program allows students to shape a
bachelor's degree in integrative studies, while, at the same time,
earn a certificate in a high-demand area (leadership, applied data
analytics, project management or global communication). Students can
also choose to enroll in a certificate program only.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was on GVSU's campus in February for the launch
of the program. Whitmer said the program fits with an educational
initiative she announced during the 2019 State of the State address:
60 percent of Michigan adults will have earned post-secondary
credentials by 2030. There are 2 million residents in Michigan who
have some college credit but not a bachelor’s degree.
Living in metro Detroit, Mireles had her choice of colleges and
universities. She chose GVSU, she said, because of the attention she
received from advisors and faculty members. "From the minute I
inquired to now, all my questions have been answered quickly. That was
very important to me — the communication. The program is designed so
students will see good success," she said.
Fikret Mecavica and his wife, Elmedina, have a 1-year-old son at
home. Busy caring for a baby and working full time in IT for Farmers
Insurance, Mecavica said the last thing on his mind was returning to
school. He was enrolled at Indiana University South Bend until the
couple moved to Grand Rapids last year.
"I have a good job, I thought, 'I don't need to finish my
degree,' but my wife kept pushing me to think about it," he said,
adding earning a bachelor's degree keeps him competitive in the job market.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, Mecavica will earn a certificate
in applied data analytics.
In Traverse City, LeighAnn Endres is finishing a degree in allied
health sciences and the leadership certificate program. Busy with work
as a nurse assistant at Munson Hospital and homework, Endres said the
leadership certificate courses provide her tools to prepare for
graduate school and succeed.
"My classes are making me accountable and I'm learning about
leadership qualities, which will help me in the workforce,"
Endres said.
Registration is open for the accelerated degree program and
certificate courses that begin January 21, 2021. Visit gvsu.edu/complete to learn more.
