Cathryn Belle
Macon, GA
Human Resources Studies Certificate, eCornell
“I was tired of being passed over for promotions at work. After I trained my fifth boss, I decided I wanted to take control of my career. I was looking to switch careers, and I wanted to be better qualified by the time I turned 49,” said Cathryn Belle, who works in retail sales. Two days before her 49th birthday, Cathryn finished her 12-course Human Resources Studies Certificate from eCornell.
“I started looking online for a program and found The College Network® and eCornell,” said Cathryn. “I thought eCornell would be hard–everyone knows its reputation–but I wanted to challenge myself. If you want to be the best, apply to the best. I got into the program, and it was rejuvenating. I felt like I took control of my career.”
Cathryn has worked in retail since 1981, but she is keenly interested in training and development. “I’ve helped turn around staff who were considered the worst. I’ve grown to respect people for trying, but you have to give them the skills to be a better performer. You have to give people the tools to embrace a company’s culture and succeed.”
Cathryn’s bachelor’s degree is in fashion marketing, but she found that earning her human resources certificate was useful in her job as a store manager. “I took the information from my classes and utilized all of it instantly. It was comforting to be in the class online at night and then be able to apply that information the very next day at work. I absolutely loved it.”
She did have some worries. “I did have some fears about being in a classroom environment, and this was my first online class,” said Cathryn. “You have to learn how to use your computer differently. I wondered if I would be able to learn this way, or if I would get behind. But the courses were very structured and so well laid out that I did great.”
Cathryn enjoyed the online chats and interaction. “It was amazing to get to know other students. You’re among peers,” she said.
She also liked the online chat times with professors and, if needed, the ability to call them. “You can call the professors, and I loved that,” said Cathryn. “They were like my college advisors. For one class, I had problems grasping some percentages, and I called the professor. She walked me through it until I understood. She cared enough to want me to get it right.”
The experience was a good one for Cathryn. “I got my confidence back,” said Cathryn. “All the things I wanted to learn and understand have been put right here in my lap. The tools I need, I have from this class. The class is worth three times the cost of it, if not more. You will get what you pay for! This experience has changed my life and given me the confidence to do absolutely anything.”
Three months after completing her last course, Cathryn received a promotion into senior management and relocated with her company.
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