Online Degrees for Working Fathers

Many describe it as the most difficult but rewarding job they will ever have. As Father’s Day quickly approaches, we want to take a moment to celebrate a few of our University of Nebraska at Kearney eCampus students who also double as dads. These students admit that being a student, parent, and employee is not an easy task. Due to the flexibility of online education, they are able to be successful in many areas of their life while achieving their educational goals.

Pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration fully online, student Ryan Drees, understands the demands and responsibilities he balances to be a student and father. Late nights and early mornings have become second nature to Drees as he works to maintain being a great dad, employee, and student.

 “Both parenting and schoolwork require enormous amounts of commitment and dedication, but it's important to not let either one slip.  I schedule the coursework around their availability whenever possible, so that they don't feel like they are taking a backseat or cause a disruption within our household.”

Fellow Business Administration student Joe Gerih also ensures that time management is key to his success. His best tip is to focus on the end goal and understanding that being a full-time father, employee, and ¾ time student has its own struggles.

“Being able to be an example and role model for my children in itself is worth the hard work. Time management is often the most needed discipline.”

Both Drees and Gerih both credit online education for playing a large role in their ability to finish their degree because of the flexibility it offers.

“I can still do the things with them I was doing before and sacrifice my personal time to commit to coursework.  Without it, I don't think I could manage to keep moving forward.  I'm fortunate to be someone who enjoys operating at a high level, and so to be in a position of a father who is working full time and taking coursework provides the opportunity to show how I can manage different segments of my life,” Drees comments.

UNK offers ten flexible online undergraduate degrees for working fathers like Drees and Gerih.  Take the first step in your educational journey and find a degree that fits your lifestyle. Visit ecampus.unk.edu or call 1.800.865.6388 and to get started.