Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | Fact Book 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 27 S P O N S O R E D S E C T I O N "Y ou're never too old to learn and improve yourself," said Becker College faculty member, Ron Scarborough, who at nearly 50 went back to school to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration while training com- puter technicians at Zensar Technologies, formerly Akibia, Inc. Scarborough, a prime example of a non-traditional student, understands better than most the challenges of pursuing a college degree while working and raising a family. "With the right atti- tude you can overcome any barriers in the workplace and in life. Everyone has the aptitude to learn new things," he said. Becker's Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies curricu- lum offers small classes involving discussion and hands-on learn- ing. Professors use real organizational case studies, which stu- dents can then apply in the workplace. "Flexibility, affordability, and the support of faculty and advi- sors who understand the needs of non-traditional learners trying to balance work, life, and college are the hallmarks of our pro- gram," said Executive Director Gretchen Rowley. "We understand their challenges, want to support their needs, and will work with them to attain their education goals. If they succeed, we succeed." Most students in Becker's Accelerated Program work full-time. Classes start every five weeks and admission is rolling. The Center works with students to customize course schedules, iden- tify financial supports, and develop goals and the steps needed to reach them. "This is not an easy path. My students want to advance their careers through relevant education. These are incredibly motivat- ed and hard-working people," noted Scarborough. Scarborough said to get the most out of their education, stu- dents need to have three important characteristics: attitude, apti- tude, and desire. "Becker places great emphasis on these quali- ties," he said. These qualities are important to Scarborough, who was moti- vated to go back to college when his children reached high school. He was continually emphasizing the need to earn a degree to get a good job in the current global economy. Then he decided to take his own advice. While he was fortunate to get into a man- agement position because his employer saw the value of the train- ing and mentorship Scarborough received from his military supe- riors while in the Air Force—that is not today's reality. Thirty years ago, most companies did not require new hires to have a college degree. That's not the case anymore. Now, even the most entry level positions require a college degree. Regardless of industry, employers are seeking knowledgeable, educated, and highly skilled candidates. They want employees who will invest in the company's goals, customers, and products. As an employee, a degree signifies options, especially in regard to career advance- ment; and, ultimately higher paying jobs. These days, Ron Scarborough is paying it forward—hoping to engage and encourage others to find success and opportunity through continued learning and advanced education. The stu- dents in his classroom are motivated, and like him, committed to completing degree programs which will open doors and give them a leg-up in a competitive job market. "An educated workforce is a better workforce," said Scarborough. "At a minimum, companies now are looking for Becker College's Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies Program Tailors Learning to Your Schedule workers with a bachelor's degree and without one you are auto- matically discounted." The corporate world agrees. Many companies are willing to invest in employees with tuition reimbursement programs, pro- fessional development offerings, and leadership training. Scarborough recommends investigating opportunities at your workplace to support your pursuit of advanced learning. "The world is moving so fast, without the desire to learn, you will be obsolete," Scarborough said. "The curriculum at Becker infuses a mindset that future-proofs our students to be agile and adaptable, making them highly employable in an ever-changing job market." "The future you want is waiting for you and a college degree can help you get there," said Rowley. "Becker College is rooting for you, and we are standing beside you every step of the way as you pursue your degree with us." Scarborough said his children are proud of his academic achievements, and the fact that he is now helping others reach their dreams. Upon the recommendation of a Becker College pro- fessor, Scarborough went on to pursue a master's degree in Management. The rest, as they say, is history. "The value of an education is not lost on me, I feel so blessed to have this second career because of my pursuit of higher educa- tion," he said. "College is not easy, but Becker instilled in me a passion to learn. I try to pass that passion along to my students. We should all be lifelong learners." For more information on Becker College's Center for Accelerated & Professional Studies, please visit www.becker.edu/academics/ undergrad/accelerated, email accel@becker.edu, or call 508.373.9500. FB Education is the Key to Staying Relevant in a Changing World Address: 61 Sever Street Worcester, MA 01609 Phone: 508-373-9500 Email: accel@becker.edu Website: www.becker.edu Becker College Ron Scarborough C E O I N T E R V I E W

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