New England College of Business and Finance - Setting New Standards Online

In 1999 when I was 19 years old, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I lost the ability to drive, which was truly disappointing considering I live in a small town with no public transportation. What’s worse is that I live in a country area where nothing is within walking distance. But thanks to online education, I was able to acquire various degrees and certificates at several different colleges and universities.

At the time I was diagnosed with epilepsy, I was enrolled in two classes at a local community college and the semester was about halfway over. Even though I was previously able to drive, I often complained that it took me so long to drive to the college and then drive back home. This was time which could have been used to study. Unfortunately, I was forced to drop one class since I could not find anyone to take me and pick me back up. But, I was able to get a ride from my mother in order to complete the other class.

After that semester was over, everyone I knew made it clear to me they would not be available to take me to college classes and then do grocery shopping or wait in a parking lot while I was in school. Back in 1999, I had absolutely no options available to further my college education. I didn’t know about online education at the time. I basically was forced to sit around the house very disappointed all day (just as I often do now, since I am still unemployed).

But in 2003 when I learned about online education, it really sparked an interest in my life! I enrolled online at Lansing Community College, where I eventually earned two associate’s degrees, in addition to three Microsoft Office Specialist certificates. I completed an online program where I earned a certificate in Time Management. I then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Process Management from Franklin University – a school my sister and I graduated from and recommend you do NOT attend!

While I attended college online, I was very happy. I thought there was hope for the future. I literally was a double-time student – enrolled in up to nine classes at a time, earning a 4.0 in all of them! I saw this as a way to make up for lost time over the previous four years. I used this enthusiasm and hope as a source of fuel to study, do homework, and perform well on proctored tests.

Ever since I graduated, I have been trying to find work online. Sadly, I have not been able to do so. I can definitely confirm college improved all my skills associated with writing, math, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurial business. But I know that one in three degrees received by students each year is in some way related to business. In other words, business is an area with tough competition and may require a master’s degree in order to give you a competitive edge.

One of the best accredited online MBA programs I’ve seen is from the New England College of Business and Finance. I know having an online degree in finance can help you get a good job, because my sister worked at a bank where the manager of the entire bank had this type of degree. However, it really does seem like most of the jobs today list a bachelor’s degree as a requirement while saying a master’s degree is preferred.

I really like the way the New England College of Business and Finance is the first school in the United States to offer a compliance training program dedicated to ethics in the world of business. This graduate course allows you to receive a Master of Science in Business Ethics and Compliance – also known as an MBE. When you complete this program you significantly increase your opportunity for employment working as a financial consultant, compliance officer, or corporate auditor. You will be the one setting the cultural standards relating to business ethics for non-profit organizations you work with.

I also noticed the hospitality degree offered by the New England College of Business and Finance. This is essentially a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specific focus on Hospitality Management. After doing some research, I learned this means you will be focused on gaining skills associated with hotel management, catering of food and beverages, event planning, and human resources.

I’ve known several people who worked at hotels and eventually worked their way up the ladder to impressive careers, enjoying their job the whole time. If this is an area you are interested in, it seems like this program will help you acquire all the skills needed in order to achieve your objectives. Plus, placing the emphasis of Hospitality on this bachelor’s degree can give your résumé an advantage over others in this niche market.

I can tell you that attending school online really is a great thing. You don’t need to waste money on gas, and you don’t need to waste time driving. I realize some people enjoy learning in a classroom – sometimes considering it a social activity. I also realize some people are involved in programs such as medicine and surgery where you need to see things in person. But I can tell from personal experience that the subjects associated with business are very enjoyable online.

Based on what I’ve seen online, it looks like the New England College of Business and Finance will be an excellent experience for students. If you have any thoughts or experiences to share about the New England College of Business and Finance, please do!