For Karen Yifru, going to school is about learning. With two bachelor's degrees–one in Math, another in Accounting–and a Master's degree in Data Analysis, Karen went to college right out of high school but dropped out and went back, finishing her bachelor’s degree in Math when she was 25. Had two kids and became an actuary. When her youngest daughter graduated from law school, and her kids’ education was paid for, Karen wanted to do something for herself. That's when she returned for an accounting degree. She realized a career in accounting wasn't for her, so Karen pursued IT and fell in love with it. "I learned a lot, but not enough," she said.
Now 62, Karen likes going to school. "I work in IT for a major insurance company. I work with developers and Quality Assurance, and I can read code, but I want to code myself. That's why I decided to do the bachelor's degree program. I don't intend to change my career. The degree gives me an understanding of what the developers are doing" to be a liaison between IT and the business. "When the business has a requirement, I convert it into an IT requirement, then work with the developers."
The affordability is what drew her to PC more than anything else, but she also wanted a program that was fully online. "I work 10 - 12 hour days, so I don’t have time to go to a class. I was able to enroll and attend a virtual orientation.” Karen also noted that many of her classes from earlier degrees will likely waive some of the early general requirements. However, she did take a psychology class. “When you’re 19, it’s a whole different perspective,” she said, noting she didn’t learn much then. “This time, I learned so much about how our brains function. It was really enlightening.” She was initially going to get her associate degree and then PC came out with a bachelor's degree in IT, so she thought, Why not? “There are so many opportunities out there right now," she noted, "especially for young people. Phoenix is becoming a hub for IT."
Are you looking to return to school to develop a new skill, career, or outlook for yourself and your family? Consider a bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) at Phoenix College. Your future is waiting!