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“[In the doctoral program,] you learn how to learn. It changes how your mind processes information.”
— Dr. Jean-Pierre Wolff,
Ph.D. in Management Graduate
To learn what it's like to be a Walden student, we interviewed Walden graduate, Dr. Jean-Pierre Wolff.
Walden: Why did you choose Walden?
Jean-Pierre: Because it is an accredited non-traditional program which does not require full-time residency and is geographically flexible. My work required extensive travels–Walden provided me the opportunity to study and take classes while traveling.
Walden: Why do you recommend Walden to other business professionals?
Jean-Pierre: Walden provides the flexibility for busy professionals to continue their education in a way that’s customizable to their schedule. The research subjects can also be tailored to the specific interest of the student.
Walden: What other schools did you consider before choosing Walden?
Jean-Pierre: I spent half a year researching different schools through libraries, the Internet, and direct inquiries to universities.
Walden: What were your first impressions of Walden?
Jean-Pierre: I finally found a good match!
Walden: Did you have a mentor and how did he/she affect your experience?
Jean-Pierre: A faculty member was my mentor; he helped me go through some of the rough spots of juggling work, personal life, and the rigor of a Ph.D. program.
Walden: What were your computer skills before you started Walden? Have they changed through your educational experience?
Jean-Pierre: My computer skills were reasonably good before starting the Walden program. I think that most of all, my ability to perform online research, access information, and be comfortable with online classes/learning was the biggest improvement.
Walden: Besides working full time, what are some examples of other personal commitments you balanced with your studies?
Jean-Pierre: I maintained my volunteer work with professional organizations.
Walden: What are people’s reactions when you tell them you attend Walden University?
Jean-Pierre: Several years ago, the reaction was “Who?” Today most people familiar with non-traditional/online accredited programs know about Walden.
Walden: Has anyone ever expressed his or her online learning concerns with you? What are these concerns and what do you tell them?
Jean-Pierre: Some of the concerns were the potential lack of “community and face-to-face dialogue” and the classroom process being lost. I think that the short weekend classes, face-to-face meetings with my mentor, and the summer residency alleviated those concerns.
Walden: What are some similarities and differences between Walden and traditional, campus-based universities?
Jean-Pierre: Similarities are the rigor, level of commitment, and personal sacrifice necessary to graduate. Differences are the flexibility in scheduling classes; learn anywhere and anytime, freedom to choose areas of particular interest.
Walden: Did you use Walden’s online writing and research tools—library, writing center, etc? Describe that experience.
Jean-Pierre: I made extensive use of the online writing and research tools; they helped me be more effective and productive with my final dissertation. I remember during summer residency, at the Indiana University Bloomington Campus, being amazed at the library resources made available through Walden.
Walden: What are some of your accomplishments since attending Walden?
Jean-Pierre: I obtained a senior executive promotion in my previous career, and I started a successful new business involving a vineyard and a winery.
Walden: Tell us about starting your vineyard. How did your Walden experience help you accomplish this?
Jean-Pierre: I realized that starting the vineyard was going to be a major challenge and require a lot of work, mentally and physically. The Walden experience gave me the strength, endurance, and discipline to bring this new business venture into fruition. perspective, so the primary drive was intellectual development, rather than using the degree strictly for professional advancement.”
“People ask me, ‘What are you doing with a Ph.D., making wine?’” Dr. Wolff says. But he credits his quick career transition to the skills he obtained in his doctoral program. “You learn how to learn,” he says. “It changes how your mind processes information.”
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