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Not Too Cool for School: Mods Pursuing Education

ModSquad

One of the greatest perks about working for ModSquad is the flexibility we offer our workforce. Those of us who work out of our Sacramento, California and Londonderry, Northern Ireland offices, as well the majority of us who work remotely, enjoy the ability to work on schedules that fit our lives.

For some of us, working from home (or the local coffee shop, library, coworking space) means being able to avoid a commute, spend more time with the kids, or be present for a family member in need. And for a number of our Mods, it means being able to pursue their education goals while maintaining a career and honing professional skills.

We checked in with some of those Mods pursuing first, second, and sometimes even third degrees, to ask why they so enjoy being a part of ModSquad. Overall, there were a couple things that stood out: the flexibility, and the ability to practice transferable, professional skills or apply their learnings to the real world.

The Flexibility of Working for ModSquad

“Working for ModSquad offers me flexibility in my schedule so that I can have time to devote to my studies.”

Winnie Neely, pursuing BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts at Southern New Hampshire University Online

“ModSquad has been absolutely amazing. Attending school is no easy task. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home as well as attend school online.”

Jason Hendrix, studying Graphic Design at Full Sail University

“I’m able to be more flexible with my schedule to accomplish my goals, while still making time to spend with my son. I don’t have to sacrifice in any one area of my life to be able to get it all done.”

Carla Lincoln, pursuing a B.S. in Software Development at ECPI University

“It allows me to schedule school and work around my life.”

Katherine Sockwell, working towards her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at Ozark Technical Community College

“Working for ModSquad provides flexibility. I get to work hours I choose myself.”

Marie Hall, in her final semester of Western Governors University Business Management program

Transferrable Skills and Professional Growth

“ModSquad is the entity that has helped me the most toward achieving my educational goals. The flexible schedule, plus the help I get from managers whenever I need time off for school, has helped me tremendously. Additionally, working for ModSquad has allowed me to pay for my education and avoid loans. The work experience and different skills I’ve gained while working in ModSquad — from troubleshooting complex technical issues to managing entire teams — will help me in my future career.

“It’s very likely I may have never gone back to school if it weren’t for finding ModSquad. I can’t express how thankful and lucky I feel to work with such a great group of people at such a great company. I plan to thank ModSquad and everyone who has worked with me on all the different projects in my future graduation speech.”

Edwin Dominguez, studying Computer Science at PUCMM – Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic

“Many of my assignments are backing a software-based project. I get very close to the end-user experience, which helps me understand what it takes to develop a large-scale project.”

Eric Thomas, pursuing his B.S. in Computer Science at CSU Sacramento

“ModSquad is one of the neatest job opportunities I could possibly have as a Computer Programming major. While none of my projects involve programming or coding specifically, each one has taught me some new form of problem solving or helped me hone a skill that comes in handy during my courses.”

Maisy McDonald, working toward her B.S. in Computer Programming at Grand Canyon University

“Working for ModSquad has helped me acquire experience that I can use toward my degree.”

Anna Martin, studying Computer Science at University of Alabama at Birmingham

“Working in a diverse environment such as ModSquad has helped me develop my communication skills. I was very shy before I joined ModSquad, and working with colleagues from all around the world every day has forced me not only to open up, but also to learn to communicate in a non-confrontational way, which is very important in aviation. While what we do in ModSquad is not really connected to my field of work, it has served a huge role in my personal development.”

Matea Makek, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Aviation (and taking flying classes for her commercial pilot’s license) at the University of Zagreb, Croatia

“While working at ModSquad, I’ve learned that quality and quality assurance/management are very important to me; I constantly want to become better and see my colleagues do their best. I wanted to gain more insight in this field and learn strategies for achieving the best for me and the company I’m working for. So really, ModSquad helped me discover my future goals while also supporting me while I work toward them.”

Jenny Mueller, pursuing her B.S. in Engineering and Management (Production and Energy Management) at Leipzig University of Applied Sciences

“I can use the management skills from college in the role I have now, and also use them to help customers.”

Paulo Alexandre, studying for his Bachelor Degree in Management Information System at Columbia College

“I’m a massive gaming fan and originally set out with the intention of working toward a career in the gaming industry. I recently became fascinated with the technology around assistive robotics and am keen to learn more. Since starting with ModSquad, I’ve become more focused on work and am interested in the opportunities there are within the company that will reflect the skills I gain as I move forward.”

Martin Allen, working towards a BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing and I.T. at The Open University

“As I am a special pedagogic, psychology and psychiatry have been my main subjects of interest, and they certainly help in providing customer support. In a way, ModSquad helps me to keep up-to-date on things I’ve already learned.”

Gina Weiss, studying Theology (already has a degree in Special Pedagogy) with the Archdiocese Würzburg

“Working for ModSquad gives me the time and flexibility to pursue my degree, while also allowing me to bring practical real world experience to my research and vice versa.”

Mitchell Walthour, pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), specializing in Leadership (previously obtained Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Design and Technology) at Walden University

Learn More about Why Some of Our Mods Chose Their Field

“I’ve always had an interest in designing buildings, and I’d love a chance to pursue it as a career. As climate change impacts our environment, it’s important to find sustainable solutions to various environmental problems. It’s really an interesting field, and I’m hoping to focus on sustainable-build environments as a future career.”

Mary Henderson, studying for her Bachelor’s in Architecture at the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA) at the University of Arizona

“I am two years into my program. Mental health is a field that needs help, and I personally understand the issues that many people struggle with daily. I plan to pursue my nursing degree after completing this degree.”

Jessica Wheeler, pursuing her Bachelor’s in Mental Health & Human Services with a concentration in Child & Family Services at University of Maine at Augusta

“I started off studying IT Network Admin, but decided I wanted to get more into security. During my studies I came across Graphene, and that really sparked my interest in the Engineering and Material Science field. Graphene can make renewable energies more efficient and the production a lot less harmful to the environment. So I want to work with security to protect everyone’s privacy along with creating and enhancing machines to be safer for the environment.”

Matthew Gregory, studying Computer Science, Network Security at American River College, with plans to then study Mechanical Engineering and Material Science at UC Davis or UC Berkeley.

“I’ve always been interesting in the field of English/literature/reading/writing since I was in elementary school. My future career goals will be to take up a position (hopefully as an adjunct or online professorship) with a community college or university. I hope to secure a position in that field as well as continue my work for ModSquad, which gives me a different kind of personal gratification when I am able to solve a customer’s problem!”

Turquoise Edwards-Stroud, pursuing an M.A. in English Literature (second degree) through Mercy College’s distance learning program

“I have a passion for helping people. I love medicine and can be a bit of a geek about it. I am almost done with my Pre-Nursing degree, after which I will apply for nursing school. After nursing school I will become RN and work in a hospital, preferably the ER.”

Florence Hollowell, currently pursuing her Pre-Nursing degree at Georgia Military College, after which she will pursue her Nursing degree at Columbus Technical College.

“I love statistical analysis, particularly using secondary analysis with longitudinal data and latent constructs. Analysis and research is one of the main reasons I have pursued a PhD.”

Victoria Thompson, working towards her PhD, exploring the developmental trajectories of adolescent mental health (first degree is in Psychology) at Ulster University