When Sean Hayes heard he’d been selected for the 2019 Dawn Drake Excellence in Distance Education Scholarship, the impact went well beyond finances. When pursuing his undergraduate on campus at UW-Platteville he was focused on passing and getting out into the workforce. Now, as a Managing Engineer at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the father of two said taking the time to earn his Master of Science in Engineering online from his alma mater felt more serious.
“My wife and I thought a lot about a master’s degree – if we could afford it, if I could afford the time,” Hayes said. “Winning the scholarship is great to defray the costs of school, but it also proved the hard work is worth it, that I’m really earning this degree.”
"To be able to add that certificate to my résumé makes me a standout candidate and the graduate degree will open even more doors,” Hayes said.
Hayes takes two courses a year, a schedule that leaves time for work, school, and his two daughters, ages four and one. Taking one course at a time also allows him to focus on the topics at hand and draw meaningful connections between the lessons and his experience as a Professional Engineer. Even at a slower pace, Hayes was able to complete the Applications of Engineering Management emphasis halfway through his program.
“It was satisfying to have that accomplishment. To be able to add that certificate to my résumé makes me a standout candidate and the graduate degree will open even more doors,” Hayes said. “If people are on the fence about returning to school, distance education can make it possible. My schedule shows that.”
Throughout his journey, Hayes has been thankful for the support of his family and his advisor, Lori Wedig. He worked with Wedig in the Karrmann Library as an undergraduate, so the chance to work with her again “felt like reconnecting with a friend.” It was on her recommendation that Hayes joined the Student Advisory Board.
“I joined the Student Advisory Board because I wanted exposure to leadership opportunities. I wanted to put myself out there and grow,” Hayes said. “There’s a quote that you should say yes early in your career and learn to say no later. Because I said yes I am learning so much, and I really enjoy that.”
As he nears graduation in 2020, Hayes is confident that more leadership opportunities will present themselves, thanks to his education.
“UW-Platteville offers a reasonable price for a quality degree and people recognize that an engineering degree from Platteville really means something,” Hayes said. “The classes have the technical focus, but also look at leadership and how you work with people and projects. It’s well-rounded and will help me take that next step in my career.”