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Degree sends aerospace professional’s career into full throttle.

Six years ago, when Patricia Azuaje was laid off from her position as a marketing coordinator at a manufacturing firm, her employment prospects seemed bleak. Despite the fact that Azuaje had considerable job experience and held a position with decision-making capacity, she hit a roadblock in her quest for meaningful work: she lacked a college degree.

Patricia Azuaje

“I was getting hired only for menial jobs, jobs I didn’t like,” Azuaje said.

So at 35, she decided to go back to school. The mother of three knew that adding school to her already full plate would be challenging, but realized the pay-off would be worth it. She earned her associate’s degree and then enrolled in the College of Business Administration’s BBA+ Weekend program.

“I loved it the minute I started doing it,” Azuaje said about the accelerated program. “The real-life simulations were great and the cohort approach enabled us to get to know each other very well.”

Scholarship caps off year of positive change.

Azuaje’s enthusiasm for school is evident in her academic performance, which has been exceptional despite juggling motherhood and a full-time job. Recently, Denny’s Scholarship Program in the Hispanic College Fund rewarded her efforts with $2,000. Azuaje was stunned, and grateful, that they chose her for the award.

“When you have kids, every penny helps,” she said.

Azuaje also is excited about the improvement in her job prospects since she entered the program. Earlier this year, M&M Aerospace, a hardware supplier for aircraft manufacturers, hired her as a purchasing inventory demand analyst. In her first six months on the job, the firm promoted her to a supervisory position within her department. She says the company offers many opportunities for advancement and growth, and with her degree from the college, she will be in a better position to take advantage of them.

Azuaje likes school so much that she already is thinking about pursuing an MBA, with a focus on business management.

“I think I have a capacity for managing people and motivating them to achieve their goals,” she said.

At present, she is enjoying the final stretch of the program as well as her newfound professional potential. Azuaje also has marked another milestone: she recently turned forty, an event that seemed to herald a period of accomplishment and deep satisfaction with her life.

“Things are going well and I am on a great path,” she said.