Kutzleb

The MBA program let me sharpen my
business understanding, and will
continue to be an asset to my career
in the future.”

Mark Auernheimer, ’97
CEO of Sealpac USA LLC

Averett degree helps career Navy man prepare for civilian life

Shawn Kutzleb, '04 BBA

As a career military man headed toward retirement Shawn Kutzleb, currently of Camp Springs, Md., knew he needed to obtain a degree to make the transition from military life to civilian life easier. After exploring his options he found what he was looking for at Averett.

"(Averett) seemed like a good fit as far as their business program," Kutzleb said. "I believe it was a great choice to go through it. It's made my transition a lot easier."

Kutzleb retired from the Navy Dec. 9, 2004 and graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in business administration two days later.

While he would recommend the program to others he would do so with one caveat, "they need to sit down and take a look at their time management. The program was fine, but be aware of time management with homework, class and study group." Kutzleb also cautions that interested students will have to be truly committed to obtaining their degree because there are a number of things -- family time, recreation, etc. -- that will be sacrificed in order to give their full attention to their education.

While civilian life will be a new experience for Kutzleb he is fortunate that his new job is "amazingly similar" to his old job with the Navy. As administration specialist with the department of the Navy he is in charge of coordinating all of the administration programs in the office.

When he was applying for the administration specialist position Kutzleb was one of 223 candidates to apply. During the interview he was asked a lot of questions in which he was able to reference what he had learned in the business administration program.

"I was telling Dr. (Fred) Bolton how many times I referenced what we did in class or were doing the whole 20 months," Kutzleb said. "It was amazing how many times that came up during the interview or talking to the supervisor.

"There are so many things I learned that will directly relate to my new job," Kutzleb said, citing strategic management and critical thinking skills as two things he will be using in his new position.

"A lot of people knew I was active duty and went to school full time and that spoke volumes to my commitment without saying it to them," Kutzleb said. "I think this degree will carry me pretty far."