Returning to school is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Balancing coursework with a demanding professional life requires intentional planning, self‑reflection, and adaptability.
For Jonathan Schulz ’26, enrolling as an online, part-time student at the College of Professional Studies was a transformative step in his academic journey and career. Navigating virtual classrooms while managing real‑world responsibilities pushed him to rethink how he approached learning, time management, and goal‑setting.
Reflecting on his educational experience, Schulz shares three important lessons he learned along the way.
1. Understanding My Strengths as a Leader and Learner
As a College of Professional Studies student with a major focusing on Business Management, I have an interest in business development and potentially running my own business. I gained skills in self‑assessment, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing areas for growth.
Taking multiple leadership classes, helped me become more of a successful manager and evaluate areas that I may have struggled in before. Introduction to Knowledge Management was valuable because it helped me see that information can be stored, shared, and conceptualized through different models to help highlight and examine different elements in business structures.
Additionally, the program taught me how I learn best. There were teaching methods that worked better than others and that helped me to become a better manager and teacher myself.
2. Time Management is a Skill You Have to Build
As a working professional with 45-50 hours of work a week, completing classes online, part-time made it easier to attain my degree. Sometimes it was challenging, and I had to get creative with multitasking. I would plan my free time around schoolwork in order to have a proper school-work-life balance.
Having access to the Syracuse University Libraries and Microsoft Office allowed me to keep myself engaged in my education. I would write down when assignments were due on a calendar in order to make sure they were completed in a timely manner.
Intentional time management is key!
3. Choosing the Right Path When You’re Ready
I took an 8 year break from my education and when I returned to it, I was much more focused than when I started. I took the time to research and thoughtfully choose an online, part-time program that was right for me. I had a friend who was doing her graduate program online at Syracuse and she motivated me to go to online as well.
Ready to take the next step toward your future?
Whether you’re advancing your career, changing paths, or finishing what you started, an online, part-time degree can fit your life and goals.
National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Syracuse University have launched a new program to provide access to market-relevant online degrees, certificates, and career development opportunities through the University’s nationally ranked online degree and certificate programs.
The NFL Players Association Education Program provides access to high‑quality online degrees and certificate programs designed to advance the long‑term career growth of active and former NFL players, NFLPA staff, and eligible family members. United by a commitment to professional development and expanded opportunity across the NFLPA community, the initiative offers flexible academic pathways tailored to diverse goals. These programs draw upon the expertise of Syracuse University’s renowned schools and colleges, including the Falk College of Sport, the Whitman School of Management, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and College of Professional Studies (CPS).
“As a Syracuse alum, I can speak firsthand to the University’s prestige and the doors it opens — both on the field and in the boardroom. Syracuse has a rare ability to connect with athletes in a real and meaningful way, and that shared commitment is what brought us together. Partnering with NFLPA is a natural extension of everything the University already stands for,” said Justin Pugh, a former NFL lineman and Syracuse graduate.
NFL Players Association Education Program Highlights:
Nationally Ranked Online Programs:
Syracuse University develops and delivers a wide range of nationally recognized, fully online degree programs strengthened by dedicated online student support advisors who provide individualized guidance throughout each learner’s academic journey.
Career‑Focused Curriculum:
Programs in fields such as business and project management are intentionally structured to equip modern learners with the knowledge and competencies required to advance in their current careers or transition into new professional pathways.
Support for Non‑Native English Speakers:
An online pre‑academic English program is available to help non‑native English speakers build the language proficiency necessary for success in their selected programs, courses, and workshops.
“My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the National Football League Players Association to provide the Syracuse University experience to current and former players and their family members who are interested in pursuing our robust academic offerings,” said Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan, who earlier this year helped establish similar partnerships with MLS, NHL, MLBPA and NWSL. “For athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, extensive academic support, and real-world applicability–all without compromising the demands of their careers or personal circumstances.”
Educational offerings will be accessible online, on campus, and at Syracuse’s “away” centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will work with each participant to tailor academic pathways aligned with their goals.
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is the union for professional football players in the NFL and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of protecting the health, safety and financial future of its more than 2,000 player members, who are the backbone of North America’s most popular and highest revenue-generating sport. Through a wide offering of programs, resources and engagement opportunities, the NFLPA provides world-class service to players throughout their career lifecycle and builds solidarity to advocate on their behalf in the areas of healthcare, revenue, compensation and working conditions. The current CBA will govern the sport through the 2030 season. Learn more at nflpa.com.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals, and impact beyond what’s possible.
Transitioning from college to career comes with excitement, uncertainty, and a lot of unanswered questions. From finding your footing in the workplace to figuring out what growth really looks like early on, many graduates wonder if they’re on the “right” path.
In this Q&A with Susan Conklin, we explore practical guidance on building momentum, continuing your education, and growing professionally without burning out. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your next move, these insights will help you move forward with intention and confidence.
1. How do I keep from getting “stuck” in my career?
Getting your foot in the door and becoming established is an accomplishment. Pause and recognize that. Getting “unstuck” doesn’t mean racing forward; it means staying intentional.
Pay attention to what you’re learning, who you’re learning from, and how your work aligns with your longer-term goals. Look for opportunities to stretch just beyond your comfort zone, even in small ways. Ask for feedback, volunteer for projects that build transferable skills, and keep reflecting on what energizes you versus what drains you. Momentum comes from curiosity and reflection, not urgency.
2. How do you know when you’re actually building momentum early on versus just staying busy?
Busy fills your calendar; momentum moves you forward. Momentum feels purposeful.
You can point to specific skills you’re developing, relationships you’re strengthening, or clarity you’re gaining about your direction. If, after a few months, you’re not learning anything new or can’t explain how your work connects to where you want to go, it may be time to reassess. Progress doesn’t have to be loud or fast, but it should feel meaningful.
3. How do I navigate the job market when everything feels competitive?
Competition can make it easy to forget your own story, but that story matters. You bring more than a degree; you bring resilience, perspective, and real-world experience.
Focus less on how you compare to others and more on how you communicate your value. Tailor your résumé, tell the story of why you pursued your education, and be clear about what problems you’re equipped to solve and how you can add value. Remember: you don’t need every opportunity; you need the right one.
4. What’s one thing new graduates should start doing earlier when job searching that we often wait too long to do?
Talking to people. Many students wait until they feel “ready” before networking, but conversations are how readiness is built. Reach out to alumni, former professors, colleagues, and professionals whose paths interest you. Ask them questions, listen, and share your goals. These connections aren’t transactions, they’re relationships, and they often open doors long before a job is posted.
5. When is the “right time” to go back to school after graduating?
There’s no universal timeline. The right time is when additional education supports a clear purpose, whether that’s advancing in your field, changing direction, or deepening skills you’re already using. Sometimes the most powerful growth happens outside formal schooling. Give yourself permission to apply what you’ve learned, listen to your instincts, and revisit education when it feels strategic rather than obligatory.
Graduate school is one path, but there are many other opportunities to continue to learn and grow. Consider microcredentials and certificate programs to continue your development; they focus on specific skills that earn credentials and are often stackable, serving as an intermediate path to a degree. You can choose options based on personal or professional interests, they take less time to complete than a degree program, and employers are increasingly seeing value in these types of credentials.
6. How do I make myself more competitive for promotions and leadership roles?
Leadership begins long before the title. Show up prepared, dependable, and willing to contribute beyond your job description. Build relationships across teams, communicate clearly, and follow through. Seek mentors and be open to feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The habits you build early, like professionalism, self-awareness, and integrity, often matter more than any single credential. Certificate programs in leadership may also be helpful in rounding out your skillsets. Subject matter experts are often promoted to leadership positions based on their superb technical skills; recognize that leading people often requires a different skill set and be prepared to hone those skills.
7. How do I grow professionally without feeling overwhelmed?
Growth doesn’t require doing everything at once. Choose one or two priorities at a time and take small, consistent steps. Set boundaries that protect your energy and build self-care into your routine, especially if you’re balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Remember: sustainable growth is built through focus and self-compassion, not exhaustion. You’ve already proven you can manage complexity, now you get to be intentional about it.
8. If students could remember one thing as they move from college into their careers, what do you think would matter most?
Trust what you’ve already proven about yourself. Completing your degree, often while managing work, family, and life’s challenges, required resilience, discipline, and adaptability. Those qualities don’t disappear after graduation; they become your foundation. The path forward may twist and turn, but you’ve already shown that you can learn, pivot, and begin again. Let that confidence travel with you.
Congratulations, not just on your degree, but on every early morning, late night, and quiet moment of doubt you pushed through to get here. You didn’t just finish something; you proved something. Carry that with you and remember: the best is still ahead!
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies is forging impactful partnerships with a network of community colleges across New York State united by a bold shared mission: expanding access, elevating academic excellence, and fueling student success.
This initiative creates clearer pathways for students who begin their academic journeys at community colleges or commuter schools and continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Through alignment, communication, and shared goals, these partnerships prepare students not only to transfer, but to thrive in a university environment.
“This commitment reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting students at every stage of their academic journey,” said Jim Gaffey, Executive Director of Administration and Strategy. “The College of Professional Studies meets students where they are and champions their path forward.”
Syracuse University’s Community College Partners
The College of Professional Studies is honored to stand alongside these outstanding institutions. Each institution plays a vital role in supporting student achievement and degree mobility:
Cayuga Community College
SUNY Corning Community College
Dutchess Community College
Finger Lakes Community College
Onondaga Community College
Hudson Valley Community College
SUNY Fulton–Montgomery Community College
Tompkins Cortland Community College
A Shared Commitment to Student Success
Transfer students don’t arrive empty-handed. They bring hard-earned academic experience, resilience, and drive. The College of Professional Studies and its partners recognize that, and have built an intentional, collaborative framework to honor it. Together, they work to:
Eliminate friction in academic transitions, making the path forward seamless
Maximize credit mobility so students’ hard work is recognized and carries over
Spark early advising conversations that set students up for long-term success
Strengthen student confidence at every step of the transfer journey
These shared efforts help students move forward with clarity and purpose, reducing uncertainty and strengthening outcomes after transfer.
Expanding Opportunity Through Partnership
Life doesn’t pause for education. The College of Professional Studies knows that many of its students are juggling coursework alongside demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and everything in between. By deepening its community college partnerships, the College of Professional Studies extends opportunity to the learners who need flexibility, not obstacles.
These partnerships are built on a powerful shared belief that higher education must be flexible, inclusive, and responsive, especially for students pursuing nontraditional or transfer pathways.
Together, the College of Professional Studies and its partners are building pathways that honor prior learning, celebrate student persistence, and open the doors to academic and professional growth for which students have worked hard.
Credit certificate programs have become one of the most strategic ways for learners to advance their education while maintaining flexibility. As higher education continues to evolve, students are increasingly seeking options that deliver immediate career value and long‑term academic progress. Credit certificates meet that demand by combining focused, workforce‑aligned training with college credits.
Unlike non‑credit certificates, these programs don’t stop at skill validation. They create momentum, helping learners move faster and stay engaged in their academic pathway.
Below, we explore the most important credit certificate benefits and why these programs are becoming a smart choice for learners at every stage.
1. Credit Certificates Accelerate Degree Progress
One of the most powerful credit certificate benefits is earned momentum.
Why this matters:
Credits count toward a degree Courses completed within a credit‑bearing certificate can often be applied directly to an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Shorter time to completion Instead of waiting years to see progress, learners earn a recognized credential in months, while simultaneously advancing toward a degree.
For adult learners, career switchers, or students unsure about committing to a full degree, credit‑bearing certificates provide a low‑risk, high‑value entry point into higher education.
2. Career‑Aligned Skills with Academic Recognition
Another key advantage, and one of the most compelling credit certificate benefits, is the way these programs align real‑world skills with academic credibility.
What sets credit‑bearing certificates apart:
Industry‑driven curriculum Programs are designed around workforce needs, ensuring learners gain practical, in‑demand skills they can apply immediately.
Academic rigor employers trust Because these certificates carry college credit, they signal a higher standard of learning and commitment.
Stackable credentials Credit‑bearing certificates often stack into larger academic programs, allowing learners to build credentials progressively over time.
Employers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate both specialized training and the discipline required for college‑level coursework. A credit‑bearing certificate communicates readiness, ambition, and follow‑through.
Connect Career Goals to Programming Start building your future today by matching your career goals with certificate programs.
3. Flexible Pathways for Learners at Any Stage
Flexibility is one of the most underrated credit certificate benefits. Whether entering the workforce, changing careers, or returning to school after time away, these programs are ideal for learners navigating transitions.
Why learners choose this path:
Test a field before committing Certificates allow students to explore an area of interest without locking into a full degree. If they continue, their credits move with them.
Support for working adults Many programs are designed with flexible scheduling and accelerated timelines.
A confidence‑building milestone Completing a credit certificate provides a tangible academic win, helping learners build confidence and momentum toward bigger goals.
Rather than feeling like a temporary detour, these certificates serve as intentional milestones, each one reinforces progress and motivation.
Start with a Certificate, Build Toward More Start with a certificate that fits your life today, and build a strong foundation for continuing your education tomorrow.
A Smart Investment with Lasting Value
While short‑term training programs may offer quick credentials, they often end there. Credit‑bearing certificates, by contrast, continue to deliver value long after completion.
By focusing on stackable pathways, workforce relevance, and flexibility, these programs empower learners to move forward with purpose and confidence. Credit‑bearing certificate programs are not just an alternative; they’re a strategic advantage.
