Being in the military, you pretty much give up a lot of control. Someone else higher up generally dictates what you do and when you do it. As much as Anthony Cousins enjoyed his 14-years in the Navy, he was ready for a change. A Chief Petty Officer, Anthony had worked with electronics in the Navy and wanted to continue down that path.

There were two things he knew for certain: He needed a flexible schedule which meant online education and he did not want to spend four years in college. When he discovered what ECPI University had to offer, he was intrigued.

“Being able to go to school year-round and finish my bachelor’s degree in 2.5 years was really appealing, and then I saw the kind of simulation software used by the online campus and I was just very impressed,” says Anthony. “I could easily imagine being in an actual lab or work setting; it was by far the most enjoyable part of my program.”

While Anthony knew online education was his best option, he did have a few concerns. “I must admit that I was a little worried at first about being able to get hold of instructors when I needed them,” he says. “I quickly realized that was not going to be a problem! The level of engagement with faculty, staff, and fellow classmates was excellent.”

By any account, Anthony had timed his transition to civilian life perfectly, having earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology in July of 2014, the very month he left the Navy. However, Anthony had other plans. “My wife was about to give birth and I just decided that after being away with the Navy all those years, it was time to stay home for a while,” he says. So, Anthony took one year off to care for his newborn child.

The Right Resources: ECPI University's Career Services Department

All the while, ECPI University’s Career Services Department stayed in contact and when they called him about a job opportunity this past summer, he was ready to jump back into the work world. “It was amazing,” says Anthony. “I applied for the job, got a call the very next day for an interview, and within two weeks, I was offered the position!”

Anthony now works as a field service technician for CaptiveAire, the nation’s leading manufacturer of commercial ventilation equipment. Working in South Florida, he is able to set his own schedule, which is something he especially enjoys. That allowed him to come up to the Virginia Beach campus recently to take part in a panel discussion with the Career Services Department.

“My career service advisor was always so responsive and caring, always staying in contact, even while I took a year off,” says Anthony. “I was never off their radar which is why I wanted to come back and share my experiences with the University’s staff. ECPI University was very good to me and I wanted to give something back. I want everyone to have same experience I did.”

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