Father. Husband. Project manager.
Those three phrases encapsulate Thomas Kobyluk and what brought him to earn his MBA in Project Management from Florida Tech. Kobyluk was able to further his education “without sacrificing any quality of life with my family.”
The Edmond, Oklahoma resident used tuition assistance from his employer, Northrop Grumman, for his studies. According to Kobyluk, this has been “reciprocal,” as he has been able to apply what he’s learned immediately to improve his work.
“My degree is very specific to the work I perform daily in my career. There is lots of utility in this because my coursework at Florida Tech has shown me better ways to do my job.”
We spoke with the grad about what surprised him most and how he plans on using his degree in the future.
What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?
I selected Florida Tech because they are a perennially top-ranked university. Student reviews were positive, and I also received a tuition discount due to their affiliation with my company. The company provided a 100% tuition assistance solution for my education. I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity.
What is your advice for other people who might be considering using tuition assistance benefits to pursue their own education?
It’s a great opportunity. I was able to get my degree without sacrificing any quality of life with my family. My advice would be to talk to others who have used it in your organization and ask them how their experience went.
How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?
My degree is very specific to the work I perform daily in my career. There is lots of utility in this because my coursework at Florida Tech has shown me better ways to do my job.
How is your employer benefitting from the skills you’ve learned?
The return is reciprocal. I benefit from higher promotion potential and my employer benefits from my added focus on project execution within the organization’s vision.
Do you have any future plans with your degree?
After completing my degree, I plan on focusing on my family and career. If the opportunity arises and time allows, I may also pursue teaching on a part-time basis.
What surprised you most about taking an online program?
Most surprising was the amount of engagement between my peers. Many of us were enrolled in the same classes for the duration of the degree plan, and I’ve gotten to know many of my classmates on a personal level. I wish them all well in their future paths.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes were the introductory business development courses. The process of creating a detailed business plan was both a challenging and rewarding experience. I feel that if/when I decide to start my own business, I’ll be prepared to develop a solid plan.
What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
I learned that you don’t settle for anything less than what you want. You figure out a plan, then execute it.
What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
Do it. You won’t regret the decision. I went back-and-forth on the enrollment decision for over a year, and I wish I would have started right away.
Who has been your support system?
My wife and best friend, Kaylea. She has been supportive through the entire program and I can’t say enough nice things about her.
What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
Life throws curveballs. There was a place where I wanted to take a break due to a family tragedy, but I had some good encouragement to keep moving. It’s what he would have wanted.
Who or what inspires you to succeed?
I want to develop myself to be a positive influence on my family, friends and others around me.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve read lots of kid’s books to my daughter and I’ve gotten to the point where I’m pretty good at animal noises. She loves it!
