UoPeople Helped Me Balance Work, Education, and Personal Growth

I was the first person in my immediate family to pursue a college degree, and that made my educational journey especially meaningful. I was not just working toward a qualification; I was taking a step that was new to my family and proving to myself that I could keep growing while managing the responsibilities of work and everyday life.

Growing up in Sabah, Malaysia, I learned the importance of independence, responsibility, and working toward my goals. As I gained professional experience, I realized there was still much more I wanted to learn, particularly about business and management. I wanted to build on what I had learned at work and prepare myself for new opportunities.

That desire led me to University of the People, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration while continuing to work. I graduated in April 2025, and today, as an Operations Manager in the IT industry, I see my degree as an important milestone—not the end of my learning journey, but another step toward becoming a better professional.

Discovering UoPeople

I first learned about UoPeople through social media. What caught my attention was the opportunity to pursue a degree online while continuing to manage my professional responsibilities.

I enrolled in June 2023. Having already studied at another institution, I could transfer credits, which helped me continue my educational journey without starting from scratch.

UoPeople’s flexible online learning model let me work toward my degree while maintaining my career. For someone balancing different responsibilities, that flexibility was essential.

Applying My Degree to My Career

I currently work as an Operations Manager in the IT industry. My role involves coordinating work, solving problems, making decisions, and helping ensure that daily operations run smoothly.

My experience on the job has taught me a great deal, but studying Business Administration helped me develop a stronger understanding of business and management. It complemented the practical knowledge I had gained through work and gave me another perspective on the responsibilities I handle professionally.

For me, the value of education lies not only in earning a qualification but also in how I can apply what I learn to real-world situations and continue developing my skills.

Balancing Work, Studies, and Personal Life

Managing work, education, and personal responsibilities at the same time required planning and consistency. It was important to stay organized and keep making progress toward my degree while meeting my commitments at work.

UoPeople’s online format allowed me to pursue my education without putting my career on hold. That was one of the most important aspects of my experience: I could continue working while investing in my long-term professional development.

My journey reinforced the importance of being intentional about my time and staying committed to a goal, even when there are several competing priorities.

My Advice for Fellow UoPeople Learners

My advice to anyone considering going back to school is simple: do not wait for the perfect time. It is important to plan carefully, remain consistent, and focus on your own progress rather than comparing your journey with someone else’s.

Everyone has different responsibilities and circumstances. What matters is finding a way to keep moving forward, even if progress sometimes feels slow.

Being a first-generation college graduate has made this achievement especially meaningful to me. It reminds me that taking a step toward something new can open up opportunities for continued learning and growth.

Looking Ahead

Graduating from UoPeople was an important milestone, but I see it as part of a longer journey. I want to continue growing professionally, strengthening my management skills, and taking on new opportunities in my career.

Looking back, earning my degree while working showed me the value of perseverance, planning, and continuous learning. I hope to carry those lessons into the next stage of my career and continue building on what I have achieved.

About the Author

Harvie Quin Yan L. is a Malaysian UoPeople graduate and first-generation college graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in April 2025. Harvie currently works as an Operations Manager in the IT industry and is committed to continued professional and personal growth. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym and swimming. He strongly believes in maintaining personal well-being alongside professional goals.