How Earning My Business Degree Opened New Doors for My Career

I was born in Mexico and moved to the United States as a child. Today, I live in Kansas City, Missouri, and I am proud to be a graduate of University of the People, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Growing up as an immigrant came with challenges, including language barriers, financial struggles, and uncertainty. But those experiences also taught me lessons that continue to shape who I am: perseverance, gratitude, and the value of hard work.

As a first-generation college graduate and proud Hispanic, earning my degree represents much more than an academic achievement. For me, it is a symbol of hope, progress, and the belief that education can open doors.

Finding a Flexible Path to Higher Education

Before UoPeople, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, but traditional universities often felt financially out of reach.

I was also working full-time, which meant I needed a program that could fit around my job and personal responsibilities. UoPeople allowed me to earn a degree without having to put my career on hold.

I was also drawn to the university’s global community. Learning alongside students from different countries and backgrounds made the experience feel truly international and gave me the opportunity to learn from perspectives different from my own.

Balancing Work, Life, and My Education

One of my favorite things about studying at UoPeople was the flexibility.

I could study at my own pace while balancing my professional and personal responsibilities. That flexibility was especially important to me as someone working full-time.

My work in maintenance and logistics at Amazon also helped me develop teamwork and leadership skills that complemented what I was learning through my business studies.

The online learning experience was not without its challenges. It requires a certain level of self-discipline. Still, I understood the realities of an online learning environment, and overall, the experience was rewarding and worth the effort.

What Earning My Degree Means to Me

Graduating from UoPeople has given me more than a foundation in business. It has strengthened my confidence and given me the motivation to pursue bigger goals.

As a first-generation college graduate, earning a degree showed me that the obstacles I faced did not have to determine my future. It gave me a stronger foundation in business, leadership, and communication while opening new possibilities for my professional and personal growth.

My next goal is to continue growing professionally, expand my own company, and pursue leadership opportunities.

Inspiring Others to Keep Learning

My journey has taught me that determination can overcome obstacles.

Moving to a new country as a child, navigating financial challenges and language barriers, working while pursuing my education, and becoming the first in my family to graduate from college have all shaped my perspective.

I hope my story can encourage others in my community—especially those who may feel that higher education is beyond their reach—to keep learning and dreaming.

For me, earning a degree wasn’t simply about reaching a personal goal. It was about proving that progress is possible, no matter where you begin.

About the Author

Juan Gomez-L, currently based in Kansas City, Missouri, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of the People while working full-time in maintenance and logistics at Amazon. He hopes to continue growing in business, expand his own company, and inspire others to pursue their educational and professional goals.