Jay Talbert

Bachelor of Arts in Management – Concentration Human Resources Management  

Ignoring the clack of the track as he commuted to work each day, Jay Talbert found his “study hall on wheels” a great time-saver as he studied online for his bachelor’s degree. He graduated in 2009 with a B.A. in Management from American Public University System.

“With online availability, APUS allowed me to manage my time in the best way to fit my schedule,” says Talbert. A non-traditional college student, he’s already making plans to get his master’s in business administration, to be followed up by a Ph.D. in management. Talbert decided to study management, in part, because he wanted to be a better leader. “I’ve been exposed to both good and poor management,” he says.

“I chose the management program at APU after comparing it to other online, and bricks and mortar, programs and talking with my friends — including those who had attended other schools,”  says Talbert. “I also wanted an accredited school. During my studies to earn my degree, I’ve been impressed with the program and the caliber of the professors. I made the right choice,” he says.

Like many non-traditional students, Talbert has faced the challenge of fitting education around being married, working, and traveling for work. Using the Internet made it easier than attending a bricks-and-mortar university.

“Online learning allowed me to attend class anywhere there was online access,” says Jay, “allowing me to fit my educational pursuits around real life.”

Talbert’s ultimate career goal is to teach in a business department of a four-year college.

“APUS’ regional accreditation was incredibly important,” he says, “because I didn’t want to worry about courses not transferring to other institutions. I knew that to achieve my goal of college teaching, my first step was to return to school to attain my four-year degree,” Talbert says.

And not only has he completed the foundation of his life’s work, he learned with students across the globe and from all backgrounds. “That gave me a level of educational diversity that I could not have achieved in a traditional university,” Talbert says.

Currently a senior compliance analyst for one of the nation’s largest multi-employer pension funds, Talbert works with contributing employers, legal counsel, and auditors to ensure the accuracy of incoming contributions.

Talbert received the education he expected, but also an unexpected bonus: the camaraderie of classmates. “The online community and camaraderie with my co-students made me feel as if I were in a traditional classroom,” he says.

Having a family who understood the importance of his education allowed him to use additional time in evenings and weekends to participate in classes and study, which would have normally spent with them.

“My wife is the most gracious and understanding person,” he says.

Fast facts:
Residence:  Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Family: Married
Occupation:  Senior compliance analyst
Degree path: Master’s, then Ph.D. in Management
Career goal: Teach Business Management at a university