Colorado Tech Online Students and Alumni
Meet Steven Lee
MSM with a concentration in Information Technology Management
Why Just Survive When You Can Thrive?
Diagnosed with cancer in 1997, Steven Lee could have sat back and done nothing. Instead, the former Major opted for a radical surgery and intense follow-up treatment. Doctors declared him cured in 2002. "I went so many years doing such out-there things I thought nothing could happen to me, and then cancer came along. But I used it as a springboard to a whole new career and outlook on life in general."
The new career Steven is talking about is a civilian one. A military man for most of his life, Steven retired from the New York Air National Guard (he had previously also been active Marine and Air Force) in 2000 and made the leap to the civilian world. With all of his military experience and his knowledge of production management, systems engineering, and information technology, it is no surprise Lockheed Martin snapped him up. Today, he works as a Lead Systems Engineer on a missile defense system.
Real World Experience, Combined With Advanced Education, Earns Recognition
He's been everywhere from Egypt to Ireland (with stops in Kenya, Australia, and Pakistan), fought in Desert Storm, discovered an 18th century shipwreck off the coast of Thailand, has nearly two decades of experience in project management and systems analysis, and been awarded the U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal…twice. Still, Lockheed Martin wanted to see Steven get a Master's degree. So he came to Colorado Tech Online and graduated in December with his Master of Science in Management, with a concentration in Information Systems Security.
"I had a number of years of experience in the field, but I wanted the piece of paper to get the recognition. I found I was already familiar with much of the stuff in the classes, but they really knotted everything together and gave me more confidence. It was just what I needed at this point in my career."
No More Surprises
Because he came to Colorado Tech Online with so much experience and prior knowledge, Steven appreciated the practical know-how his professors brought to the classroom. "Every professor I've had was able to back things up with real-world examples. They're all out there fighting in the trenches every day and have good war stories. I listen to what they've seen and dealt with and make a note that I could see something similar myself in the future. And, after learning from them, I'll be better prepared to deal with it."
Steven doesn't have to wait for some unknown future situation to apply what he's learned though. "All the project management courses have been immediately applicable. Because of them, I've learned to anticipate certain things when making reports or presentations and have had all the answers and information ready rather than being surprised by something unexpected. After cancer, I don't need any more surprises."
"Every professor I've had was able to back things up with real-world examples. They're all out there fighting in the trenches every day and have good war stories. I listen to what they've seen and dealt with and make a note that I could see something similar myself in the future. And, after learning from them, I'll be better prepared to deal with it."
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