The Experience

• Q. What drew you to the programs at CD-ED?
• “I was doing research on Correspondence schools and CD-ED was the one that stood out to me because of the support you have while attending. I read message boards on CD-ED and other schools and the most positive feedback was for CD-ED. That was what made me choose your school.”

• Q. Why did you then decide to take a home-study college program from CD-ED?
• “I wanted to further my education, but I live in Northern Ontario and do not have access to a vehicle so I decided to do home-study.”
• Q. What were your expectations of distance education?
• “Honestly, the only experience I had ever had with home-study was awful. When I started my program I was impressed that someone really was there to help you in a timely manner. My other experience you could never get a hold of an instructor when you needed help. I loved that with CD-ED.”
• Q. Was the program at all what you expected? If so, how? If not, why?
• “The program was more than I expected. I only figured to polish up on my business skills, but I learned a lot of things I had not known before. Things that have immensely helped me further my career.”
• Q. Have you ever taken other post-secondary schooling? Was this more or less difficult, or just different from in-class learning?
• “Unfortunately yes. When I first began I was doing a home-study program through a reputable Canadian College. It was a terrible experience. My grades were poor because I was not receiving the support I needed to complete assignments in a timely manner. I finally decided I was wasting my time and not learning anything helpful. I decided to cut my losses and find a new school.”
• Q. Which part of the course did you find the most challenging?
• “My biggest challenge was learning to schedule my schooling around my home life. It took me some time to adjust to it, but it was all worth it in the end.”

• Q. Which part of the course was the most enjoyable?
• “For me it was my instructors. The assignments were also fun, and I loved the projects.”
• Q. Where do you feel the program could be more helpful to future students?
• “I cannot answer that, I had such awful experiences before CD-ED that I did not find any flaws in my program or experience.”

• Q. What was the highlight of the program for you?
• “Getting my grades back and realizing I did have what it took to be a home-study student. I liked proving to myself that I wasn't wasting time in my other program it was just not a great program.”

Studying

• Q. How was the instructor support during your program?
• “I never had to wait for a response more than one day. If the instructor was not available, someone took the time to make sure my questions were answered and that I was doing okay. I give the instructor support at CD-ED a 100%!”

• Q. How did you schedule your study time to work around your home life?
• “For my first week, I figured I could just do my work when I had free time. After the first week I sat down and made a schedule for school work. I picked 4 hours a day that were open in my schedule and dedicated it to homework. I set myself up a desk and computer in a quiet space and realized that made it so much easier. I would ask that I not be disturbed, like I wasn't even home. That helped!”

• Q. Once you found the time to study, how difficult was the actual material?
• “The materials we used were up to date and easy to follow. I enjoyed the books, they were all set up to give you an example of the project you were doing and then you would do it on your own with the example as your reference. I will say it was at times challenging, but not difficult.”
• Q. Do you feel your program had the most up-to-date materials?
• “Yes, I have a friend who was taking a similar program at a University and she was using books the same as mine but older. I had no problems with my materials.”

• Q. Who contributed the most support towards your completion of the program?
• “Stacy and myself. I relied on Stacy alot during my program and she was terrific. If I was having a stressful day I could talk to her, she was there for school related things as well as anything else I was struggling with. That is what makes me reccomend this program to people I know. I could not have completed my program with the grades I did without the support of everyone at CD-ED.”

After Graduation

• Q. What was the job hunt like after you finished your course? For instance, what kind of jobs are in the market?
• “I originally was looking for an office position of some sort. I was having a hard time finding a job because of where I live so I took my new skillls and started working from home for a small office, eventually this lead me to the path of starting my own company.”
• Q. Do the salaries offered out there meet your expectations?
• “Yes. I was concerned at first that some employers may not take my education seriously. I never had that happen in 1 of my interviews. I am making exactly what I believe I am worth.”
• Q. Are you employed?
• “Yes.”
• Q. What is your job title?
• “I am a Virtual Assistant.”

• Q. What is a typical day like for you at work? Is it what you expected?
• “I get up in the morning and check my projects and then work until I finish what I have to do. It varies from day to day. I usually am working a full 8 hour day.”

• Q. What is the most predominant skill you use on the job that you acquired with your program?
• “Dedication. I learned alot of things at school, but to me the most important was getting things done. I still take pride in that.”

• Q. Do you enjoy working with the skills you learned at CD-ED?
• “Yes, I have a whole bag of new skills that I forget about until I need them and then a light goes off "I never would have thought to do that had it not been for CD-ED."”

• Q. Do you feel you were prepared for the job by your program at CD-ED?
• “Maybe even a bit over prepared. When I graduated I thought I could run the country. '-) I felt prepared and eager to start my career. It was confirmed at my first interview when I was told I had too much skill/experience for the position I had applied for. I had never heard that before so I upped my own ante.”
• Q. When being interviewed for the job you have now, were any of the qualifications from your program a contributing factor to being hired? Which ones?
• “My Power Point is what got me the job I am doing today. I use my class projects as ex. of my work in all of my interviews and that is extremely helpful.”

On a Personal Note

• Q. Would you feel comfortable recommending CD-ED to a friend or co-worker?
• “Of course, I already have.”

• Q. Do you have any advice for students taking a program with CD-ED?
• “Take your schooling seriously, don't cheat yourself! And take advantage of the message boards. I used them everyday I was in school.”
• Q. Do you have anything to add to this interview that you would like other students to know?
• “After all the experiences I had with distance education I chose to attend CD-ED and it was the best decision I ever made. Just enjoy the experience. You learn a lot of things about yourself. It is not easy doing home-study and you should all take pride in the fact that you can do it!”