How One Grantham MSIT Student and Systems Analyst Builds His Success Daily
By Grantham University July 24, 2017
At Grantham University, there are many important behind-the-scenes people who use their expertise to keep things running smoothly. As a 100% online institution, it is crucial to have an IT department that is diligent, knowledgeable, proactive and passionate about information technology and the imperative role it plays in allowing students from all walks of life to earn their degrees and advance their careers.
That’s why it’s time for you to meet one of the members of the team, Quinten Sepe. With over five years of experience in information technology and — wait for it — as a current Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) student at Grantham, Sepe is not only a Systems Analyst, but a student and an important member aboard the Grantham “ship,” as he likes to call it.
Grantham University: What brought you to Grantham University?
Quinten Sepe: The opportunity to broaden my technical career and serve under a mission statement that I found admirable.
GU: What do you like best about being a member of the staff at Grantham?
QS: I enjoy working with emerging technologies within the higher education space. And I value the [opportunity] to work closely with individuals who are empowered to exhaust whatever means are realistically possible to put the student first.
GU: How do you offer support to students?
QS: In my capacity, my team and I work hard to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the major software systems that allow the university to function. I like to think of Grantham as a ship.
In such a metaphor, our leadership keeps our course charted and executed, our staff keep our policies and procedures orderly, our software systems are the engines that power the ship and our systems team, the engineers.
GU: How does a degree from Grantham University help people accomplish their goals?
QS: At the risk of sounding cliché, I am a firm believer in what I see to be an undeniable fact: that knowledge is, indeed, power. The pursuit of said knowledge allows individuals the ability to chart their own course in life and to be in command of their own destiny.
As with many things in life, it is much easier said than done. However, if you truly apply yourself, a degree, paired with a desire to overcome any and all obstacles, can be the key to building success in everything you set out to achieve in life.
GU: Do you have any advice for someone who is considering going back to school?
QS: Look around at your life. Are you accomplishing all that you desire? Do you find yourself unfulfilled, wanting more for yourself, your children, your family? A degree is not an automatic ticket to instantly quenching the aforementioned items — but it is often a step in the right direction.
An investment in yourself and your future has the ability to be the best investment you have ever made. The key is your dedication to success during the process and your determination to hit the ground running after graduation to really market and apply your newly developed skills and knowledge.
GU: What is your biggest accomplishment?
QS: I have to cheat on this question a bit, as I have a few. My biggest accomplishments in life, thus far, are: (in no particular order)
- Starting a business
- Completing my undergraduate degree
- Graduating from technical training
- Beginning my master's coursework in IT
- Marrying my awesome wife
GU: What are you most passionate about? What motivates you in life?
QS: I'm a pretty big nerd when it comes to learning and empowering others about financial literacy. As a country, a large percentage of our population struggles with financial literacy and planning for our here and now and our futures. When I'm not learning about IT or studying for my next certification, you'll find me reading blogs and listening to endless podcasts on personal finance and investment strategies.
GU: What do you think is the most interesting thing about you?
QS: I come from a big family and long line of business owners and entrepreneurial-minded individuals.
My dad is one of seven children, all boys. (I have 21 first cousins on my dad's side of the family!) All of my uncles and my dad own or manage companies in the technical trade of construction/carpentry/general contracting.
My childhood was [highlighted by my family] constructing a large and unique home on [our] rural property near St. Louis, Mo. I have been able to translate the skills and work ethic I learned from that experience into buying and rehabbing real estate investment properties with my wife. It's a lot of work, but we have a good time and have built many fond memories.
GU: If someone were to tell your story, what would be the number one thing you’d want the listener to know about you?
QS: I believe in hard work and perseverance above most all else.
GU: Do you have a tip that could help the type of students you work with at Grantham University?
QS: Take a "Daily Money Minute.” I can't take direct credit for this idea, as many have had it before me.
Notably, straight from LearnVest Founder and CEO Alexa von Tobel, who swears by setting aside one minute each day to check on her financial transactions. This 60-second act helps identify problems immediately, keep track of goal progress and set your spending tone for the rest of the day!
Building Success with an MSIT Degree from Grantham University
Sepe’s advice rings true for many: A good degree paired with personal motivation and determination is the key to building success in your life. With an MSIT degree from Grantham, you can invest in your future and make a positive impact on others along the way, just like Sepe has. Ready to get started? Contact us today.
About the Author
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