Julius Tad-y, a 38-year old, 2022 UWLA graduate with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Business Innovation, owes it all to his parents, who he says taught him early on the importance of securing a quality higher education.

After immigrating to the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 14, Julius later moved from Florida to Los Angeles. He completed a Nursing degree program in 2010 and later secured a job with the South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC).

We recently caught up with the recent Summa Cum Laude grad to hear more about his decision to pursue an advanced degree at the UWLA School of Business.

UWLA: Why did you decide to go back to school?

Julius: My Nursing career wasn’t developing the way I’d hoped for a variety of reasons, and I had always wanted to get an advanced degree.

Q:  Why did you pursue UWLA for your business degree studies?

Julius: UWLA has flexible course offerings that worked well with my current full-time job at SCLARC. They were also in a partnership with my organization, so it was a natural fit. I was also impressed with the school’s business program, faculty, and accreditation, which was similar to other well-known universities.

Q: How would you describe your journey?

Julius: Well, I  completed my program while working full-time, and I’m also a father of three children. It was also during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I would say it was very challenging but also highly rewarding. I’d do it all again.

Q: How do you value your new degree?

Julius: This degree allowed me to align my experience and education for competitive advantage. It provided me with the tools and skills I needed to lead a team or, one day, an organization. This degree made me a stronger strategic thinker, collaborator, and negotiator. And most importantly, I feel the program helped me realize the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Q: What words of encouragement do you have for others considering getting their business degree?

Julius: Set SMART goals for yourself – by SMART, I mean specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. If you push through the challenges there is light at the end of the tunnel. I believe an advanced degree will position you to become more successful in life. Particularly in business, with an advanced degree, you are arming yourself with tools, and knowledge to remain competitively advantageous.

UWLA: Thank you, congratulations, and best of luck to you and your family, Julius.