Julie began working for OG&E roughly three years ago as a Drafter. She found that she enjoyed the energy industry but wasn't satisfied with her limited understanding of electrical theory or her position within the company. Co-workers, supervisors, and Human Resource personnel encouraged Julie to consider enrolling in EPCE's online educational offerings through Bismarck State College.

According to Julie, "I chose the EPCE / BSC program for several of reasons. I knew I needed industry-specific college courses to advance at OG&E. I also knew that with two small children online courses were my only option. Plus, the fact that my employer endorsed and advocated the program made it a no-brainer."

When asked to elaborate regarding BSC Julie said, "The instructors were very well informed and extremely flexible." She cited an example of when her husband was injured and required her fulltime attention. Her instructor worked with her to extend assignment and test deadlines allowing her to care for her family but still complete her coursework.

Julie's situation was different from many of her peers as she already held a BA degree in English, History, and Art and was well on her way to earning her Master's. What she lacked was industry-specific knowledge that she could directly parlay into her work. "If it weren't for EPCE, I wouldn't be in my current position. The program has allowed me to reposition myself with knowledge and technical expertise that I otherwise wouldn't have had."