Real-World Application: HR Expert Puts Online Master’s to Work

Studying online while working full time and caring for family requires finding balance.

Anne Shelley enrolled in an online master’s program not simply to earn another credential in human resources; she was looking for knowledge she could apply immediately. What she didn’t expect was how quickly her coursework would shape her approach to problem-solving, such as developing a supervisor training experience.

Shelley expects to graduate from the University of Arkansas in the spring of 2025 with a Master of Human Resource Development from the College of Education and Health Professions. The degree is delivered 100% online.

She started the degree at about the same time she began a new position at the U of A as assistant director of talent and leadership development for the Office of Human Resources.

Shelley talked to other people in the program when she was making her decision to enroll. That’s where she heard the program was not only doable but also would provide knowledge students could use right away.

“I would say to anyone else: You can do this, and it will help you in your work,” she said. “Especially if you're dealing with human resources, this is a great program.”

 

Using New Knowledge

“What I am learning is clearly helping me in my new role,” Shelley said. “I am really increasing my ability to better do my job in almost every class I've taken. It also helps me in my consultation work with the internal clients I now serve in this role.”

Coursework ties into collaboration, too. Voluntary online Zoom sessions allow students to interact with each other and work on group projects.

“That has specifically helped me in my role now, as I am working to develop a new supervisor training experience, building upon the great work our instructional designers have done,” Shelley said. “I've been able to use my cohort of classmates as experts to help support this work that we're doing right here in talent development.”

 

Balancing Act

In addition to working full time, Shelley takes care of her father.

“Having the flexibility to do my studies at night or on the weekends has really made it possible for me to even pursue this degree,” she said. “I'm very grateful for the online format.”

Shelley finds her family’s support motivating as well as helpful in balancing her life.

“Everyone is not only giving me the grace and space to do the work I need to do, but also the kind of encouragement I haven't really experienced since I played sports in high school,” she said. “I need those high fives and words of encouragement because it can be a lot at times. I couldn't have done this without that support system.”

You will have to make some sacrifices, she said, but they are worth the rewards.

“You’ll find your rhythm, and my rhythm is not what I thought it would be,” Shelley said. “I get basically a tub of latte on a Friday night, I go home, and that’s when I found I can study, sometimes literally staying up all night if it feels right to me so that I can have Sunday as a full day off. Whatever that is, you’ll find your rhythm; give yourself patience and grace – you will be able to do this.”

 

Building on a Legacy

Shelley said her mother inspired her, too.

“One of the reasons I signed up for getting a master’s degree at my age is because my mother recently passed,” she said. “She received her master's degree at a much older age than anyone else in her class. In fact, she was the first person on either side of my family to go to college. She didn’t even start until I was old enough to be in school. So, I really feel like I'll be walking across that stage with my mom.”

She also looks forward to seeing her name inscribed on Senior Walk.

“It’s an accomplishment that is not only going to be stamped in my heart and in my head but literally on the concrete,” Shelley said. “I can’t wait to show my family and also to see it myself. It’s a metaphor for the kind of accomplishment this really is.”

The U of A offers more than 100 online degree, certificate, microcertificate and licensure programs. They can be viewed at U of A ONLINE.