One of the biggest reasons people continue in the same job rather than advancing? Lack of additional, often required, education or training. And one of the main barriers for workers to enrolling in college? Lack of time.
For Daniel Lefevre, manager at Chick-fil-A in downtown Knoxville, the time constraints proved a stumbling block—until he discovered a degree program at Pellissippi State Community College that was created with busy adults in mind.
“I was trying to sign up for a class,” said Lefevre, “but I couldn’t register for it.” He contacted a faculty member at the college and was told that the course was part of the AHEAD—Accelerated Higher Education Associate’s Degree—program.
AHEAD provides the opportunity for working adults to earn a two-year associate’s degree in only 16 months. Students attend class two nights each week on campus and supplement the in-class experience with online learning. The program is specifically designed with working adults in mind: it combines the flexibility of independent study with the support of regular personal contact with professors and fellow students.
Daniel Lefevre graduated from Pellissippi State’s AHEAD program in May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Management.
“When I started at Pellissippi State in 2006, they didn’t have AHEAD. I jumped into the program in fall 2007, and now I’ll finish my bachelor’s at Tusculum next fall. I worked 50-60 hours per week at Chick-fil-A while I was in the program. It helped me finish a lot faster … probably saved me at least two semesters.”
The aspect of AHEAD that Lefevre found particularly appealing was its structure. Students enroll as a “cohort,” staying with the same peers throughout the 16 months.
“I loved the cohort,” he said. “It was the same group of about 20 people through all of the classes. We learned everyone’s standard of quality and helped push each other. For one of my first presentations, I got to see a classmate’s presentation the day before my turn. I knew I had to go home and be better prepared for my presentation the next day to even be near the level I should be for that class. The group really helps raise the bar for your own work and for each other.”
Lefevre enjoys keeping in touch with his fellow AHEAD cohorts on Facebook and via e-mail.
“We all know each other. If one knows of a job opening that’s good for someone in the group, we can tell each other about it.”
Lefevre, for one, won’t be looking for a job any time soon. He’s been a manager with Chick-fil-A for the past six years, and he intends to stay where he is … that is, until he purchases his own franchise. That was his motivation for working 50-to-60-hour weeks and earning his associate’s degree in 16 months.
Although a college degree is not required of Chick-fil-A franchise owners, according to Lefevre, the competition is so fierce that he wants every advantage when he is ready to apply for his own store.
“I think Chick-fil-A looks at about 10,000 applications but only opens approximately 80 new stores each year. I want to be able to show not only management experience but a strong business background. That’s why I wanted to get finished with my associate’s degree so quickly.”
Enrollment is now under way for the fall 2009 AHEAD program. Space is limited. For additional information, visit www.pstcc.edu/ahead, e-mail admissions@pstcc.edu or call (865) 694-6400.