Arizona Online Alumni Feature: Angela Kirby
For Angela Kirby, learning never had to stay in one place. As she and her family traveled full-time in their RV, she earned her B.S. in Business Administration (’21) and M.S. in Management Information Systems (’22) through Arizona Online. Now a Data Engineer at General Motors, Angela reflects on how her experience shaped her path and prepared her for success.
What inspired you to pursue your degree with Arizona Online?
I chose Arizona Online because of the strong reputation of the Eller College of Management, especially its top-ranked MIS program. The flexibility was key – I was traveling full-time in an RV and needed a program that could move with me. Year-round courses helped me stay on track, and I really appreciated the focused, driven student community. It felt like everyone was there with purpose.
Where are you working now, and what do you enjoy most about your current role?
I'm currently working at General Motors as a Data Engineer. What I enjoy most is the constant evolution of the work – there's always something new to learn and fresh challenges to tackle. My role offers great flexibility; I can request assignments that align with my interests and am actively given time for personal development and training. I also have the exciting opportunity to participate in a reverse mentorship program that pairs new employees with executives, and I now serve on the committee that runs it. I am genuinely impressed by the innovative opportunities available here!
How did your Arizona Online experience prepare you for where you are today?
My Arizona Online experience prepared me exceptionally well for where I am today, particularly in developing crucial skills for the modern workforce. I gained expertise in remote readiness and teamwork. I learned how to communicate effectively and coordinate with teams spread across different time zones. The program also fostered my resourcefulness and independence, while simultaneously teaching me the value of recognizing when to seek support, whether through virtual office hours or peer discussions. I learned how to use body language, tone, and pacing to deliver confident and engaging virtual presentations. My courses also provided me with tools for effective written documentation, ensuring I know when to be concise and direct versus when to write to persuade or deliver bad news.
What’s a recent accomplishment or milestone you’re especially proud of?
One recent accomplishment I’m proud of is developing a Python script that compares timestamps across different stages of our data pipeline. This simple function allows us to automate decisions using if/else logic, determining whether downstream tasks are necessary. It’s now a go-to tool for my team and has made our workflows more efficient.
What advice would you give to current or prospective Arizona Online students?
Arizona Online is an excellent choice for disciplined and motivated learners. The University of Arizona didn’t just pivot to online learning during the pandemic, they’ve been doing it for years and have truly refined the experience. My best advice is to remember that you are not learning alone: take the initiative to connect with other students, attend professors’ office hours, and join relevant student organizations. Step outside your comfort zone, raise your hand, be visible, and stay engaged – it will absolutely pay off in your confidence, your network, and your success.
Is there a favorite memory or class from your time with Arizona Online that stands out to you?
My favorite memory comes from a demanding group project in one of my graduate courses – the kind of challenging class you lose sleep over because the work is so complex. What made it memorable wasn't just the difficulty, but how we came together. We used video calls not just for technical coordination but to actively encourage each other and keep spirits up when the pressure mounted. We effectively divided and conquered the challenge by leaning on everyone’s unique strengths.
That experience was a real-world lesson in resilience and collaboration. Completing that high-stakes project proved our ability to be an organized, supportive team under pressure; skills I rely on every day as a professional.
What was the most memorable tech issue or “online student moment” you ran into during your studies?
My most memorable "online student moments" involved the strict protocol for proctored exams. The setup was intense: an external camera, screen recording, and absolutely no one else allowed in the room – even the slightest movement could trigger a flag. My yellow lab, Jax, was my loyal study buddy and always by my side during coursework. He didn’t understand why he suddenly couldn’t be with me during exams, so he’d cry outside the door and slide his paws underneath, trying to reach me. It was adorable and tested my focus! Looking back, it’s one of those moments that reminds me how much support I had, even from my furry best friend.
What’s your go-to study snack or beverage?
My go-to study beverage is Topo Chico. I rely on it to keep me hydrated, and the natural carbonation provides a welcome lift of energy!
If you could go back and give your student self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my student self: Don't waste energy stressing over every little detail. Instead, be intentional about where you focus your effort. Make sure you aren't just completing assignments to check a box, but actively learning and understanding the core concepts. Taking a step back to grasp the bigger picture is what will set you up for long-term success.
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