When Timothy Adedoyin reflects on his journey in information technology, one thing is clear: the field has transformed dramatically since he first began his studies. Now recognized as a Term 252 Trailblazer at American National University, Timothy is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) to ensure he stays ahead in this fast-changing industry. Originally from Nigeria, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in information technology, he came to America determined to upgrade his skills and academic qualifications for the future. With ANU’s courses, Timothy has not only excelled in his classes but has improved upon knowledge he already had.

Reflecting on why he chose ANU, Timothy shared how the university’s approach to education aligns with the way he learns best. “For someone like me, ANU is the best school for me. How do I mean? I am someone who is always self-taught, independent, and I really, really need my own time,” he explains. “I don’t want to go sit in a conventional classroom, especially when I want to work and be able to earn my degree.

So ANU presented the opportunity for me to learn at my own comfort, supervised and graded by the highest academic standards, and also be able to get experience from renowned professors and doctors in the program.”

For Timothy, it wasn’t just about advancing his education—it was about finding a program that fits into his life. “So, most importantly, it was the perfect fit for me [with] work life balance.”

Timothy also shared how his studies at ANU have had a direct impact on his professional life. He takes pride in showcasing his academic journey, and even small milestones have boosted his confidence and highlighted the value his workplace places on his education. “My signature for my email was updated with MSIT at the end. That made me feel great, so yeah, my workplace values it and I think it’s a great one for me, too,” he says.

One of the experiences Timothy valued most during his time at ANU was the international student residency. It gave him the opportunity to connect face-to-face with professors and peers, building relationships and insights that enriched his online learning experience. He explains that some of his favorite moments of his education come from the residency days he attended, “the interaction between myself and fellow students and instructors, and particularly I want mention Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Godlove. Those are two people who are a significant part of my life and study.”

He goes on to describe why Dr. Nathan Sullivan and Dr. Timothy Godlove impacted his study. “Dr. Sullivan works in the industry, so he brings industry experience into academics, which makes him a very great [teacher]. Likewise, Dr. Godlove – we had a lot to talk about because his experience is from the past when he was, I think, in the military, and he’s also in the academics now. So we can relate on production, implementation of IT and its original academic aspect… Beyond that, sometimes we also discuss work relationships, how to angle something, real life work relationships in class. So those discussions and the residency were actually significant for me.”

For Timothy, one of the most rewarding aspects of studying at ANU has been the diversity of the student body. Engaging with classmates from all over the world has broadened his perspective, enriched class discussions, and made his educational journey even more meaningful. “It’s the diversity and broad spectrum of knowledge that the school allows individuals to share,” he explains about what he likes most about ANU.

“Of all the schools I’ve been to [before], they have been conventional in such that it’s been people from the same region. But ANU brings everybody from all over the world – I’ve met people from Africa, from Asia, from America – all over the world. The beauty of that is a lot of these people come with their own experiences, they come with their own process of how they do things and standards. You see some differences that you can say ‘I’m going to borrow how they do this over there, I’m going to use this.’”

Looking ahead, Timothy is focused on using his advanced IT skills to lead a larger organization. “The goal is to be a CTO for a large enterprise. That’s the goal,” he says with a wide smile. Timothy is confident in his aspirations for that role due to the education he’s received thus far in his life.

Would he recommend ANU to others? “I would recommend it to people who are ready to put in the work, people who are hardworking… It would be for someone who is determined to put in the work and succeed.”

Timothy’s advice to new students is to “be serious from the very first time. Set your goals and know what you want. Do not say ‘oh I’ve got all the time to get up my grade.’ Also timing, do not procrastinate, you’ve got to set a strict schedule… And most importantly, I would also encourage that the student interact with others and also don’t just read the book to pass, think of how you can apply the knowledge, think about the ways you can apply the knowledge.”

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Amazon has recognized the need for more cloud computing professionals. To bridge this gap, they have developed the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy. AWS collaborates with higher education institutions, like American National University, to bring software developers up to the industry-standard in an evolving technological business environment. This makes them a more competitive candidate in the modern job market.

Students enrolled in the Master of Information Technology program’s Advanced Web Development (IT672) course will participate in this career-developing program.

The delivery of the AWS Academy is offered through lecture modules, hands-on labs, knowledge checks (quizzes), and project exercises. This High-Tech/High-Touch technology allows the student to become a cloud expert whenever and wherever is convenient to you.

Several ANU professors are fully trained and certified in Academy Cloud Foundations to prepare students for their own AWS certifications. Over the course of an intensive 4-day instructor-led residency, students will receive an introduction to components of AWS in a live computing environment. Students will receive a solid foundation of cloud computing technologies and will gain the understanding required to assess the business and technical elements of the software.

ANU places value on evolution and progress. The university is consistently updating programs to ensure that students receive up-to-date software and information for a changing world. AWS is one example of incorporating modern industry standards into the curriculum. For more information on ANU’s eLearning and High-Tech/High-Touch technologies, click here.

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With most programs available in an online format, a significant number are also available in a blended or hybrid format to meet SEVP requirements for international students and others who prefer residency instruction. The new options for international students will be in effect once residencies resume some time in 2021.

All ANU degree programs allow international students the opportunity to participate in optional practical training (OPT) up to one year upon their graduation, but the cybersecurity and information technology degrees allow students to apply for the 24 month STEM OPT extension – all at no additional cost.

American National University, founded in 1886, provides a wide variety of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the fields of health science, business, legal studies, and information technology.  Through its Global eUniversity, ANU reaches students around the world, allowing them to attend live, interactive classes from anywhere.  Learn more at www.an.edu.

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