"In the world of management, I am constantly faced with new challenges and new opportunities to increase the company's bottom line. But to tackle these new ventures requires learning a lot of new information at lightning speed. Traditional companies take 12 to 15 months just to get off the ground. Thanks to Cornell's OCAAT training, our company was able to open shop in just 3 months."

-- Brian Balster '04

Brian Balster '04

Brian Balster '04 has used the liberal arts education he received at Cornell to create his own destiny as an entrepreneur.

"Since graduating from Cornell I have had some pretty amazing experiences," he says. "From launching a new online company to backpacking through Eastern and Western Europe. Through it all, the strong foundation I gained at Cornell has been invaluable. I've always had an entrepreneurial streak, so when the chance presented itself to found my very own company, I jumped at it. The company, mortersupplements.com, provides nutritional support to thousands of loyal customers worldwide."

Balster appreciates the flexibility of working online and credits One Course At A Time with his organizational abilities.

"Being solely online has opened so many doors for me. I am able to live where I want, travel when I want, and work when I want. The OCAAT system was the reason I attended Cornell and its educational advantages have paid off richly for me. I am now very project-driven, something for which which Cornell's class structure has thoroughly prepared me."

Balster continues to appreciate the liberal arts education which he has received, "I loved how Cornell didn't emphasize the memorization of random facts, but instead taught me how the world works behind the scenes."