UEI’s Business Program Provides a Path Forward
Katrina Ives first intended to enrolled at UEI College in Garden Grove for one specific business course, but once she began learning, she was hooked. She graduated from the Business Office Administration program ten months later with a 4.0 GPA and all the tools she needed to fulfill her entrepreneurial spirit.
“At the time, I was starting my online business,” Katrina explained. “I was researching online, reading a lot of books, and everything I read mentioned QuickBooks for managing your business. One night, I decided to look for courses on QuickBooks and found great reviews for UEI. The campus was only five minutes from my house, so I drove over to inquire about the class.”
When she arrived on campus, Katrina met Serj Gholian, the Business Office Administration instructor.
“She came in that first day unsure if this was the right fit for her future,” he recalled. “I encouraged her to sit in on one of my classes and see for herself. After about 15 minutes, she walked out and registered for my program. She said, ‘I found my calling.’”
Interested In Our Business Office Administration Program? CLICK HERE >
Initially, Katrina thought she would only complete the first module to learn QuickBooks—but her plans quickly evolved.
“QuickBooks was amazing; it was my first course,” Katrina shared. “But I stayed to learn Excel, which became crucial for organizing my business and creating plans. Then there was Word, where I learned to make my own templates, and advertising. Each course offered something I didn’t realize I needed at the time. I never imagined completing the program, but honestly, I learned something new every day.”
What surprised Katrina even more was how well she excelled in each new course. School had never been her strong suit.
“In high school, I didn’t think I was a good student,” she said. “I didn’t think I was very smart, but looking back, I think no one gave me the benefit of the doubt or tried to help me. At UEI, I had an impeccable GPA, almost perfect attendance, and made the honor roll. It really boosted my confidence. I’m so proud of myself.”
Throughout the program, Katrina not only built up her online Etsy store but also solidified her long-term business goals.
“One of the biggest things I was able to instill in her was the value of patience,” Mr. Gholian said. “Her enthusiasm is exhilarating. It makes me happy and gives me goosebumps every time. I know she’s going to have a bright future, but she needed nurturing to get there. That’s where we team up to make sure our students benefit from everything UEI has to offer to achieve success.”
Katrina plans to continue working, build her business, and eventually return to school to get her real estate license. Her ultimate goal is to confidently invest in real estate.
“I feel like, in the past, I struggled because I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Katrina said. “It was hard to achieve anything when I didn’t have a goal to work toward. Watching others know exactly what they wanted and pursuing it made me feel lost. Now, I know what I want. It feels like a blessing—less heartache. I know what I’m putting my money toward, what I’m working for, and my next steps in life. UEI gave me the opportunity to propel myself forward in a positive way. I know where I’m going, and I don’t feel young and lost anymore.”
