Going back to school as a working professional with a family isn’t for the faint of heart—but Allen DeHeck made it look (mostly) effortless. Recently, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Supply Chain Management through UNI, finishing the degree in just two years thanks to transfer credits from his Associate’s degree at Hawkeye Community College.

He’d talked about going back to school for years. Eventually, he hit a point where he felt like things weren’t progressing the way he wanted, and he wanted to make a change. It wasn’t just about career development, although that was part of it. For Allen, it was about personal growth, a passion for lifelong learning, and proving to himself that he could take on something big and follow through.

Acting on this passion required the support of his family and his business. His family was on board, and Clickstop’s tuition reimbursement program and offer of flexibility around his work provided him with the additional support needed to make it happen.

As the journey began, he saw immediate benefit in the way his coursework directly connected to his job. Pursuing a business-focused degree gave Allen the unique experience of learning concepts in class and applying them at work the same week. From Excel skills he acquired in Information Systems to a deeper understanding of international markets through Global Supply Chain Management, the classroom became a real-time extension of his job.

And then there were the group projects. Lots of them. Being the “older” student on a team of 20-somethings came with its own dynamic—it gave Allen the chance to bring a new perspective, build collaborative skills, and learn how different people approach problem-solving. That experience turned out to be more valuable than any textbook.

His class schedule? A mix. Most of Allen’s courses were in person, with one night class each semester, a couple daytime classes spread out during the week, and one or two online courses depending on the term. It wasn’t a traditional path—but then again, neither is Allen.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Balancing school, work, and home life was a juggling act—especially with a wife and kids in the mix. But Allen made it work. In fact, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was becoming a role model for his kids. His youngest son was constantly asking about grades and assignments, making sure Dad stayed on track. Accountability, courtesy of a 6-year-old.

Now that he’s on the other side of the degree, Allen reflects on the experience with a message for others: learning is a journey. Formal education was the right fit for him at this point in life, but it’s just one of many ways to grow. Whether it’s school, a certification, or learning something new on your own, he encourages others to take the leap, set a goal, and enjoy the ride.

Because no matter what your age or stage of life, there’s always room to learn something new, and Allen’s story is a great reminder of that.