Major: Management
The only class Anthony Walker received an “A” in during high school was consumer education.
“It was something about the study of business and management that just felt right,” he said. “The assignments that most other students struggled with in this class were enjoyable and came of ease to me. I have always looked at myself as a problem solver and a leader but it just took a couple of life experiences for me to take a leap into a management major.”
Walker didn’t want to choose a college just because it was close to home and felt comfortable.
“I knew my introverted personality would not mix at a four-year school,” he said. “On top of that, I did not want to put myself so heavily in debt at a young age. I took a tour of College of DuPage and I told myself at that moment, ‘This is it!’ COD has everything so diverse, so many ways to get involved, and it was affordable. Despite it being a little far away from home and in a community that I was unfamiliar with, I saw my potential at COD. It was one of the best choices I have ever made.”
While at COD, Walker served as the Student Trustee on the College’s Board of Trustees for one year. He also received a scholarship after completing his commitment as an orientation leader and the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., scholarship through the College of DuPage Foundation. For the latter, he received a letter of recommendation from Nancy Payne, Professor of Business.
In earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in Management and certificates in Human Resources Management, Supervision and Management, Walker became the first college graduate in his family. He then took more classes at COD as prerequisites before transferring to Benedictine University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Management.
After working as a human resources generalist at Amazon, he currently is the human resource manager at The Place for Children with Autism, where he leads a department that supports more than 400 employees across three regions. He also is the lead for the company’s inclusion committee.
Walker is studying for his PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification. Ultimately, he wants to pursue a master’s degree in Business as he prepares for a career in talent acquisition. He is thinking about law school later in life.
I took a tour of College of DuPage and I told myself at that moment, ‘This is it!’ COD has everything so diverse, so many ways to get involved, and it was affordable.
Anthony Walker
In addition to the quality education he received from College of DuPage, Walker praised the faculty for taking the time to navigate him toward his goals.
“They are phenomenal! It is clear they want you to succeed and get the most out of your college experience,” he said. “Professor Jane Murtaugh was very resourceful answering any questions that related to my major and helping me plan for life after COD. And she was just one of the exceptional professors that I had. They really do add to a positive environment on campus and are very insightful.
“COD is great for those who may not know what they want to do, or for anyone who is looking to get the most out of their college experience. COD offers tutoring services at no additional cost, which I think every incoming freshman should take full advantage of. There are many ways to get involved, and it is a good place to connect and meet new people. Just as anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
“College of DuPage helped me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I am grateful and humble for the opportunities and resources that were provided to me during my time at COD.”
Learn more about the Business/Management/Marketing program at College of DuPage