"If I can do it in this environment, anyone can do it. I'm equally amazed at how well everything turned out.”

- Captain David Hintgen, UMUC Student
  Online MBA program
  
  

MyUMUC Story:

War is No Match for Captain David Hintgen’s UMUC Education

By Cheryl Balassone

By enrolling at UMUC, military personnel stationed around the world can continue their education, any time, anywhere. Captain David Hintgen is currently an MBA program student at UMUC. He is also on active duty in Iraq. 

Captain Hintgen, a native of northwestern Minnesota, first enrolled in the MBA program at UMUC in 2004. He took a break after a year in order to fulfill mobilization requirements for deployment to Iraq. After arriving in Iraq in March 2006, Captain Hintgen enrolled at UMUC for the fall semester. Currently taking AMBA 604, he has successfully combined his honorable military service with his MBA graduate work.

“Being a student in Iraq is very challenging. It's difficult to set a schedule for studying and school work. The environment is harsh and computer access can be spotty. I have had my studies interrupted more than once due to incoming mortar and rocket fire,” said Hintgen. “But careful planning and time management have helped me through. UMUC and their department of Veterans affairs have also been very helpful.”
 
Dr. Conrad Boyle, one of Captain Hintgen’s recent instructors, described him as his top AMBA 603 student this fall. “In spite of his circumstance in Iraq, Dave somehow managed to be my best student, both in his individual work and with his team,” Dr. Boyle added.

UMUC is proud that Captain Hintgen, in the midst of a dangerous combat environment, has earned the high opinion of both his comrades and Iraqi citizens.  He is well-liked and respected by an Iraqi sheik, with whom he worked regarding security issues.

According to Captain Hintgen, one of the greatest things the experience has provided is a much greater sense of cultural awareness.

“I've also learned that pursuing an online degree is very challenging, but also very rewarding. Online learning requires self discipline and dedication.” said Hintgen, who ultimately aspires to a career in the field of logistics.

The entire experience seems to have taught him numerous invaluable lessons.  Captain Hintgen went on to say, “I understand the demands of having a full schedule. If I can do it in this environment, anyone can do it. I'm equally amazed at how well everything turned out.”