Graduate Profile: Automotive Technician Switches Gears from Mechanics to Economics

After ten years as an automotive technician, Christopher Murray decided to leave his career at BMW to pursue his Bachelor of Arts in Economics. There were several factors for this 2020 Governors State University (GSU) graduate to consider when determining where to finish his degree. After exploring numerous college options in the Chicagoland area, he decided on Governors State University.

"I have been familiar with GSU my entire life because I was raised here and graduated from Thornwood High School in South Holland,” Murray explained. "After completing my associates degree from Kankakee Community College, I spoke to numerous GSU alumni who recommended the university and. I also determined GSU had an excellent College of Business. But probably the most important factor was my desire to attend classes in person.”

Murray, who is married with three children and has a full-time career that requires significant travel, knew that when he decided to go back to college, his family was still his number-one priority. Therefore, he needed somewhere that did not require too much travel to attend in-person classes. In addition to balancing work and family, Chris was able to maintain his grade point average which secured his spot on the College of Business Dean’s List this past Fall.

According to the Economics major, there were numerous professors that shaped his experience while studying at GSU, including Professors Evelina Mengova, Michael Williams, and Brandon Minetti.

“Dr. Mengova had the largest impact on my college experience because she was the instructor for the majority of my upper level classes, and I learned a lot.” explained Christopher.

As a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma and Tau Sigma business fraternities, Murray treasured the time she was able to spend with his classmates.

“I enjoyed learning of others’ backgrounds and motivation for coming to GSU. It was great to learn about their experiences and work as a team on group projects. The bonds that I formed with many of my peers will stay with me forever,” he noted.

Murray intends to continue to advance his career path as a manufacturer’s representative in the industrial and construction industry. He currently works for an agency which represents approximately a dozen manufacturers in seven states and specializes as an End-User Specialist where he spends most of his time training and advising end users on proper products needed for their applications.

His message for current students is to never give up or get too overwhelmed.

“It may not happen as fast as you would like it to, but I was able to continue to support my family while still finishing my degree. It may not seem like it now, but a degree will provide many opportunities. Job markets can only guarantee uncertainty, and options will only increase your earning potential,” he added.

Apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Economics program today! Or join us on June 10, 2020 for virtual Coffee with a Counselor to discuss admissions, programs, and more.