Online learning gave Joshua Bradley the flexibility to pursue much more than his coursework. The Rowan University accounting major shares how online classes helped him balance academics, campus leadership, entrepreneurship and a student job while building the foundation for his future career.
Senior Accounting Major at Rowan University Shares Why He Prefers Taking Classes Online
In this first person perspective piece, graduating senior Joshua Bradley shares how he created a successful, well-rounded, and deeply meaningful college experience for himself. Joshua will graduate with a bachelor’s in accounting summa cum laude (meaning “with highest praise”), which is the highest Latin honor a graduate can receive, signifying the highest level of academic distinction, and will then enroll in Rowan’s MBA program.
Balancing a Busy College Life
Online classes have completely transformed how I balance my academic, professional, and personal life. The flexibility they have offered has empowered me to work at my own pace and complete assignments on my schedule, which has been a game-changer for managing my time effectively.
As a busy college student, I am working to allocate time for other areas of my life.
I launched and run my own fashion brand, Butterfly Effect (IG: @butterflyeffects.us) along with friends Destiny Nwankwo and Malcolm Newman.
I also serve on two executive boards of student organizations: my business fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, and student club Beauty in Distress. Within the business fraternity, I am a member of the founding class here on campus, the Eta Gamma chapter, and have served as treasurer and apparel chair. I served as community service chair for Beauty in Distress.
In addition, I work on campus as a photographer for University Marketing, a student worker position I’ve held for two years.
I am also a part of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society.
To have the time to dedicate to the life I am building, I take online classes.
Creating a Schedule That Works
With online classes, I am able to divert my attention and focus on additional passions. As I am an early bird, I’ve learned to stay flexible by time blocking coursework on my schedule for early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Time blocking is a way to plan out your day or week by setting aside specific chunks of time for certain tasks or activities. It’s basically a personal schedule that helps you stay organized, avoid distractions, and focus on one thing at a time — whether that’s classwork, working out, or dedicating time to student clubs.
For me, who thrives on structure but also values autonomy, online classes are perfect. I’ve learned to curate my own schedule and create a personalized learning environment that works best for me. I value taking my studies and learning to new areas that motivate me to work harder, such as a coffee shop or outside on campus while enjoying the weather. I’m able to stay productive in spaces that inspire me.
More Than Academic Flexibility
While some might say online classes lack social interaction, I’ve found that they’ve actually helped me strengthen my relationships with friends and family by giving me more control over my time.
The flexibility of my online learning experience has never been just about managing academics. It’s about creating a life where you can pursue your goals, passions and connections while still excelling in your studies. One of the greatest gifts we can give in this life is our time and online classes have helped me spend mine wisely.
Written by: Joshua Bradley, senior accounting major
Photos by: Valentina Giannattasio and Joshua Bradley
Internship & Experiential Learning Stories
Learn how Rowan Profs go beyond the classroom to grow professionally, as well as personally, through internships and other experiential learning. Experiential learning includes hands-on learning opportunities provided through research, student clubs, campus leadership, student worker jobs, service-learning projects and volunteerism. In addition, Rowan’s Career and Professional Development Services Office provides career support that’s more than just advice – it’s events, connections and real guidance to help students thrive after college.
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.