A bachelor’s degree can lead to expanded career opportunities. Just ask Shane Carwile.
Shane is an Ecampus environmental sciences student from Casa Grande, Arizona. He has worked in quality assurance for Abbott Nutrition – the baby formula maker – for almost 13 years. After going as far as he could without a degree, his mentors encouraged him to go back to school.
We asked Shane to share how his journey to Oregon State and his experience here shaped what comes next.
What’s your role at Abbott?
I’m a quality manager with Abbott Nutrition. My responsibilities include oversight of sanitation and pest control programs, and I am currently serving as the interim manager for both the analytical and incoming quality assurance laboratories. My work focuses on ensuring product safety and quality while supporting broader operational and environmental goals across the site.
Why did you want to come back to school?
Like many industries, there is a point where career progression becomes limited without a degree. I reached that threshold and was encouraged by my director to finish what I started and earn my bachelor’s degree so I would not be held back from future opportunities. It became less about checking a box and more about positioning myself to continue growing and contributing in a meaningful way.
Why did you choose Oregon State and environmental sciences?
I found the program through my employer’s education assistance benefit. I needed something I could complete remotely that also genuinely interested me.
The environmental sciences program immediately stood out. The conservation, resources, and sustainability concentration felt like a natural fit, and no other school I considered matched the depth or variety of coursework that Oregon State offers. Every term has been engaging, and it has pushed me to stay curious and continue learning.
More importantly, the program has helped me connect environmental science concepts directly to my work. It has strengthened my ability to think about sustainability, risk, and long-term impact in a practical, real-world setting.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the OSU community?
I love the school’s history, and I love how OSU is supported by the local community. CEOAS’s reputation as one of the most respected in the world also gives me the reassurance that my education will also be as top tier as the school.
Have you had a favorite class?
ENSC 221: Environmental Field Studies with Dr. Tyler McFadden is a particular standout. His method/style of teaching as well as some of the conversations we were able to have about his class and my future were things I’ll never forget. Fantastic course, fantastic professor and mentor.
How do you balance work, life and school responsibilities?
Balancing all three has been a challenge. Over the past several terms, I have worked full time while attending school full time, which means most evenings and weekends are dedicated to coursework. It often comes down to prioritization and accepting short-term sacrifice for long-term growth.
While the workload can be intense, the fact that I truly enjoy the material has made a significant difference. The curriculum has broadened my perspective on environmental issues and helped me see how those concepts apply beyond the classroom.
What advice would you give others looking to go back to school?
If there is one thing I would share with others, it is to choose a path that genuinely interests you. That makes balancing work and school far more manageable and much more rewarding.
You’re graduating this spring – what’s next?
My undergraduate experience led me to apply for and be accepted into Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform. Through AMP, I completed graduate-level coursework while still finishing my undergraduate degree, which has been both challenging and rewarding. I will officially transition into the master’s program in Natural Resources this fall.
As part of my Professional Science Master’s program, I will complete a capstone project with my employer. There are strong connections between my studies and Abbott’s long-term sustainability initiatives, which create opportunities to apply what I am learning directly to my work.
I’m grateful for my Oregon State education – it’s given me the confidence to look ahead, grow into influential roles at my company and turn what I’ve learned into real, lasting impact.