BGSU Firelands’ student returns to college through Amazon Career Choice program

Marcus Cobbs is completing his bachelor’s degree after seven-year hiatus

When a post-traditional student decides to start their education or continue it after an unexpected pause, the rewards can quickly cascade throughout their lives, positively impacting their careers, income, employment options and families.

For Marcus Cobbs, returning to Bowling Green State University Firelands to complete his bachelor’s degree has paid immediate dividends in his role as a program manager and business analyst for Amazon.

“Going back to school has definitely been time well spent for me,” he said. “I can already see the value in earning my degree and putting myself in a better place for future promotions.”

Career advancement was the primary motivation for Cobbs’ return to college, supported by the educational benefits of the BGSU partnership with the Amazon Career Choice program.  

BGSU has been an Amazon Career Choice partner since 2022. The program provides Amazon employees comprehensive educational opportunities, including full college tuition and industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs.

The Sandusky resident and single father of a young son said the curriculum, faculty and convenience of BGSU Firelands' location in nearby Huron, Ohio, provided him with an avenue to return to college after a lengthy respite.

“Despite everything else I have putting demands on my time, BGSU Firelands has made going back to school seamless. Instructors are accessible and there are so many resources to help make sure that you integrate back into school,” he said. “The campus has almost a family feel to it.”

Cobbs initially enrolled at BGSU Firelands in 2016 but stepped away from his studies about seven years ago to care for his ill mother and provide for his son.

“At that point, I just couldn’t focus on my studies, but I’m excited to have been in the position to return to school,” said Cobbs, who expects to earn a Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies degree in May.

Cobbs is looking ahead to the next step on his career ladder because of the advantages attached to his additional education. He has applied to the BGSU MBA program with the intent of focusing on supply chain management.

Cobbs said he presents to audiences of 1,500 to 2,000 people in his role with Amazon, crediting the coursework at BGSU Firelands with strengthening his skill set, preparing him for new challenges and positioning him for career advancement.

Cobbs said he will gain more than a degree and a likely promotion from his BGSU education, which he has pursued with resilience and persistence.

“This is also so important to me because as a single father, I wanted to set an example for my son – for him to see that no matter how tough it is, he needs to know that anything is possible,” Cobbs said. “I saw my stepmom receive her degree at Firelands in her late fifties, and watching her graduation was a driving force for me to re-enroll. I want to motivate my son in the same way.”