Matthew Daiter, a New Jersey native, embarked on an unconventional journey when he enrolled in an online Master’s program in Electrical Engineering. With nearly ten years of hands-on experience in the tech industry and no undergraduate degree, Matt’s story is a testament to the idea that traditional educational paths are not the only way to achieve success.
Now residing in Hong Kong, Matt’s unique background and determination make his story both inspiring and relatable.
“I didn’t pursue a traditional college education,” Matt shares. “I jumped straight into the workforce after high school.” This decision set him on a dynamic four-year adventure filled with two startups and extensive practical learning, leaving little room for a return to formal education. However, in his early twenties, he attempted to enroll in an undergraduate program but quickly realized it wasn’t aligned with his aspirations.
“Most undergraduate programs are rigid and structured, which didn’t resonate with me,” he explains. “I was searching for a path that acknowledged my previous experiences while allowing me to continue my education without redundant coursework.”
Matt discovered the online Master’s program, which utilizes performance-based admissions. This innovative approach allows students to demonstrate their readiness through initial coursework rather than relying solely on past academic records.
“Having a program that lets you showcase your abilities for admission was crucial,” he states. “The flexibility offered by this program—allowing students to advance based on merit—was incredibly beneficial for me.”
For someone like Matt, who had already been actively involved in consulting and product development, the traditional barriers of academia felt unnecessary. He sought an educational experience tailored for proactive individuals.
“Self-teaching has its limits,” Matt admits. “I reached a point where I wanted to delve deeper into product development, but I felt constrained by my independent efforts.”
Despite his extensive experience, he faced challenges due to the absence of a formal degree, particularly when it came to international opportunities. “I encountered visa issues and a lack of recognition from authorities. With only a high school diploma, expectations were set lower for me,” he reflects.
Obtaining his master’s degree was not just about validation; it was also about broadening his horizons and exploring subjects he was passionate about, such as microelectronics and power systems. He humorously notes, “I wanted to understand how to connect devices without causing a power surge!”
Matt candidly shares that the online program may not suit everyone.
“This approach isn’t for everyone,” he cautions. “If you want to learn to swim, you can either find a pool and teach yourself or pay for lessons. Both methods are valid but cater to different personalities.” For Matt, the online learning environment felt more like the former, fostering his self-motivation and deep engagement.
As a member of the inaugural cohort, he recalls the challenges he faced—incorrect answers on finals, the loneliness of never meeting classmates in person, and the chaotic nature of online discussions. However, the flexibility of the program made it worthwhile.
“With this program, you can accelerate your learning if you choose to. Completing course milestones felt like a game to me,” he shares.
He completed his degree between October 2019 and December 2020, feeling a sense of accomplishment for returning to education. “I struggled with taking time off to develop myself, and school provided a structured way to do that. Even when I wasn’t working, I felt like I was making progress,” he explains.
Matt’s key piece of advice? Don’t wait for the perfect moment.
“Just take the plunge,” he advises. “It’s much harder to wait for the right time than to start now. I spent two years contemplating before I finally made the decision to return to school.”
He warns against the trap of “optionalities”: “Keeping doors open can close others in the future. Just make a decision and commit to it.”
Now, with a master’s degree and a wealth of startup experience, Matt continues to work on contract and advisory projects for startups worldwide, contemplating his next steps.
“I was overly concerned about how to define education and its implications,” he reflects. “But sometimes, you just need to dive in and start swimming.”