From Kosovo to Boise State: Graduate’s Journey to a Business Degree Online

Besa Sadiku’s path to a Boise State University business degree was anything but conventional. Arriving in the United States from Kosovo in 2013 with a prior bachelor’s degree, she quickly discovered the challenges of translating foreign credentials and navigating a new professional landscape. Twelve years later, in December 2025, she walked the graduation stage, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management online while simultaneously raising a family and building a small business.

Sadiku’s initial degree, earned in 2011 from FAMA Gjilan in Kosovo, focused on economics, management, and informatics. However, she found that the degree held limited weight in the U.S. Job market. “I realized that having a degree in a different language and from a different system made it hard for me to get a job in that field here,” she explained. Rather than abandoning her professional aspirations, Sadiku prioritized language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and family building.

The decision to return to school came after a nearly decade-long hiatus, coinciding with her children entering school. Boise State’s online program proved to be the ideal solution, offering flexibility and the opportunity to transfer some credits from her previous education. “When my kids grew a little bit and started school, I felt like it was a good time for me to return to my education, as well,” Sadiku said. The online format also presented unique challenges, particularly in honing her English language skills. “There were moments of self-doubt about my English—especially in my classes when we had to record videos,” she admitted, adding that positive feedback from instructors was crucial to her perseverance.

Sadiku’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed alongside her academic pursuits. In 2020, she launched Gem State Charcuterie, a side business driven by her passion for food, and aesthetics. While balancing school, family, and entrepreneurship proved demanding, Sadiku viewed the venture as a creative outlet and a source of supplemental income. “It was more about passion and a little bit of extra income,” she stated. She intends to maintain the business as a hobby while focusing on building a career with her new degree.

The Boise State program wasn’t simply about acquiring a degree; it was about gaining practical skills and a new perspective on business. Sadiku highlighted the value of courses like Growth in Hacking marketing, noting its direct applicability to her business. “I took a Growth in Hacking marketing class that helped me a lot,” she said. “It was all useful.” She also appreciated the shift in learning methodologies compared to her previous university experience in Kosovo, noting the increased reliance on digital tools and computer-based work.

The university’s supportive environment played a significant role in Sadiku’s success. She expressed gratitude for the guidance of advisors who assisted her with course selection and other needs. “The advisors have played a big role in my life, helping me with classes and anything I needed,” she said. In fact, Sadiku is now considering a career at Boise State, hoping to become an advisor herself and contribute to the College of Business and Economics (COBE).

Sadiku’s graduation was a moment of pride not only for herself but also for her family, including relatives in Kosovo who watched the ceremony online. “I shed a tear or two,” she recalled. “Having my kids and my husband there made it extra special—especially showing my kids that everything is possible and hard work pays off.”

Looking ahead, Sadiku plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration in business management at Boise State. She believes the university’s online programs offer an accessible pathway to higher education for non-traditional students and those seeking to balance work, family, and academic commitments. “I wouldn’t hesitate,” she said. “For non-traditional students or 20-year-olds who want to work and earn a degree online, it’s an amazing opportunity you have in this age we live in.”

Boise State University currently offers over 100 online programs, including a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificates. The university’s online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of business roles. Interested students can register for online information sessions or contact a student success coach for further guidance.