Edward Furcinito ’22 was drawn to Syracuse University Global for the forward-focus of its programs, and the chance to work with an international cohort of peers and professionals.
By day, Edward Furcinito ’22, works for his family’s construction company. Sometimes he’s managing projects onsite, other days he’s painting or clearing rubble. But by night, Furcinito is in a different place all together: joining a diverse cohort of Syracuse University Global classmates who connect from across continents and time zones to learn together and share their interests in the emerging field of knowledge management.
Responsive to rapidly evolving technological advancements, knowledge management, which examines the ways information, data and experience can most effectively drive innovation, is emblematic of the forward-focused programs offered through Syracuse University Global. Furcinito was drawn to the program because of its versatility. “Knowledge management prepares me to work in any sector, because every company has data and people,” Furcinito says. “The focus of the data-driven skills appealed to me as I believe in an education that not only prepares you for today's job market, but for the future.”
Our courses are useful and practical, and I’ve been able to see how what we’re learning is important to a lot of different people who are already putting it into practice.
Edward Furcinito ’22
Furcinito, who earned an associate degree in math and science from Onondaga Community College, appreciates how his studies focus as much on what he describes as the human side of information, as they do on data. “At the end of the day, what’s the data for? You can have all the correct information and numbers, but if people can't access it or use it, it's worthless,” he explains. “I’ve really liked learning how to make products and plans that center on people.”
Unparalleled Diversity
Furcinito started his bachelor’s degree through the College of Professional Studies during the height of the pandemic and one of the appeals of Syracuse University Global was that many programs capitalized on the unique benefits of virtual learning.
Furcinito appreciates the flexibility he has to work toward his degree in knowledge management on a flexible schedule, accommodating his full-time job with his family’s construction business.
One such benefit, which Furcinito has found particularly meaningful, is the diversity of people enrolled. His classmates are spread around the globe—one of his professors is based in South Africa and some of Furcinito’s classmates are military personnel stationed overseas—and many of his fellow students are already working professionals in a wide range of industries. Being able to learn with people who bring perspective from real-world experience has been a tremendous asset, Furcinito says, and has helped him recognize how broadly applicable his education can be. “Our courses are useful and practical, and I’ve been able to see how what we’re learning is important to a lot of different people who are already putting it into practice.”
The focus of the data-driven skills appealed to me as I believe in an education that not only prepares you for today's job market, but for the future.
Edward Furcinito ’22
Flexibility for Life
Furcinito had always wanted to attend Syracuse University. Both his parents and his older sister earned degrees at Syracuse. He grew up admiring the Orange athletic teams and was familiar with campus. Furcinito is happy to now be part of the family’s academic tradition but is forging his own Syracuse path in a way that suits him, and his unique interests and busy schedule, best.
In addition to his day job, Furcinito moonlights as an actor. While it’s mostly small parts so far, he says, Furcinito’s eclectic interests underscore the openness he feels of the future. “I don’t know yet what direction my career will take after I graduate. It’s a little nerve wracking, but mostly exciting,” he says.
