Robert Hockin

Core Faculty / Faculty Consultant

Walden University

Milestones

My road in life has taken me all over.

College wasn't part of my parents' life. They didn't know how to help me think through things, but they supported my efforts

I started at a college I didn't like, so I ended up transferring to another which was more innovative.

I graduated and started a family, but within a few years I felt the need to continue my learning. I knew I could do more.

I decided to go to graduate school and managed to get an outstanding graduate mentor. He was my guide and inspiration.

Upon finishing graduate school, there were no academic jobs available. So, I applied and got accepted at Wharton School of Business Alternative Career Program with an Executive Certificate.

I got my first corporate job in HR at a major Fortune 500 company.

I endured many twists and turns in my business career, often with the economy impacting my position. During the entire time, I kept teaching parttime at an online university.

Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Bangor Area High

Bachelor
Psychology, General
Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary

Bachelor
History, General
Moravian College and Moravian Theological Seminary

Graduate
Social Psychology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Doctorate
Social Psychology
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Certification/License
High School Certificate of Competence

Career

Core Faculty / Faculty Consultant

I mentor doctoral students, as well as assist faculty in helping to guide their students.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Business

Education

Teaching / Mentoring

Day to Day

I interact and mentor graduate level business students, as well as work with faculty colleagues in the program. This could include reviewing students' work and giving feedback, having phone conversations to consider different aspects of their research, coaching colleagues on issues they face with their students or research, reviewing proposals and doctoral studies, and looking to make positive personal contributions to my field.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for college students

Advanced degrees are most often a requirement in wanting to teach at the college level. In addition, however, there is a growing recognition that experience in the work place can often be a key ingredient in teaching people who will be moving into that workplace. Life today is demanding much more of all of us. A hybrid learning approach, I believe, is most helpful.