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Flexible learning schedule, tuition reimbursement helps Penske employee expand IT skills

By Lini S. Kadaba

After six years as a systems analyst in Roadside Assistance at Penske Truck Leasing’s corporate headquarters, Matt Beatrice was “tapped out,” as he put it.

“I enjoy working with Penske,” he said, adding he joined the company in 2017 as a phone agent in the same department. “I just want to grow that knowledge, learn different things and just keeping an open mind about stuff. You never know what life is going to throw at you.”

The 39-year-old Reading resident had taken some elective computer science courses at West Chester University, where he earned his bachelor’s in music education, and was ready to expand his IT skills beyond data reporting in the hopes of eventually taking on more responsibilities at Penske. It made sense to go back to school, but the husband and father of a 5-year-old daughter needed a measure of flexibility.

Beatrice made his comeback to college through �鶹��Ƶ’s two-year, asynchronous online Master of Science in Data Analytics.

“I can work at my own pace, on my own time,” he said.

The real deal sealer, however, was Penske’s partnership with Alvernia that offered generous tuition reimbursement. When he learned that, he did the math and found out the degree would be fully covered. Beatrice knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“It just felt perfect for me,” he said. “I really enjoy working with data, and I really wanted to expand on that, get more knowledge. Especially nowadays, lot of employers are looking for that degree.”

Beatrice began in the fall 2025 semester, taking Principles of Programming that focuses on the Python computer language. The class modules, which include a lecture and PowerPoint presentation, allowed him to tackle his studies after a day’s work or on an occasional Saturday—crucial as he looked to balance his work, family schedule and service to his church as the handbells choir director with his studies, he said.

“If I have something planned for a particular week,” Beatrice said, “I can at least work ahead to get those assignments finished up. Last semester, I tried to stay a week ahead. That helps with the family. You have to juggle around that lifestyle.”

Around the same time he started his master’s, Beatrice was promoted to project manager, moving to Penske’s Sourcing department that focuses on procurement. The position entailed more data analytics, this time around contracts and ways to save the company money.

“I felt the master’s would help with that,” he said.

While he allowed that online doesn’t necessarily have the one-on-one connection as an in-person class might, Beatrice found his Alvernia professor easy to contact for extra help. For one of the modules, he needed more examples to master the Python-related topic of list objects. He let the teacher know through the required weekly reflection on the course. The professor, he said, “gave me some suggestions and supplemental activities to help with that.”

Even though his current position doesn’t necessarily involve the use of Python, Beatrice said he was confident that the master’s degree in data analytics would expand the possibilities for him as he progressed in his career.

“It gives you some freedom,” he said. “My current supervisor, she's very open to new systems and new ways of doing things. I don't have any hesitation that once I really get what I’m learning under my belt through this program, she'll allow me to explore different things within the department, or there are other departments that could utilize the skills. I know the potential is there.”