Why did you choose to enroll at Northern Virginia Community College?
After I graduated with a BA degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, I worked as an assistant branch manager at a bank. Soon after I started my new job, I realized that I was looking for something more intellectually stimulating. I concluded that in order for me to get to where I wanted to be in my career, I needed to improve my skills in the areas of accounting and finance. After careful examination of the available accounting programs in my area, I chose NVCC. NVCC was very convenient for a working adult like me - their evening classes fit into my schedule, and were all taught by very knowledgeable instructors with experience in the industry.

What were your goals and objectives when you entered NVCC? Have theychanged or expanded since your enrollment? How and why?
When I first enrolled at NVCC, I only wanted to take Principles of Accounting, a prerequisite for the finance course, and then take finance. However, after I took Principles of Accounting I, I discovered that I was—and remain--very interested in this field. Moreover, it just happened to be that I had enrolled into a program intended to prepare students for the CPA exam. I took this as a sign and decided to shoot for the stars and obtain a CPA certification.

Describe the NVCC Experience.
I had a wonderful time taking classes at NVCC. They fit in really well with my work schedule, which, after I started working as an associate in a Big Four accounting firm, became somewhat unpredictable in terms of hours. My instructors for both the regular and online sessions were very understanding when I had to go out of town for a project and was thus temporarily unable to keep up with the pace. In such situations they let me turn in my assignments early and worked with me to ensure I did well in the course without interfering with work responsibilities.

What has been your favorite class here at NVCC, your favorite instructor and why?
I was impressed by all of my courses and professors so this is a difficult question. But if I had to choose, I would say that Auditing taught by William Petersen was my favorite class. Prof Petersen’s approach was very effective in helping me remember the material and prepare for the exams. He let the students use self-prepared flash cards on the exams. I have to admit that I learnt a lot while writing those flash cards. Later, when I was studying for the auditing part of the CPA exam, I only had to refresh my memory about certain points as I already knew most of the areas tested on the exam.

Describe a favorite NVCC memory?
Since I was working and studying at the same time, my memories of the time spent at NVCC are related to people I met in classes, who came from a variety of different backgrounds and countries and were generous enough to share some of their experiences with me.

How has NVCC helped you to achieve your career and life goals?
Taking classes at NVCC helped me learn accounting and finance and prepare for the CPA exam, which I passed this year on the first try. The courses made a difference in many ways, particularly in that I did not have to study as intensely for certain sections of the exam as I had already receive a solid grounding in them via the NVCC courses. The CPA designation will help me advance in my career significantly both at my current Big Four firm and anywhere I decide to go afterwards. I plan on continuing to take classes at NVCC to build upon my developed knowledge and work experience.

What advice would you give to a student considering attending NVCC?
My advice is to carefully compare your career goals to what NVCC has to offer. I guarantee that you will find a program that fits your schedule perfectly. The most important thing is not to be afraid to make that choice, and even if you change your mind later, the classes you have taken to date are never a waste—they provide knowledge that will come in handy later.

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