Get to Know Henry

• Program format: Online
• Program start date: January 2024
• Graduation date: December 2025
• Employer: Blackman & Sloop
• Job title: Audit Associate
• Current location: Durham, N.C.

Life Before Jenkins

• Undergraduate education: NC State, Business Administration, Finance Concentration
• Full-time work experience: 2 years
• Full-time employers: Coleman Research Group, ETix
• Industries: Consulting, Entertainment, Events
• Roles: Client Analyst, Client Associate, Settlement Specialist

Why a Master of Accounting?

What initially sparked your interest in accounting?

I did not start college planning to become an accountant. I began in engineering, switched to business administration with a finance concentration and later joined Coleman Research Group. After a year in consulting, I moved to Etix because I was interested in music and live events. About six months into my role in the accounting department, I realized the work fit the way my brain operates. I liked the structure, the problem-solving and the chance to understand how a business works. Around the same time, a band I managed broke up, which pushed me to think more seriously about a long-term career. Those experiences led me to the Jenkins MAC program.

“The MAC degree gave me a clear path into the field without limiting my future to one employer or role.”

What skills or opportunities were you hoping to gain?

I wanted the education needed for CPA licensure and a credential that would open more career doors. Accounting provides a strong foundation. I could work in public accounting, move into industry, or use the same skills in entertainment, sports or nonprofit organizations. The MAC degree gave me a clear path into the field without limiting my future to one employer or role.

Why Jenkins Master of Accounting?

What stood out most about the Jenkins MAC program?

The people stood out first. My first conversation was with Jay Arrington, who walked me through the program and made the process feel personal. Every person I met afterward was knowledgeable, invested and eager to help. Graduate school also felt different from my undergraduate experience. The students were focused on their futures and engaged with the work, which created an environment I wanted to join.

Which factors ultimately influenced your decision?

NC State’s reputation, my connection as an alumnus and the online format all played a role. I wanted the flexibility to work full time while studying, but I also valued a local program where I could attend events, meet faculty and use campus resources. Jenkins offered both. After a few conversations, I knew I had found the right place.

“I wanted the flexibility to work full time while studying, but I also valued a local program where I could attend events, meet faculty and use campus resources. Jenkins offered both.”

Looking Back on the Jenkins MAC Experience

Which class, project or faculty member had the biggest impact?

Several courses had an impact. Bonnie Hancock’s applied financial management classes linked accounting to business decisions and included challenging, real-world projects. Scott Showalter’s audit course was demanding, but I liked building a system for it because the material matched my new professional work. Kathy Krawczyk’s accounting research course stood out since I was already at Blackman & Sloop and using research methods with clients. Ericka Kranitz’s risk management courses matched my interest in strategy and efficiency. In each class, the faculty brought industry experience and supported students beyond the coursework.

Which experiences outside the classroom proved most valuable?

Meet the Firms had the biggest impact because I met Blackman & Sloop there and secured my current job. I made a point to talk with everyone, and the event showed the value of starting conversations. Even though I completed the program online and worked full time, I still attended in-person events, joined MAC celebrations, studied on campus and spent time with classmates. The format let me manage my schedule while staying connected to the Jenkins community.

Career Outcomes

What career opportunities has the degree helped create?

The degree helped me move into public accounting as an audit associate at Blackman & Sloop before graduation. The first job was the hardest step since I did not have an accounting internship or public accounting experience. Once I had the role and the MAC degree on my résumé, recruiters started reaching out, and more opportunities opened up in both public accounting and industry.

How has the Jenkins MAC program continued to shape your career since graduation?  

The alumni network shapes my career whenever I attend a conference or professional event. I work mostly with nonprofit clients and often meet NC State and Jenkins MAC graduates at nonprofit accounting events across North Carolina. That shared connection starts conversations and builds trust. Even early in my career, I have seen how wide the program’s reach is and how valuable those relationships are.

Looking Ahead

What professional goals are you working toward now?

Right now, I want to keep learning in public accounting and work toward becoming a manager. I enjoy my firm and the experience I am gaining. Reaching the manager level would give me a strong foundation before deciding whether to pursue partnership or move into industry. My long-term interests include CFO or controller roles, especially in entertainment, sports or the nonprofit sector. I do not need to choose one path yet. Public accounting lets me build skills and reassess as my interests grow.

What advice would you give someone considering the MAC program?

Talk to people. Online applications, grades and résumés matter, but a phone call, coffee meeting or in-person conversation gives you information you will not find on a website. Reach out to program staff, faculty, students and alumni. Ask about their experiences and share your goals. Those conversations helped me decide Jenkins was the right fit, and the same approach has helped me find professional opportunities. In a process filled with forms and email, direct interaction helps you learn and stand out.

Get in Touch

Connect with Henry on LinkedIn.

Learn More

To learn more about the Jenkins MAC program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please submit the form below.