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The Journey is Half the Fun

It’s the final countdown. Only 2 weeks; 4 projects left to complete the fall semester. There has been an inordinate amount of studying, collaborating and researching; however, I would be lying if I said I was not enjoying it. The nature of the work is meaningful and interesting. The faculty does a great job making the material interesting and pertinent.

Being able to select a concentration in an area of interest makes the work more rewarding. I am working toward an IT concentration. IT privacy and security is one of the required classes for it. It has been a great class and I would like to thank Dr. Julie Earp for a semester of learning how to read IP packets, crack passwords, send encrypted emails, analyze Wi-Fi security, but the most important lesson is how to protect my personal data.

I also want to thank Kelly Hardy, the Associate Director of Student Programs and Career Services (A.K.A. the person who helps you find your dream job). Without Kelly, I would not have had the opportunity to accept an offer with a firm that is a perfect fit for me. Knowing that the skills I am learning can and will be leveraged soon, makes the late-night studying worth it. The material I am learning has given me the confidence I need to begin my audit associate position at Blackman and Sloop, which is staffed by the most talented and friendly people that I have had the pleasure of meeting. I am genuinely excited to join the team.

Despite the joy derived from academia, I am looking forward to a few weeks off from studying for my classes to spend time studying for the CPA exam. My goal is to have most if not all my exams done before I begin full time employment. Many of the topics covered in class overlap with the exam, which has helped tremendously.

When last we spoke, I made mention of an amazing faculty member that has had a profound impact on my life. Scott Showalter is the Director of the Master of Accounting Program, advisor to all the students of the program, teacher of graduate and undergraduate audit, career mentor and someone who will be coaching me on conciseness after reading this blog. In addition, he somehow has time to keep his office door open for tutoring or idle banter. When time permits, type his name into a search engine. You’ll find he has a distinguished career that is a great asset to the program.

Well folks that is all for this episode. I wish all of you a happy holiday season full of joy.

Talk to you next month.

Yusif Al-yemeni