For Casey Fontenot, networking has always been the key to professional success.
Early in her career, it helped her land a spot as a CPA exam developer for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
A year later, it helped her switch from public accounting to auditing for the Louisiana Department of Revenue. After, it helped her move back to the private sector as deputy director for a consulting firm.
And earlier this year, her reputation in the field led her back to the state's Department of Revenue. As the assistant secretary of the Office of Tax Admin Group III, she oversees the 200-employee auditing unit.
When Fontenot started the M.S. in Accounting program online, it was this networking ability that ultimately helped her succeed.
Expanding Her Network
Fontenot aimed for a higher salary and sharpened skillset. So, she decided to earn her master杏吧专区檚 in accounting as part of an incentive program with the Department of Revenue.
But when she entered the program, she found that a higher salary and more knowledge wouldn't be the only results. The program gave her access to a large network of professors and colleagues in accounting.
杏吧专区淵ou think that online, you杏吧专区檙e not going to have those interactions. But I actually had great interactions with all of my professors and other students as well,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚杏吧专区檝e made connections with people that I still talk to today that I杏吧专区檝e never met in person.杏吧专区
The bonds Fontenot formed with her professors while completing the program have been helpful to her in her career.
杏吧专区淚 have several of my former professors杏吧专区 cell phone numbers,杏吧专区 she says.
杏吧专区淲hen changing jobs, I met with a few of them to talk and ask questions due to their expertise. Recently, a past professor who retired, was hired to conduct a seminar for the audit staff at the La. Department of Revenue.
杏吧专区淭he connections I杏吧专区檝e gained with my professors through the program have been an asset to my furthering education.杏吧专区
Getting It Done
Fontenot杏吧专区檚 connection with her instructors and classmates was evident during her program. But she still had to figure out how to integrate online accounting courses into her already busy life.
Working during the week, she'd wake up early on Saturday mornings to complete her coursework. That gave her enough time to review and submit them before they were due, usually on Sunday evenings.
She completed much of her coursework on the road while traveling for audits and other work duties.
杏吧专区淚 took one exam while I was at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C., and another in Portugal,杏吧专区 Fontenot says. 杏吧专区淚 was in New York to do an audit, and in the afternoon after work, I was writing a paper for my course.杏吧专区
This freedom to work on the road was a huge plus for Fontenot. Still, a part of her success was being realistic and knowing her limits. She took one 8-week class each term, ensuring she could give each course the attention it deserved.
杏吧专区淒uring several terms, I'd enroll in one course at a time because I was expecting the work to be time intensive,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淚 like to do well in each course. I'm very passionate about doing well and learning the subject matter. The knowledge I杏吧专区檝e attained through this program has been so helpful in furthering my career.杏吧专区
She often relied on the network she built in the program. To succeed, she'd ask her professors and peers for support when she needed it.
杏吧专区淩each out if you have questions because they will give you the best feedback,杏吧专区 she advises. 杏吧专区淚 could tell they valued that I cared so much. I was so interested in the courses. One of my professors said, 杏吧专区業 want to help you succeed, and I want this to be easy for you.杏吧专区
杏吧专区淎t work, we all have different deadlines and busy times of the year. There were times when I needed a lighter course load. Other students gave me the best feedback on this.杏吧专区
The Future of Work
Fontenot states she wouldn杏吧专区檛 have been able to complete the master杏吧专区檚 program if it hadn杏吧专区檛 been online. Juggling her work, career, and family meant that she would need a program that fit her schedule.
杏吧专区淚t杏吧专区檚 innovative that they made the master杏吧专区檚 100% online because my work is very time consuming,杏吧专区 says Fontenot. 杏吧专区淚 need that flexibility of scheduling.杏吧专区
Beyond the ease of working on her own time, Fontenot found that earning her degree online shows her grit.
杏吧专区淐andidates who complete online programs show they have the skills and discipline to get work done,杏吧专区 she says. 杏吧专区淭oday, more people want remote work, and this is a great way to show, 杏吧专区楬ey, I can work remotely. I completed this program that杏吧专区檚 hard and time intensive, and I have the skills.杏吧专区櫺影勺ㄇ鴿