April 14, 2023
While originally choosing to attend Shawnee State University to play baseball, senior Jacob Gleason has found success pursuing his degree in Accounting and minoring in Cybersecurity.
“My experience has been very good,” he said. “The classes are small, and I like that because I can get to know my fellow classmates and professors.”
Within his program’s classes, Gleason has found himself relaxed in getting to know the ins and outs of the subject.
“The accounting program is very straightforward and you never feel like the work is too much, as long as you stay on top of it,” he said.
Being able to connect with his classmates and his professors has made his experience at SSU enjoyable and something that he is thankful for. He also is grateful for the mentorship he has received from program director Dr. Barry Lucas.
“I like that Dr. Lucas gives us a lot of freedom when scheduling classes, while also always making sure we are going to graduate on time,” he said.
Offered within the C.H. Lute School of Business, the SSU accounting program prepares students to enter a career that spans a wide spectrum of human activity. Accountants find themselves employed in private industry, small businesses, hospitals, government agencies and subdivisions, and social organizations among others. SSU’s program prepares students with a broad understanding of the field that includes a broad-based education in business and an extensive education in accounting practices.
“All the business professors provide good business knowledge, and the course structures are great too,” said Gleason, who has enjoyed listening to the personal accounting stories Dr. Lucas shares to give his students more insight into the career field.
While completing his degree, Gleason has also been able to work as a paid intern at an accounting firm, putting his classroom knowledge to use in a hands-on environment.
“It gives me an opportunity to see what everyday life is like when working for an accounting firm,” he said. “And I get paid on top of it.”
Looking towards his upcoming graduation, Gleason is confident in how SSU has prepared him and in his ability to find a job in his field once he completes his degree.
“My plans for the future include pursuing a job in accounting or sales, as well as eventually having a business of my own to grow over time,” he said.
To learn more about the Accounting program within the C.H. Lute School of Business at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/accounting.