Kaysha Corniffe
Hometown: Ellenwood, Georgia
DeVry campus: Decatur
Degree program: Business Administration with a major/concentration in Accounting
Expected graduation: February 2007
Why DeVry?
If a high school student asked me for advice on choosing a college, I would first ask them to figure out what their interests are. Do they want the whole traditional college experience and atmosphere: the sports, dorms and all that? In that case, there are lots of places to choose from. But if they are most interested in working on a career without a lot of social distractions, and moving as quickly as possible into a professional career, then DeVry is the best choice they could make.
When I was in high school and considering my options, I just knew I wanted to go into accounting. I’m very numbers oriented and math comes naturally to me. I had heard DeVry was a really good school, especially if you’re focused on your major as I am and not trying to decide on what you want to study. I had decided on a BSBA in accounting and DeVry has been a great fit for me. If I had to do it all over again, I still would have chosen to come here.
Professors who are there for you.
I really like the small class sizes and how the professors help you understand the material and how to apply that knowledge in the real world. And if you have questions about the material, professors give you all kinds of ways to contact them, even home and cell phone numbers. I’ve taken advantage of that and it’s really helpful when you get stuck on something.
The opportunity to learn—online.
I haven’t taken any online classes yet but I’ve heard other students say that it’s a completely different type of experience. You don’t have to drive to the campus but you still get all the knowledge that you would if it was face-to-face. I’m looking forward to online classes next semester.
A chance to get my feet wet while I’m still in school.
While I finish my degree campus Career Services has helped me find part-time work that is really close to my accounting major. I’m now working as a financial assistant at an organization that helps women during drug or alcohol recovery, so that helps me build a resume while I’m still in school.
A total focus—but not without friends!
So, with my job, and the accelerated pace at DeVry, I don’t have a lot of time for things other than school. I live with my family about 20 minutes from campus in Ellenwood, Georgia, but I’ve still been able to make a lot of friends at DeVry. It’s a lot like the workplace; in classes you wind up working in small groups and meet a lot of people that way.
The best part: Real-world experience and a clear career path.
Overall, DeVry is a lot like being in the workplace. You are constantly learning and it’s very much a real life experience. I think I’ll be well prepared after I finish my undergraduate education in February 2007. But I plan to attend Keller Graduate School of Management and get my CPA certification, before going to work at a large accounting firm.
