Undergraduate Student Perspective

Annie, Accounting Major

Why did you decide to study business?

I wanted to find an area of study that was not only interesting but was also versatile and applicable to the job market. After a bit of investigation, I determined that accounting is a field that has a high rate of job placement for graduates and is an integral part of every industry. From the booming healthcare industry to the glamorous entertainment industry, every company needs accountants. I feel that studying business, and specifically accounting, not only allows me to be competitive in the job market but also enables me to have a career that is intellectually demanding and mentally stimulating. The business world is constantly changing, and I feel that my desire to continue learning can be met in this field.

Why did you decide to study business at Belmont?

I chose Belmont because I wanted to attend a university that would provide me with a rigorous academic course load that would challenge me as a student. In addition to academics, I also wanted a learning environment that would allow me to grow as a person. When deciding between a large state school and Belmont, I immediately was impressed by the small class sizes and the care that the professors had for their students. The charming southern antebellum style campus in the lively city of Nashville gives the school a unique character and provides many internship opportunities with numerous companies in town.

Has it been what you expected?

While I expected to face a challenging course load, I did not expect to receive the attention from my professors that I have experienced. With many of my friends attending larger universities, I was prepared to be in class with 50 or more of my closest friends and have a professor who did not know me. Instead, most of my classes are less than 20 students, and every one of my professors has taken time to get to know me.

What have been some of your best Belmont College of Business experiences?

I cannot say enough about the consideration and time that my professors have given to me. All of my professors are not only very approachable but also very willing and proactive in helping to ensure that their students understand the material covered in class. As an athlete, I miss class about once a week during season, and I have had a tremendous experience with my professors not only accommodating my schedule but meeting with me outside of class to answer my questions. In addition to helping me with my class work, my professors have encouraged me to grow as a student outside of the classroom by getting involved in such activities as Beta Alpha Psi and the TSCPA Accounting Academy.

What do you want to do with your degree?

This summer I accepted an internship with Deloitte in their audit department. After earning my degree, I plan to attend graduate school, earn my Masters of Accountancy, and then sit for the CPA exam. Ultimately, I hope to work for a "big four" public accounting firm and practice the skills that I have learned at Belmont.

Why would you recommend the program to others considering Belmont?

My experience has been terrific! I have learned a great deal from my professors, and I have had one-on-one guidance not only for my time at Belmont but also for future career planning. I have the advantage of going to a smaller, private school, but I also have the prestige associated with attending a university recognized by BusinessWeek as a Top 100 B-School.