Meet Alison Reynolds – Bryan U Associate Degree in Accounting Graduate

Alison Reynolds is a graduate of the Bryan University associates degree in accounting program. After 29 years as a stay-at-home mom to five children and her youngest graduated from high school, Alison was ready to choose a career. She had done the bookkeeping for their family business for many years and enjoyed that. Alison was drawn to the organization and order of bookkeeping; it seemed like the perfect path for her to take. “Accounting is not just math like people think. It’s more about putting things where they belong and balance.”

Alison chose BU because of the excellent accounting and business programs and the BU career services office. When looking to go back to school, Alison was looking for a degree program in accounting, and she wanted to have the flexibility to maintain a good balance with work, school, and time with her family. She also liked that Bryan’s career services office would help you find a job. In the end, BU’s accelerated associate’s degree in accounting was a perfect match. “I chose Bryan, and I haven’t regretted it.”

Alison enjoyed studying in her accounting program. She liked that the instructors had worked in the accounting field and could bring real-world experiences into the classroom. She found the pace of the accelerated program manageable. Alison especially liked that she could put in the hours when she was available. She took advantage of the quiet in the early morning to work on homework, “It was all around my timeline, and it was beneficial that I didn’t have to drive to school and look for a parking spot.”  And while Alison admits that she was apprehensive about the changes in technology, and the different computer programs she would have to learn, she was thankful that there were people at BU who would take the time to walk through the steps with her. Alison recalls that she always felt supported during her program and found her instructors to be flexible, understanding, and available. “The instructors are great – they will often give you their cell phone numbers. If you have a question, you can text them, and they will get right back to you.”

Alison currently works for a consultant group based in Sacramento, California. She is putting her degree to good use as a bookkeeper. Additionally, Alison has been working for Bryan as an academic specialist. In this role, she works with students from the business program, tutoring and answering questions they may have.

Alison feels if you are considering Bryan, you should go for it. In her experience, she had excellent instructors, and she thought that it was all very manageable. She says, as a student, that yes, you have to be organized, but she was able to attend school and have a life outside of BU. “I loved learning. I had the most wonderful experience; everyone was friendly. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I feel so fortunate for this experience.”