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’s 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.
“You think that online, you’re not going to have those interactions. But I actually had great interactions with all of my professors and other students as well,” she says. “I’ve made connections with people that I still talk to today that I’ve never met in person.”
The bonds Fontenot formed with her professors while completing the program have been helpful to her in her career.
“I have several of my former professors’ cell phone numbers,” she says.
“When 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.
“The connections I’ve gained with my professors through the program have been an asset to my furthering education.”
Getting It Done
Fontenot’s 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.
“I took one exam while I was at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C., and another in Portugal,” Fontenot says. “I was in New York to do an audit, and in the afternoon after work, I was writing a paper for my course.”
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.
“During several terms, I'd enroll in one course at a time because I was expecting the work to be time intensive,” she says. “I like to do well in each course. I'm very passionate about doing well and learning the subject matter. The knowledge I’ve attained through this program has been so helpful in furthering my career.”
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.
“Reach out if you have questions because they will give you the best feedback,” she advises. “I could tell they valued that I cared so much. I was so interested in the courses. One of my professors said, ‘I want to help you succeed, and I want this to be easy for you.’
“At 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.”
The Future of Work
Fontenot states she wouldn’t have been able to complete the master’s program if it hadn’t been online. Juggling her work, career, and family meant that she would need a program that fit her schedule.
“It’s innovative that they made the master’s 100% online because my work is very time consuming,” says Fontenot. “I need that flexibility of scheduling.”
Beyond the ease of working on her own time, Fontenot found that earning her degree online shows her grit.
“Candidates who complete online programs show they have the skills and discipline to get work done,” she says. “Today, more people want remote work, and this is a great way to show, ‘Hey, I can work remotely. I completed this program that’s hard and time intensive, and I have the skills.’”