According to Piedmont’s website, the Accounting Degree Program “emphasizes integrity and ethics. With instruction from experienced faculty members, students learn to effectively communicate with accountants and non-accountants alike. Most important, students learn how to be both team players and leaders.” (https://www.piedmont.edu/program/accounting/) My experience working with the professors in this program broadened my perspective on career paths far beyond what I initially imagined—from opportunities in tax firms to roles in fraud investigation. Professors Jay Long and Savannah Brookshire were instrumental in helping me see the breadth and depth of accounting, and how its principles touch virtually every industry in the United States.
How did the Theatre Kid End Up in Accounting Classes?
When registering for classes, I discovered that Piedmont offered accounting courses. Out of curiosity, I enrolled in Financial Accounting. While the subject initially challenged me, my determination pushed me to continue, and when I took Managerial Accounting, I discovered a genuine passion for the field. That passion led me to pursue five additional courses: Cost Accounting, Intermediate I, Personal Tax, Corporate Tax, and Fraud Examination. Each of these courses presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth, giving me a skill set that distinguishes me within the theatre field—where few professionals share this level of accounting knowledge.
What Did I Just Watch?
One of the greatest opportunities offered to students at Piedmont is the chance to work on projects with real-world impact, thanks to professors who connect classroom learning to professional experiences. In my Cost Accounting class, we partnered with a small coffee shop in Clarkesville, Georgia. My group was tasked with analyzing Cowboy Bob’s pricing compared to nearby competitors with similar products. We then presented recommendations to the owners, suggesting adjusted pricing strategies as well as ideas for alternative marketing approaches and cost-saving measures.
Oh, Another Video?
This case study, though not experiential learning, was a core component of Jonathan’s Corporate Taxation course. Working in pairs, students were tasked with applying the U.S. Tax Code to correct a company’s tax deductions and balance sheet, putting into practice the principles and regulations covered in class.
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