Courtney Hanright earned her Associate of Applied Science in Accounting at SRTC-Thomasville. She then continued her education at Georgia Southwestern State University, earning Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree. Coutney is currently employed at Blackwater Timber in Thomasville as an Accountant, a career that she says is a perfect fit for her!
Q: What drew you to a career in Accounting?
A: Honestly, all throughout high school I told myself that I wanted to pursue a career in education. I started out at SRTC working on getting my core classes out the way. I went through that stage that most college kids go through questioning whether or not I was happy with my current career plan. I prayed and trusted God to show me what I needed to do. After the second semester or so, I got the idea of pursuing an Accounting degree and never looked back.
Q: What led you to choose SRTC’s Accounting program specifically?
A: I really appreciated the schedule flexibility with the Accounting program. I was unable to attend daytime classes so the evening classes really helped me. I remember most classes starting at 5:30pm and being done by 7pm.
Q: How did the program prepare you for continuing on to your bachelor’s degree and your current job?
A: I was able to complete my AAS degree at SRTC and seamlessly transferred my credit hours over to Georgia Southwestern State University out of Americus, GA where I completed my bachelor's degree fully online. Completing most of my coursework at Southern Regional allowed me to wrap my degree up pretty quickly. I had no issues with the other college accepting my credits.
Q: What were your greatest successes as a college student?
A: I worked really hard to maintain a higher GPA throughout college. Some of my greatest successes were receiving the President’s List recognition a couple semesters. I always made it a goal to make it on the Dean's List at a minimum!
Q: What were your greatest challenges as a college student?
A: My greatest challenges were trying to cram everything into each week. At the time, I was working at a local fast-food restaurant working 40 hours a week or so. I would get off work and head to my evening classes. I was exhausted but I knew it had to be done. There were many long nights for me during those two years!
Q: Were you a first-generation college graduate?
A: I am the first child to graduate college. My parents did not attend college.
Q: Who were your biggest supporters?
A: My husband (at the time, boyfriend) was my biggest supporter. He always encouraged me to keep going when I was at my wits end.
Q: Do you remember any particular lessons or advice that you found particularly useful or important?
A: The Student Success Center located in Thomasville college was extremely helpful! I found myself stuck on several problems and ended up going in there to get help one day. The staff were very knowledgeable in so many different fields and helped answer my questions quickly. That was a resource I utilized throughout my degree at SRTC.
Q: How do you feel about your college and career path now that you are working in the field?
A: I do not regret pursuing an Accounting degree one bit. It is almost like it comes naturally to me. God gives each person a skill and I am a firm believer this was the skill he gave me to put to use. I enjoy accounting and am eager to learn more each day.
Q: What is your job like now?
A: I work for a custom millwork and lumber business out of Thomasville, GA. I am responsible for handling all accounting operations day-to-day. I didn’t want to go into public accounting so I could avoid long tax season hours. My job is perfect for my family. I am able to spend my evenings and weekends with them without having to give up time during tax season.
Q: What advice would you give individuals who are considering a career in Accounting?
A: There are many days that are not easy (like any career) but it is worth it! Just remember that college stress is temporary and it will be over in a flash. There are so many opportunities in accounting!