Get to know Crissi
Program format: Online MAC
Program start date: August 2025
Anticipated graduation date: May 2028
Current location: Zebulon, N.C.
Life before Jenkins
Work experience: 10 years
Industries: U.S. Navy (5 years active duty), Undergrad (2 years), Financial Services (3 years)
Roles: Air Traffic Controller (Navy), Client Relations, Financial Advisor
Fields: Military, Financial Services
Undergraduate education: Old Dominion University, B.S. in business administration with a major in finance and a minor in entrepreneurship
Career goals
After completing the MAC program, Crissi plans to explore an entry-level tax role and progress naturally toward earning her CPA. She hopes to ultimately work in a tax position where she can primarily help business owners navigate their financial responsibilities.
Why Accounting?
During her time as a financial advisor, Crissi found herself increasingly frustrated by the limitations around offering tax guidance without a CPA present. She discovered she was most energized by helping clients with complex tax situations. “I felt that my role as an advisor was much too broad and all-encompassing, and I really wanted to be a little more specialized.”
Why Jenkins?
Crissi was drawn to Jenkins for its flexibility and the structure of the ASAP program. Coming from a finance background without all the typical accounting prerequisites, the ASAP program gave her a way to complete required coursework before starting the MAC program. That accessibility made Jenkins the right fit for her transition into the field.
Daily life
Shortly before beginning the MAC program, Crissi left her financial advisor role to welcome her second daughter. During maternity leave, she decided she didn’t want to return to full-time work just yet, choosing instead to focus on her family while gradually working toward her master’s degree. “Committing to becoming a stay-at-home mom was difficult because I felt like that meant putting my career on hold, but taking classes helps me feel like I’m still working toward something for myself while also being present in my home.”
What makes it great
For Crissi, the program’s flexibility is its biggest strength. She appreciates the collaborative nature of the classes – despite being a virtual student – which makes the coursework feel practical and keeps her connected to her classmates. She’s also looking forward to working with Kelly Hardy and the career services team when she’s ready to return to the workforce – confident their support will be invaluable.
Career impact
While she isn’t seeking immediate career changes, Crissi is enjoying the opportunity to study at her own pace while staying home with her children.
Final thoughts
Crissi believes the MAC program is an excellent fit for students in situations similar to hers – those who want to progress toward a master’s degree at a manageable pace without sacrificing a sense of community. The collaborative nature of the coursework helps her feel not like “just an online student,” but a fully engaged member of a meaningful program.
Get in touch
Connect with Crissi on LinkedIn or at cpatton5@ncsu.edu.
Learn more
To learn more about the Jenkins MAC program, including tuition, curriculum, career opportunities and more, please submit the form below.
This post was originally published in MAC Program.