“CNC was often discussed as an option as both of my parents attended the College”, Janessa shares. “In fact, my mom is also an
Accounting and Finance alumna! I know how positive of a time she had at CNC and beyond, and I wanted to have the same success story, so I followed along.
Admittedly, I was also influenced by her 100% final exam mark and how exciting that was for her. I tried for a 100% final mark but only ever got a 100% mid-term mark. To this day, we still laugh about how I was so persistent to get the same marks as she
did.”
Lifelong friends
Janessa’s favourite part of the program was the professors whose course delivery inspired her and made her feel valued and welcomed as a student. “I enjoyed so much of what I was learning. Making lifelong friends in the program who share similar
interests was the cherry on top!”
Like her daughter, Erin Thideman is looking back on a fantastic time at CNC. “I started my studies at the Quesnel campus and then re-located to Prince George to attend the program full time”, Erin recalls. “I met the most wonderful group
of fellow students. We stayed as a group throughout the entire program studying together and supporting each other. I also had a great group of professors who were so knowledgeable, understanding, and more than willing to be of any extra assistance
outside of the classroom.
The program helped shape my career by confirming for me that I was meant to be in the accounting field. I was offered a full-time accounting job about a month before convocation
and have remained at the same employer for the last 18 years.”
Time management and study workload
Establishing a schedule for homework and studying was Janessa’s biggest challenge. “It felt there were just not enough hours in the day! Luckily, my mom was able to offer her advice on what my homework and study plan should look like. It was
extremely helpful to have the guidance from someone who has experienced the workload before.”
“My biggest advice was time management, being organized and not missing classes”, Erin emphasizes. “When I was in the program, I was a mom to two young children and attending full-time, so I had to be very orderly!”
Year-end insider jokes
Janessa and her mom are bonding regularly over all things accounting. “I am just so proud of my daughter for receiving her diploma and seeing the passion she has for her studies and career”, says Erin. “When we go for evening walks,
we often talk about our careers, studies, and our individual times at CNC. It is wonderful to have so much in common!”
“We love to discuss how passionate we are about our careers as we have a mutual understanding of the field”, Janessa adds. “Year-end in our lives really means ‘see you next month’. The Accounting and Finance program was one
of the most exciting things I could have done for myself. It helped me grow into a professional, while also growing personally. I continued onto UNBC and am now in my sixth year of working in corporate accounting; first in forestry and more recently
in aviation/transportation.”
“At CNC, you’re building foundational skills that you will take with you throughout your educational journey as you advance”, Janessa continues. “I have carried my knowledge forward and will always hold the program and faculty
close to my heart.”