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Success Stories

By the Numbers

Madison Campus student Vanessa Meacham has set some lofty goals for herself, but thanks to her boundless determination and National College education, she is off to a fast start. Scheduled to complete her associate degree in accounting in August, she has already landed a job with one of Nashville’s most prestigious accounting firms. “I like numbers…I’d rather add and subtract than do anything else in the world,” she says. “It’s something I’m good at, it’s something that I enjoy.”

Working with Career Center Director Rosemary Templeton, Vanessa landed her job amidst stiff competition; she was the only finalist for the job who did not have a bachelor’s degree. After spending a few minutes with her, it’s not hard to see why she won her new employers over. This is one sharp young lady with an eye for business and the confidence needed to succeed.

“If you don’t have a background in business, you’re not going to get anywhere”

Vanessa gives credit to the real-world business education she received from National College. “If you don’t have a background in business, you’re not going to get anywhere” in the accounting field, Vanessa says. “I loved all my accounting courses. I have [Madison/Nashville Campus Instructor Jim] Deppen now for computerized accounting…he knows what he’s talking about.”

Her long-range goals include going on to complete her bachelor’s degree in accounting, and eventually owning her own accounting business. Vanessa, who is herself bilingual in English and Spanish, sees a great future for businesses that can support the needs of multi-lingual clients.

For now, though, Vanessa is focused on the present, and in learning her new job handling accounts payable for her firm’s client businesses, as well as completing her degree at National. Even while working, Vanessa has been able to take a heavy course load and will graduate a term early.

Congratulations, Vanessa, on your new position. We know there’s a bright future for you “in the numbers”!