Current College of Business and Security Management student, Jenifer Garcia, who is dual majoring in accounting and business administration, always knew she wanted to be the first in her family to get a college education. Jenifer moved to Fairbanks when her husband was assigned to Fort Wainwright. Jenifer decided to attend UAF, initially pursuing a dentistry degree, and transferring credits from prior college classes in California.

It took one accounting class taught by Instructor Ruth Prato, and Jenifer was eagerly applying to the accounting program. She knew that a bachelor’s degree in business administration was the key to her future; she wholeheartedly embraced the CBSM experience. Not only has Jenifer taken a mix of in-person and online classes, but she has also maintained active membership with two CBSM student organizations - Great Alaskan Accounting People and Associated Students of Business.

“The most rewarding part of CBSM is the clubs. I love being a part of the student organizations because I feel I belong in a group of people who are on similar academic paths. It is great to have that support from others who are also in your major.” ~Jenifer Garcia

Jenifer is a military spouse, which provides additional opportunities for support. Through her connections with both the military and university communities, she has found resources to assist with not only tutoring but also childcare.

With the help of several support systems, Jenifer strives to maintain a balance between her school and home life. While Jenifer stays involved in her daughter's activities, she still manages “I could tell she was a good student with big dreams. Recommending her for the MADA program seemed like the reasonable next step towards helping her reach those dreams for her and her family. I am excited for her and glad to see her commitment to education. We are going to see amazing things from her beyond the MADA program.” her academic courses.

“Maintaining balance doesn’t always work, so sometimes I have to say no to certain obligations. It’s really important to take care of myself, my health, and my family, which is everything to me. But at the end of the day, it all works itself out, and I'm incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love.” - Jenifer Garcia.

As a first-generation student, Jenifer has also found another pillar of support from UAF Student Support Services. Jenifer credits the enormous role that the academic advising through SSS has played in her success. While applying to the KPMG Master of Accounting with Data and Analytics Program, Jenifer got help from both CBSM and Student Support Services, where she was able to have her application packet reviewed by an advisor prior to submission. The additional support gave Jenifer confidence as she applied to this prestigious program.

The KPMG MADA Program helps participants combine advanced accounting and data analysis skills and apply them to problems outside of the classroom. Students study an integrated curriculum of accounting, audit, tax courses and receive hands-on experience with real-world technologies including advanced data and analytics. In addition, they take part in an internship with a KPMG audit or tax team during the program and are offered full-time positions with the firm upon successful completion of the program. To read more about the program, click here.

Jenifer’s accounting instructor, Ruth Prato, who encouraged her to apply to the program, says: “I could tell she was a good student with big dreams. Recommending her for the MADA program seemed like the reasonable next step towards helping her reach those dreams for her and her family. I am excited for her and glad to see her commitment to education. We are going to see amazing things from her beyond the MADA program.”

After Jenifer’s acceptance into the program and with Ruth’s help, she gained more connections with recruiters, tax associates and managers.

“I feel like being accepted into the KPMG MADA program is a testament to the caliber of education that I'm getting at UAF.” ~Jenifer Garcia

Jenifer’s experience at CBSM gave her the key to a successful future for her and her family. Jenifer and her spouse are providing a bright future for their daughter, and as a first-generation student, Jenifer is showing her daughter and herself that dreams can turn into reality.