For Dennis Harlow, pursuing higher education was about more than just obtaining a diploma—it encompassed reinventing his career, broadening his professional connections, and engaging in a program that resonated with his personal experiences. Transitioning from his initial role as a high school bank teller to an accomplished career in commercial banking, Dennis consistently exhibited a strong interest in finance and aiding his clients’ prosperity. However, it was only after he began collaborating with CPAs—examining financial documents, assisting business proprietors with asset management, and strategizing in the wake of acquisitions—that he recognized his desire to delve deeper into the realm of accounting. This insight led him to the Master’s of Accounting (iMSA) at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business.
The Path to Gies: An Ideal Match
Initially, Dennis enrolled in online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic to reintegrate himself into academic life after a 20-year hiatus. His first encounter with online learning was at his undergraduate institution, which fell short of his expectations—minimal interaction, lacking group activities, no flexibility, and solely pre-recorded presentations.
Even though he had already secured a spot in his previous undergraduate institution’s master’s program, he was resolute about discovering something superior. He evaluated various alternatives, but the necessity of physical attendance proved to be a dealbreaker due to his full-time role and other personal responsibilities. In the Spring of 2023, just a few weeks before he was set to resume as a full-time online student at his previous school, he chose to continue exploring online business programs, taking note of Gies consistently recognized among the top. With a solid reputation—even noted as a top-three accounting program in the United States—opportunities for networking, and a strong online experience tailored for master’s students, Gies emerged as the standout option. Dennis rapidly adjusted his plans, withdrew from his previous institution, and enrolled in the online iMSA.
An Interactive, Stimulating Learning Atmosphere
From the outset, Dennis found the recruitment and admissions team at Gies to be exceptionally supportive. They discussed the potential for accumulating course credits towards the degree, the engaging live discussions, and the abundant networking possibilities. Unlike his past experiences, Gies fostered a genuinely interactive environment. His classmates were an eclectic mix from around the globe, and his professors included remarkable leaders such as tax lawyers and PhDs involved in formulating tax legislation.
“The instructors were incredibly entertaining and interactive,” Dennis reminisced. “They made even the most tedious subjects lively and captivating.” He particularly highlighted professors Matthew Hutchens and Danielle Green for their talent in incorporating practical experiences into their teaching.
He also valued the program’s design, which enabled him to juggle work and education. He crafted his own timetable, dedicating intensive efforts during weekends and accomplishing assignments throughout the week. The program’s flexibility allowed him to achieve a consistently high GPA through graduation.
Networking and Community: The Gies Advantage
A major highlight of Dennis’ experience at Gies was the pronounced sense of community and the networking options available. He was truly impressed by iConverge, an annual gathering that unites online students in person. “The sheer brilliance of it all—the outstanding speakers, the alumni connections, and the history of the institution—was remarkable,” he expressed.
Even as an online learner, Dennis felt a profound bond with his classmates and the Gies network. He became actively involved in iGBA networking engagements, joined Chicago meetup groups, and even attended Cubs games with fellow students. Dennis mentioned, “The fantastic aspect about the University of Illinois and the Gies program is their commitment to keeping you united and in touch with the school,” he remarked. “We support one another. It’s a highly integrated community.”
The chance to collaborate with other professionals across various sectors and regions rendered the experience far more enriching than a mere online program. Indeed, as Dennis pointed out, “it truly felt like family.”
Aiming for the Future: CPA Exam and More
The iMSA program at Gies not only equipped Dennis for a career transformation but also readied him for the CPA exam, which he plans to take in April. He appreciated that the curriculum didn’t mandate a background in accounting and was structured to ensure students were thoroughly prepared for the CPA and real-world applications.
Looking beyond the CPA, Dennis is already envisioning his next steps—he intends to return and complete the online iMBA program at Gies, further broadening his knowledge in business and finance. Specifically, he was thrilled about the opportunity to stack 24 credits from the iMSA towards the iMBA and attain a second qualification faster than his first. His enthusiasm for guiding clients, assessing financial strategies, and empowering businesses to thrive has only intensified.
A Proud Graduate
With 15 years at his current employer and a profound enthusiasm for tax and advisory services, Dennis is eager to continue assisting clients in navigating their financial choices. His guiding principle remains unchanged: “How can we get you there?”—a true reflection of his commitment to steering others towards financial success, as well as his ambition to enhance his own skills through higher education.
For those contemplating an online business or accounting program, Dennis’ experience illustrates that Gies College of Business delivers not just an exceptional education, but a learning journey that is adaptable, stimulating, and intimately linked to a flourishing professional network.
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