Johnson & Wales University - Providence

Date: Jul 31 2010
Major: Finance (This Major's Salary over time)
I transferred in to Johnson and Wales University from a Massachusetts state school as a double major in Finance and Accounting into their part time evening program. The reason for my transfer was two-fold. One, I live about 5 minutes from the university (in Seekonk, Ma), and second, I was only able to attend classes as a 3/4 time evening student as I am married with a 2 year old at home and needed to find a university with a continuing ed program. I have to say that it was the best move I have ever made.

The campus is located right in downtown Providence, so, there are lots of restaurants to eat at or shopping that can be done while waiting for class to start, or, I can hit the library and work on my class assignments, study for an upcoming exam, or read the textbook before lecture.

They offer 4 terms (3 tri-mesters and a full summer session from June to August). Classes are offered Monday through Thursday and even some Saturday morning classes. I took 3 classes each session, 2 during the week and one Saturday morning, making sure I had at least 1 or 2 days between each class to study for exams, and it been great. I have completed 12 courses each year and am flying through both curriculums. And, the Finance and Accounting curriculums are fantastic and are very different from most schools. Each major offers the choice of several interesting concentrations within the field of Accounting or Finance. Every university seems to offer the same courses (Investments, Intermediate Accounting 1 and 2, Real Estate Investments, etc), but, Johnson and Wales offers those and offers courses not offered by other universities until you get to grad school and goes much deeper into both the Finance and Accounting programs. Here's another great thing about the University, they offer an MBA with Accounting concentration that can prepare you for the CPA exam, even if your undergrad was not accounting and their MBA with Financial Management concentration offers very interesting courses as well. (I plan to do a dual concentration in both Accounting and Finance while in grad school)

Also, the administrative staff is great. If you need any assistance with Financial Aid, curriculum questions, or any other type of assistence, they get back to you right away, either via phone or email. The professors are helpful as well, as long as they see you are there to learn. They are not stupid, most of the professors who teach in the Finance and Accounting curriculums have PHD's and work in the industry they are teaching, and if they see you are either not trying or are completely disnterested, they will not pay as much attention to you as those who are hard working, attentive, and are there to learn. Let's face it, as students, we would do the same to the professors if we felt that they didn't want to be there either. I have never had any issues with the administrative staff or professors and am very happy with the way I am treated there or with the education I am receiving.

To those students who have posted here and say that they are not challenged, then change majors and jump into Accounting or Finance, or both as I have. I cannot say that I have not been challenged. I get just the right amount of homework, the professors are clear and cover the material well, and we get tested on the exact material covered. In 2.5 years, I believe I have been a little overchallenged, but, just enough to be pushed to do better, not to fail. I am very happy with my choice.

Also, the cost of attending Johnson and Wales is much less than some of the local schools like Bryant University, Providence College, University or Rhode Island, and Brown University, and that's even better. Graduating from college does not guarantee you a job, and besides, is the material any different. Are stock valuations, financial statements, or income anaysis any different at Johnson and Wales than University of Rhode Island? I get the same education for a lot less, and will have the same chance to get an interview for a job than students in those universities will. Remember, it's not where you went to school that lands you the job, it's how much you have learned an retained, and how well spoken and confident you are during the interview that will get you the job you want.

Many businesses from all different areas hire Johnson and Wales students. Companies from Ernst and Young, Bank of America, Target, Citizens Bank, Textron, Hasbro, and the Marriot hire J&W graduates, knowing full well how good their business college is. And, it doesn't hurt if you make a great impression on a professor as they will help you get a job in the same company they work for….one of the benefits of being taught by industry professional instead of faculty professors who have no connections and are disconnected from the business world. If your a good hardworking student, you will find a job. I have seen this for myself with some previous classmates who have earned their Bachlors of Science.

Again, I'm a local student who lives in Seekonk, Ma and am currently in my senior year. I have applied and been approved to attend grad school for my MBA at Johnson and Wales and look forward to the next step. I must say that I am very happy with the curriculum, the cost, and the challenge of Johnson and Wales.