By Cailyn Kennedy

Kinston native Katlyn West is making her way through the working world after graduating from Lenoir Community College this year. 

West went above and beyond during her time at LCC, completing not one but two degrees and earning four certificates. She earned an associate degree in Accounting and Finance as well as an associate degree in Business Administration. She also obtained in Small Business Accounting, Accounting Essentials, Accounting and Finance Bookkeeping, and Business Essentials. 

“I enjoyed my time at LCC,” said West. “It was a wonderful college to attend with staff and faculty who truly care about their students and their success.” 

Since graduating, she has taken a position with Sitterson and Whitfield, an accounting firm in Kinston. Her current job responsibilities are to complete their monthly bookkeeping and payroll. 

“I feel that I was prepared in many ways for the working world from my time at LCC, but there are some things only hands-on experience can teach you. The working world is very different from going to school and learning about your degree,” she said. 

What advice would West give someone who wants to enter this program? “Do not give up. Assignments and tests will get more difficult as you progress, and it may feel like you are not going to pass, but if you study, ask for help when needed, and give it your all, you will succeed.”

“Katlyn was a great student. She took ACC 120 and did an amazing job, so I reached out to her encouraging her to work towards an accounting certificate while working on her Business Administration degree,” says Business Administration Program Chair Kristy Grady. “Once she graduated with her Business Administration degree, she only needed six more classes to complete the Accounting and Finance degree, so she pursued that as well.”

If you have interest in LCC’s Business Program, please contact Kristy Grady at (252) 527-6223, ext. 610 or email kbgrady68@lenoircc.edu.