Anthony Strickland: Finding a versatile degree
Graduate Profile
Accounting major Anthony Strickland recalls meeting staff members from Governors State University (GovState) for the first time at a college fair and receiving a warm introduction—something he experienced across the University as a student.
While not his original major, Accounting offered Anthony more options post-graduation. He’s looking forward to dedicating his time to completing his barber’s license and channeling his energy into the profession.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Anthony: The degree I will be completing is the B.S in Accounting with a minor in Psychology. I used to be an entrepreneurship major, then I changed it to Accounting because it is more versatile. When talking with advisors about which major to choose, I think the best advice I got was “entrepreneurs usually build their companies, companies don’t generally hire them.” This really shaped how I was looking at the entire degree because it made me choose a degree where I could be more marketable and learn some of those book lessons about business that being an entrepreneur doesn’t necessarily show you.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Anthony: The Dual Degree Program (DDP) honestly attracted me to Governors State. I appreciated them coming to a college fair at my alma mater Harold Washington College and how the DDP transfer specialist was down to earth from the initial conversation. Being at Harold Washington was impactful because everything about my experience there moved fast, but it felt like the DDP transfer specialist took the time to discuss what programs were offered and answer every single question I asked. That hospitality is something I can say has been consistent throughout my college career at Governors State University.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Anthony: I distinctly remember an activity from my dorm days at Governors State. There was a hot day around this time, maybe about a year ago, when me and some friends asked for permission to barbecue just to enjoy the weather. I guess we were reading everyone’s minds because after a couple hours of just grilling some food with my friends, it felt like the whole student population in the dorms was also grilling and playing football and dancing. This wasn’t anything that went on Jaguar Connection, but it definitely is a core memory for me because it reminded me of those hot summer days where you could go to a family member’s house and just have fun and enjoy the weather.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Anthony: My dreams for my degree would be ultimately completing my MBA (Master of Business Administration) and teaching young kids that it is possible. I want to be able to retire in auditing ultimately, but beyond that I want to inspire young men and women with similar upbringings as me that they can do it as well. I want to make financial literacy cool and be able to connect them with business so they understand how important it is and be well versed in it.
GovState Newsroom: What project or passions are you excited to explore post-graduation?
Anthony: I will be completing my barber’s license in May and gearing up to complete my licensure exam sometime in June. This is something I started during Covid when it felt like I had a lot of time on my hands, and I discovered my passion for it.
GovState Newsroom: What album, movie, or TV show was on repeat during your time at GovState?
Anthony: A TV show I can’t stop watching right now is Abbott Elementary. Every character seems so connected to the actors that are playing them and it sometimes feels like you are just watching reality TV. I also think they find a way to bring attention to real life issues that teachers are forced to deal with that other shows tend to shy away from.