Graduate Profile: From Florist to FBI Accountant

For Annalee Knapp, the reasons to transfer to Governors State University were simple: an excellent reputation, scholarships and accessibility. 

Between a Merit Tuition Waiver awarded to her based on her academics at Moraine Valley Community College, and a flexible school schedule that let her work full-time as a florist while she completed her degree, Knapp knew her degree was possible with GSU.

Now graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Knapp is one step closer to her dream job as a forensic accountant for the FBI. 

GSU Newsroom: What brought you to GSU?

Knapp: I was drawn to GSU since they have such a good reputation, and it was an ideal school to attend while I worked full-time. Plus, it was close to home and an easy commute.

I also liked being surrounded by students who were of different ages and backgrounds, many of whom were working as well. This appealed to me.

It was also in large part thanks to Paul McGuiness, the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment and Admissions, who guided me through the scholarship process. The acknowledgement of my merit I received from GSU, in the form of a Merit Tuition Waiver, motivated me to perform my best academically.

GSU Newsroom: What are some of the highlights from your time at GSU?

Knapp: While at GSU I’ve made some lifelong friends in my business classes. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience life on campus for very long due to the pandemic, but I felt my online courses prepared me well for the future. 

GSU Newsroom: Who were some of the professors who shaped your experience and your future?

Knapp: There were two professors who really helped shape my experience at GSU--Uday Shinde and Brian Thompson.

I took Business Ethics with Dr. Shinde, and he was an amazing professor. He really got everyone to think about the implications behind business decisions and how we should be thinking more ethically and responsibly as business majors. This was my biggest takeaway from all the classes I’ve taken at GSU, and I will incorporate these skills into my future career.

Dr. Thompson was my instructor for International Finance. He pushed his students to think beyond the questions discussed in class. He always posed interesting questions relating to the world today. I learned to think more critically because of him.

GSU Newsroom: What's next after graduation?

Knapp: After graduation, I plan to apply to schools for my Master’s in Accounting Forensics. From there, I’d like to earn the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). My dream job would be to work at the FBI as a forensic accountant.

GSU Newsroom: What advice would you give GSU students? 

Knapp: My advice would be to utilize the career services GSU has to offer. I know it can get very busy, especially in the last year of school, but make the most of career fairs, and try to have someone at the school look at your resume.