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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 17, 2019)
April 17, 2019 Page 15 CAREERS Special Edition Getting Ahead with a Degree Instructor applies life experiences Usha Ramanujam gets inspired when she talks about her perspec- tive students. The Portland Community Col- lege Business Administration Program instructor knows how an associate degree or short-term cer- tificate from PCC in accounting, can land good positions as payroll specialists, bookkeepers or assis- tants with accounting responsibil- ities at law firms, for example. If they continue their studies at a four-year school, they can be- come accountants, move up the ranks of management, and earn professional certifications, such as the Certified Public Accoun- tant or Certified Management Ac- countant “They can take these classes and get one step ahead in their ed- ucation, and it’s definitely cheap- er,” said Ramanujam, who has been at the college since 2005. At PCC, Ramanujam teach- es accounting, which is a core course in the college’s business program. In her class, students learn the leading computer appli- cation software programs to be- come proficient in managing ac- counts and budgets. Once they’ve completed their studies, they can enter the workforce or transfer to public or private universities like Portland State, Oregon State or $5.00 TEES CLUBS FAMILY REUNIONS SCHOOL CLUBS BUSINESSES SCREEN PRINTING p ortlanD C ommunity C ollege Portland Community College accounting instructor Usha Ramanujam applies life experience to support her students. Reed College. ed working in India while simul- Student support is a hallmark of taneously earning her first mas- the Business Administration Pro- ter’s degree in business. In 1988, gram, which is offered at all four she left India and went on to earn comprehensive PCC campuses. In her second master’s degree, in addition to teaching, Ramanujam accounting, at State University of advises students on their academ- New York, in Albany. ic and professional careers and un- She found work in IBM’s in- derscores just how critical it is for ternal audit department, and as students to have the support they an accounting instructor at a need to move through the program New York community college. and graduate. She moved with her husband to “For first-generation college Austin, Texas to work in IBM’s students, feeling supported makes microelectronics division before all the difference in the world,” taking time off to raise her chil- she said. “It’s time wasted if they dren. When they moved again, get shuffled from one general ad- this time to Portland, she com- visor to another. There are a lot of pleted the CPA examination. steps ahead of them, and connect- “With my experience, I defi- ing them to the right people at the nitely know what PCC students right time is crucial.” are going through,” Ramanujam Ramanujam grew up in the said. “They are working hard to southern state of Tamil Nadu, in support their families while in India. At the age of 19, she start- college, which I’ve done myself.” photo Courtesy 971-276-8674 Cut, trim, edge, power washing, hauling, leaf removal, cleanup, anything! FREE ESTIMATES FAIR PRICING 971-570-8214 Harris Photography 503-730-1156 Sweet 16 to 100th Event Coverage, Prints on site and Video antonioharris.com State Farm R Michael E Harper Agent Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomingon, Illinois 61710 We are located at: 9713 S.W. Capitol, Portland, OR 503-221-3050 • Fax 503-227-8757 michael.harper.cuik@statefarm.com 5010 NE 9th Ave Portland, Or 97211 Phone: 503 284-2989 We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. Call Today or Walk in !!!
