Hey, I’m Ryan — I’m an accounting major here at NC State. Outside of classes, I stay busy running a small window-washing business, working part-time, and staying active with basketball and the gym. I know what it’s like to balance a lot as a student, so I’m here to give you an honest look at life on campus and what makes this place a great fit for a lot of different people

Hometown

Littleton, NC

Major(s)

Accounting

Clubs, organizations & involvement

At NC State, I’ve been involved in a mix of academic, professional, and campus life activities. On campus, I’m involved in intramural sports, I’m a member of the Christian organization CRU, and I worked at the NC State Student Center during my freshman year. Last summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Germany, where I visited companies like Stoll and Mercedes-Benz and got to experience German business culture firsthand. These experiences have helped shape my leadership, teamwork, and communication skills both in and outside the classroom.

Describe your college experience

I came from a small town in North Carolina so moving to a big campus and city like Raleigh was definitely a big change. At first it was a little overwhelming learning how to manage my time get around and meet new people but it pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way. Over time I got involved with intramural sports a Christian group called CRU and even started a small window-washing business with friends. I’ve also had the chance to study abroad in Germany and work different jobs on and off campus. Overall my experience at NC State has helped me grow a lot in confidence independence and responsibility.

Tip for future students

One tip I would give future students is to get involved early and not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It makes a big campus feel a lot smaller and helps you find your people. I also wish I had known how important time management would be. Balancing classes, work, and a social life takes effort but once you figure out a routine that works for you everything becomes a lot easier. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. There are a lot of resources here if you take the time to use them.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been my introductory accounting course. It gave me a strong foundation in financial concepts and helped confirm that I chose the right major. I liked how it combined real-world application with problem solving and structure. The professor also made the material practical by connecting it to how businesses actually operate which made the class feel more relevant and interesting. That class pushed me to think critically and helped me develop skills I now use in my jobs and business.

Career goals

After college I hope to work in the accounting or finance field either at a public accounting firm or in a corporate finance role. I am especially interested in audit and financial analysis because I enjoy working with numbers spotting trends and making sense of data. Long term I would like to earn my CPA license and eventually take on a leadership role where I can help businesses make smart financial decisions. I also want to keep learning and growing both professionally and personally through real-world experience.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night is either hanging out with friends or doing something active like playing basketball or going to the gym. I also like relaxing at home watching a good movie or getting some extra rest if it's been a busy week. It really depends on the day but I enjoy a good mix of being social and having time to recharge.

High school or secondary school

Warren County High School, Warrenton NC