There are many questions that come along with deciding whether or not to pursue a graduate degree. And while you can search the internet for information or pick the brains of your coworkers who have gotten their master’s degrees, there’s no perspective quite like that of a current grad student.
So we interviewed Mark Pendleton, a graduate student in the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination program at West Virginia University (slated to graduate spring 2017), and asked him why and how he decided to make the plunge into pursuing a master’s program.
Mark Pendleton: I was looking for a new challenge, both personally and professionally. The idea to go back to school and study something brand new, was exciting. When I discovered West Virginia University was offering a master’s program for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, I was even more convinced that grad school was something I should pursue. Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination is a field I’ve always found fascinating — all and all, it’s been a perfect opportunity.
MP: The Master’s in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination is an online program. Since I do not live in Morgantown, WVU’s online program fit perfectly into my schedule. Weekly conference calls are scheduled where the instructors can answer questions and give additional insight. In addition, I am able to call instructors directly when I need clarification on a particular question. This kind of flexibility is very important for a working professional who also has family to take care of.
MP: I had many doubts. It had been close to 30 years since I had last been in an academic setting. I did not know how different teaching in an online format would be compared to the traditional classroom I was used to.
Also, I did not know how much time or commitment would be involved. I was able to address my concerns by talking with professors at WVU, and they helped me understand the process of how the classes work and the time involved. Everyone was extremely open and helpful in providing insight.
MP: The biggest obstacle was what affect would this decision have on my family? This decision not just affected me, but them as well. I work full time and accordingly, there would be many evenings and weekends that I will have to spend away from them to concentrate on class work.
This journey exponentially improved my time management skills! I had to coordinate my tasks well in advance in order to keep track of when assignments were due and when I would be able to complete them. The beauty of online classes is that they allow you the flexibility to get you work done at a time that's most convenient for you — the challenge is that classes go by extremely fast so staying "on top of your game" is of utmost importance.
MP: My plan was to come away from this experience with two things. First, a good foundation of knowledge that I can use to build upon. For me, this is just the start of becoming an expert in fraud examination. I am currently studying to be recognized as a Certified Fraud Examiner with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. After I do that, I must take continuing education courses every year to maintain my certification.
Second, unfortunately businesses lose millions of dollars every year to fraud. With the help of WVU’s master’s program, I will be able to use what I’m learning to help protect these businesses and their assets.
MP: In choosing a graduate school, I had many things to consider. I chose West Virginia University for several reasons but largely in order to have the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized professors. The professors are not just interested that you get through the program: they want to make sure you understand every part of the fraud investigation process. This includes knowing what needs to be done at the very beginning of an investigation, knowing how to interview people, knowing how to write reports properly, and knowing how to testify in court. I believe this is what separates WVU from other programs.