“College of the Rockies was an awesome experience and I still consider going back so I can continue to learn and have people push me to be the best.”
Growing up, Ann Swansburg was surrounded by entrepreneurs. Inspired by their passion, perseverance, and resilience, she was motivated to forge her own enterprising path.
“I have always enjoyed working with numbers and finally decided it was time to make a career out of it,” she said. “To get there, I wanted to attend a school close to my home in Wasa, and one which offered online classes so I could continue working full-time as well.”
Ann completed both the Office Administration and the Bookkeeping Specialty certificates before also becoming a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. She was then ready to take the plunge and open her own business. FirstStep Bookkeeping offers customized virtual bookkeeping services to self-employed individuals and small businesses, all from Ann’s home in Kimberley, BC.
“I wasn’t sure how I would do taking an online program, but my teachers were always willing to work around my schedule and would get back to me quickly whenever I had questions,” she said. “The College prepared me to open my own business by giving me the tools I need to be successful. I gained confidence and am using the skills I learned to help other businesses with their bookkeeping needs.”
Having now fulfilled her entrepreneurial dreams, Ann is grateful she took that first step of attending the Office Administration program at College of the Rockies.
“If someone is considering attending the College, I would advise them to do so,” she said. “It was a wonderful experience and I learned so much. I was a bit nervous going back to school so long after high school, but age doesn’t matter there. You have nothing to lose by attending the College, you will only gain from the experience.”