Graduate Success - Lois Hilgendorf

Lois Hilgendorf’s kids were grown up when she decided to return to school and finish her degree. She had been working as a bookkeeper for Lambson & Rader and wanted to advance in the company.

She chose Yavapai College because of the convenience – it was local and she could take classes at night, which she did, part-time, while continuing to work full time.

“Getting my degree at Yavapai College was very convenient, and the classes were easy to fit into my schedule because there were a variety offered at night,” Hilgendorf said. “I’d recommend YC to anybody.”

After Yavapai College, Lois went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, and today she is a Certified Public Account. “Yavapai College gave me the background I needed,” she said.

Today, Hilgendorf’s job is varied, but she mostly works on audits for small business and non-profit organizations and does tax returns. Her advice for someone interested in pursing a career in accounting: “Work in an office during high school or part-time during college and learn about the job. Accountants have a reputation of being boring,” she said, “but it’s much more varied than most people think. You have to like numbers, make decisions and think critically.”