Delivering Future Business Leaders

“I had to sacrifice a lot of my free time, but that determination also helped me get internships and was definitely worth it in the end,” shared Jacob Day, College of Business senior who will complete a double major in accounting and finance in May 2024. Day, recently named the Spring 2024 Outstanding Graduate in Accounting, works part-time for the United Parcel Service (UPS), and originally joined the Metropolitan College program to assist him in achieving his academic goals at the University of Louisville while maintaining a part-time work schedule.

Determined to earn his bachelor’s degree affordably, Day shared that “the main reason I chose UofL was to keep the costs of university relatively low. I didn’t have anyone to help me pay for college and was very averse to taking on a ton of debt, so I decided to stay in my hometown for college.” The partnership between UPS and UofL perfectly fits his needs, allowing for financial support while he earns his four-year degree.

Packaging Partnerships

The Metropolitan College program is a Kentucky partnership between UPS, UofL, and Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC). Participating eligible students get their full-time undergraduate tuition paid to UofL or JCTC and fee payment money, bonuses, and other benefits. Student Success Counselor for the Metropolitan College program, Tiffani Thornton, shared how she has seen the program benefit the UofL students she advises – both financially and professionally. “For many students, this program serves as the sole option for pursuing higher education. The program not only offers free tuition but also equips students with essential workforce preparation skills, including resume-building, job search strategies, and interview techniques,” she noted. 

Rerouting Goals

Day had not always planned on pursuing a business-related career field. “I actually started at UofL back in 2017 as a biology major, but I wasn’t very motivated and ended up taking a few years off to work and take advantage of the fresh start program,” he shared. Once enrolled in courses for his majors at the College, Day shared that his experiences with classmates, faculty, and activities have provided him with multiple positive experiences he is taking with him after he earns his degrees. In particular, he noted the impact Lisa Blum, PhD, had on him as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the College’s professional organization for students pursuing accounting, finance, and computer information systems majors. As faculty advisor, Day noted that Blum “consistently encourages students to get more involved on campus and push themselves as they start internships.”

Handling With Care

Dedicated to giving back to the College while staying involved with campus events, Day is currently serving as a student volunteer for the College’s participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Part of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. While the IRS manages the VITA program, VITA sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities.

Do you currently work for UPS and want to further your education at UofL? If so, Metropolitan College may be for you. Visit https://metro-college.com for more information.