ASU Commencement Spotlight: Autumn Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

ASU Commencement Spotlight:

Autumn Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Accounting Accountant, UnitedHealth Group

Autumn Griffin, an Atlanta native, will graduate on Dec. 8 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Autumn is passionate about traveling the world and learning about other cultures. She is a member and has served as the former Vice President of the Accounting Student Association and is a member of Global Ambassadors.

Autumn GriffinWhat motivated you to learn more about your field?

 Math and science were always my favorite subjects in school. Originally, I was interested in engineering at Mays High School, until I was introduced to accounting at my after-school job. During high school, I worked as a cashier at Wayfield Foods in my neighborhood. The manager that hired me was like a mentor. She was in school majoring in accounting. Sometimes, when she was in the office doing accounting work, she would let me shadow her. I learned that there were so many routes you could take in accounting and finance, from entrepreneurship to being the CFO of a big company. However, I truly knew accounting was my calling after my first internship with the Atlanta Housing Authority. 

Why did you choose ASU?

 I chose Albany State University because I fell in love with my ASU Ramily. After my first college visit, I knew this was the school for me! I also have a few family members that are alumni that encouraged me to attend. Albany State University was also affordable. With the help of the HOPE Scholarship, grants, and scholarships from the Griffin-Crescent Alumni Chapter, UNCF and Cascade United Methodist Church, I am able to graduate from ASU with very few student loans. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

 I am moving to Minnesota to start my career with UnitedHealth Group. I recently interned with UnitedHealth Group during the summer and was offered a position in accounting to return full time. I also plan on going to graduate school, so I can later attain my CPA license. 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?

 The aspects of my profession that I love most are the demand for accountants, the job security within accounting and the many opportunities of growth within accounting! You never stop learning in accounting and life overall is about learning, so you never stop living in accounting. 

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?

Dr. Kathaleena Monds has had the biggest impact on me and has been a role model for me at Albany State University. I studied abroad to Belize, Central America with Dr. Monds in 2017, and the experiences and information I learned with and from her were life changing. 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?

 Some advice I would give to other ASU students is have fun yet remain focused. Please take advantage of resources that are available, take every opportunity to intern and develop professionally. Do your best and do not stress. Keep everything confidential, even though nothing can stop what is meant for you. 

Why would you say to a High School student about choosing ASU to further their education?

Albany State University is a great university to further your education. There are so many life changing opportunities to take advantage of!