Following Her Dream: Nora Sirjoo
Though Nora Sirjoo, Accounting Services Analyst for Retail Business Services, has had a successful career in
Finance, she’s always dreamed of going back to school.
“I've always wanted to go to college, you know, and for a while I had this misconception that I couldn't go, because I didn't get accepted to great universities,” she said.
But after a few years, she took the plunge, enrolling in Strayer University’s Accounting program. The program wrapped up in the spring of 2020, and that was when Nora – a relatively new Retail Business Services associate – heard about the company’s Tuition Reimbursement program.
“I’d been debating going for master’s degree for about half a year, so when I heard about the program I jumped right on it,” she said with a laugh.
Now, Nora is enrolled in Capella University’s Leadership program, and she’s learning how to listen to others’ concerns and use her creativity to solve problems. A full-time employee, wife and mother, Nora says the tuition reimbursement program has been heaven sent.
“My tuition is pretty much free – I about fell out of my chair when I read that,” she said. “It’s made pursuing my degree so easy and worry free – and getting my education has made me so happy.”
While going back to school isn’t for everyone given the significant time commitment, Nora encourages associates who are passionate about earning a degree to learn more about the tuition reimbursement option.
“A lot of people do not go back to school because of student loans,” she said. “I know that, because I was one of them – I really sat on it for a long time. This program really opens the door for the opportunity to grow yourself.
“Learn something new and bring it back to the business and improve the business,” she added. “Improve your job, improve how you work. There are so many ways that college helps you. It improves you, and also what you do each day. I think that's the best thing about this program – it gives you the opportunity to grow and learn and at minimum cost.”
You can learn more about the program here.