Commencement Spotlight: Zikeria LaJae Jones

Commencement Spotlight: Zikeria LaJae Jones, Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Future Plans: Fellowship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Zikeria LaJae Jones, a 22-year-old from Elberton, Georgia, will graduate on May 4^th from Albany State University (ASU) with a  Bachelor of Science in Accounting.  Zikeria’s dedication to academics and service shines through her impressive list of accomplishments and involvements. As a student-athlete on the ASU Women’s Tennis team, a mentor with the D.E.M.O organization, and an active member of the Psychology Club, Zikeria has demonstrated her commitment to athletic and academic excellence.

Zikeria’s passion for service extends beyond the campus, where she has volunteered with various organizations such as Volunteer Income Tax Preparer (VITA), Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), Feeding Children Afterschool Program, and more.

Academically, Zikeria has excelled with a remarkable 4.0 GPA and was recognized as the highest-ranking student at ASU’s Honors Day. As a First-Generation Scholar, participant in the ASU Velma Fudge Honors Program, and Thurgood Marshall Scholar, she highlights her commitment to academic excellence and leadership. Zikeria’s impressive internship at renowned companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, RSM, and Draffin Tucker has given her valuable professional experience in accounting. She has been accepted into a prestigious fellowship program at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where she will pursue a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Accounting Analytics from Northwestern University. This opportunity will undoubtedly propel her toward continued success in her career.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
I initially came to ASU on a tennis scholarship, where I competed on the Women’s Tennis Team. Thanks to JoAnn Matthews (tennis coach) for taking a chance on me. From that day forward, I was immersed in a world of higher education where people looked like me and shared similar experiences in life. Now, I get to cheer on my little sister, Zyria Jones, a freshman here at such an awesome institution.

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
Exploring the “behind the scenes” of business and how everything works inspired me to learn more about accounting, after seeing how all my different courses within the school of business tie together, it excited me to see how it applies in the real world. I find fulfillment in participating in internships that leverage the knowledge I have acquired in school.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
As I have not yet experienced all aspects of the vast workforce accountants can enter, I look forward to having an overly broad, diverse, and lucrative career. I love to say in another life that I am a pilot so that I will be an accountant at an airline one day! Who knows!

 

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
 During my time at ASU, I have met some of the most incredible alumni who inspire me to give back to my school and be proud of where I come from. Furthermore, I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with outstanding professors, faculty, and staff members. However, one individual particularly stands out: Mrs. Cakeitha Harris-Perry from the School of Business and Academic Affairs. Mrs. Perry possesses a captivating spirit that illuminates any room she enters. Her analytical skills and work ethic are ones to be admired, and her beauty is a testament to the wondrous works of the God we serve. She has pushed me both personally and professionally throughout my collegiate career to be the best I can be, and I am immensely grateful for the incredible friend she has become.

 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
 It is easy to get comfortable and simply “go through the motions.” However, I challenge every student to always think about where they want to be in the next year and move accordingly to reach that goal. The world is ours, yet we must intentionally move in strategic directions if we want to accomplish our goals. I understand life has a tendency of “life-ing,” but we must be strong enough to utilize our resources on campus, prioritize our mental health, and put our faith in the One who can make all the difference. Most importantly, stand on business.

 

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
Your experience at Albany State is entirely up to you. It may sound cliché, but it holds true. If you opt for complacency and minimal effort, you will receive little in return. However, if you choose to go the extra mile both in class and professionally, actively network and forge new connections, and strive to do your absolute best at everything you do, then you will get a nice return on your investment without a doubt.