This week’s Meet the Roger CPA Review Team Q&A Series is with Charlotte Roberts, Vice President of eLearning. Learn more about why she’s passionate about education, who gives her daily motivation, and why she believes that mentors are an invaluable thing.
And now, without further ado, here’s…
A Q&A with Charlotte Roberts, Vice President of eLearning at Roger CPA Review
What do you do at Roger CPA Review?
I work with a variety of teams within Roger CPA Review developing strategies and initiatives ensuring company growth. My main specialty and service group is Accounting Academics (Professors) and Universities. In this role, I help equip professors and Universities by educating them on Roger CPA Review resources that would be best used within their programs and curriculum. As such, I help them accomplish their goals by providing earlier exam exposure for the next generation of CPAs and an increase in campus pass rate.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Roger CPA Review?
My favorite thing about working at Roger CPA Review is that we are part of the ever changing education industry. I reflect on my college days: purchase a large expensive textbook, go to a live class, listen to a professor lecture, and take tests along the way. This is not the same environment today’s graduates experience. Instead the new norm is to learn in flipped classrooms, taught within hybrid learning models and intuitive online courses. Today’s students are able to take the courses they need in order to advance their careers at a rate that works best for their lifestyle. In addition, online courses provide opportunities for them to think more critically, revisiting old problems with new solutions that didn’t exist, even 10 years ago. Technology does not just aid the education industry; it is a significant part of our sustainable future and I’m excited to be on the forefront as it continues to evolve!
How does your current position influence what you’re passionate about?
I am very passionate about education and training. When I was young, I used to play school in my bedroom and just knew I would grow up to become a teacher. Well, I may not have become an educator in the way that I thought I would, but I’m still teaching and training in my position. Throughout my tenure at Roger CPA Review, I have had the immense privilege of training many new team members. When outside company doors, I am traveling throughout the nation visiting campuses, presenting in a variety of classrooms, and helping educate professors and students nationwide on the CPA Exam.
Who has impacted you most in your life and how?
My husband and children. I learn from them daily, if not hourly. My husband has taught me that the difficult conversations are often necessary; learn to navigate them. He is my best friend and the strongest person I know. My children have challenged me to be transparent and intentional. They are mini mirrors that I can’t hide from. They are 24/7 apprentices watching my every move. This is humbling beyond belief and I am truly a better person because of the influence they have had on me.
If you could go back in time and do one thing over, what would it be and why?
Sure, there are situations, words, actions, or decisions that I could easily rattle off that weren’t great and it would be nice to do over. However, as soon as those thoughts come to mind, I think of something great that came out of the negative. So I guess no, forward and onward!
If you could offer one piece of career (or life) advice to recent college graduates, what would it be?
Surround yourself with mentors. I can’t emphasize this enough! Have a professional mentor, personal mentor, etc. Think beyond your direct professors or supervisors. Look around you. Who is accomplishing similar goals and going about it in a way that you admire? Approach them, learn from them. Share your desires with them and ask them to mentor you. Ask questions like ,“Can you tell me what you are seeing with this situation?” or “Why did you answer that way?” or “Do you have experience with this? If you do, how did you navigate through it and what would you do differently?”. Do not just choose people that will tell you what you want to hear. That will not help you professionally grow or challenge you to be better. Instead choose people that are invested in you enough to tell you the truth, even if it is hard. They are willing to tell you because they believe you need to hear it in order to become the best you possible.
What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“My response is my responsibility.” –Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. I learned this quote a few years ago and it is applicable in almost every area of my life. Even if I can’t control the words, actions, or situations around me, I can control how I respond to them. This quote has seriously changed my life!
How do you plan to enjoy the fall?
Three things. First- I absolutely love Thanksgiving. A holiday all about food and being thankful for those around you? I’m in with a healthy appetite. Second- we have a pretty competitive group here at Roger CPA Review playing in a Fantasy Football League. I look forward to continued domination. Third and Final- those that know me know I LOVE politics. I am so excited about the continued debates and campaigning by all!