Michael Hines is nearing retirement after working for 20 years in the pharmaceutical field. With his current career coming to an end, his opportunities are vast as he works toward earning an Accounting and Finance degree at Wayne Community College.
Hines joined the United States Army after graduating high school and served for 11 years. He then attended WCC and earned a degree in electronic engineering in 2002.
After working as a maintenance apprentice for a while, Hines entered the pharmaceutical industry and joined Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies in Raleigh, where he now works as a senior technician.
Preparing for the future
Hines began considering retirement after decades with his company, and he thought about what he could do to keep busy. “I decided to come back to school and get a degree in accounting. That way, I can do income taxes or open my own business,” he said.
As a WCC graduate, Hines chose to return to the College since it was familiar to him. He enrolled in the Accounting and Finance program in the spring of 2024.
A flexible program
Along with an associate in applied science degree, WCC’s Accounting and Finance program also offers a diploma and one-year certificate, as well as the opportunity to transfer to the University of Mount Olive for several four-year degree options in accounting and finance. The program offers seated, online, and hybrid classes, giving students flexibility to earn their degree in a way that works best with their schedule.
Hines, who works the night shift, is especially grateful for online classes and the flexibility they afford him. “During my first semester, I was attending classes on campus after working 12-hour shifts at night, so I would be a little tired when I came to class,” he shared. “But because the classes were very interesting to me, it wasn’t hard to stay awake. I was paying attention and trying to make sure I got everything.”
Since one of Hines’s retirement dreams is to own a business, he feels that the variety of classes in WCC’s Accounting and Finance program have taught him how to proceed as an entrepreneur. “I have learned a great deal,” Hines said. “Taking business and accounting classes and seeing how they interact with each other has opened my eyes to the things that I need to do if I decide to pursue a business. Now I have a roadmap to do it the right way.”
Setting an example
At 60 years old, Hines has found it a little more challenging to come back to school. However, he also uses his life experience to share wisdom with some of his younger classmates.
Pursuing an education at any age is also an example that Hines wants to set for his children and grandchildren. “I try to give them something to strive for,” he said. “I let them know, ‘If I can do it, you can do it.’ I want to continue to be that example.”
Hines is set to graduate in May and feels prepared for whatever path he takes after retirement. His experience at WCC has taught him that education is always worthwhile, something he would encourage other potential adult learners to consider. “You’re not too old to learn. It keeps you sharp,” Hines said. “You probably have a better skillset than you think you do because of your age and experiences. Set your mind to it, and you can do it.”
To learn more about WCC’s Accounting and Finance program, visit WCC’s website or contact WCC Business and Accounting Department Chair Erin LeGrand (etlegrand@waynecc.edu or 919-739-6880).