Student Spotlight - Trae Tingelstad

Pathway: Business

Trae Tingelstad is one of Everett Community College’s first bachelor’s degree students. He chose EvCC for its affordability and closeness to home and decided to stay when EvCC launched the Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting degree. “People think that community college isn’t as in-depth, but EvCC has a vast variety of programs in which one can pursue their career goals,” he said.

Why did you choose EvCC to get your BAS?

I originally was accepted to the University of Washington as a freshman. UW was my dream school. It was a hard decision to make, but ultimately EvCC came out with this program and it seemed too good to be true. After weighing my options, I chose to pursue the BAS in Accounting at EvCC forthe convenience: It was closer to home, more affordable, and I could stay working.

What did you study at EvCC?

From 2021-2023 I was completing my associate degree at EvCC. The discipline focus was General Studies, but I chose all accounting/business classes as my electives and extra classes. Now with the BAS in Accounting program in place I am attending  2023-2025.

Who helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

Business Administration Instructor Kimberly Lothyan has been a tremendous help to me and has guided me through this journey. She is an advisor for the program and has taught many of the accounting classes I have taken. She is a great professor and puts her students first. Without her knowledge and help, I would not have known about the BAS Program. She ultimately answered all the questions I had and helped me in any way she could. 

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

I don’t go to the campus a whole lot, but when I do I always have a good time. The best experience I had at EvCC was when I attended a Pathways Event. It was a great networking event for accounting students and we got to enjoy free pizza! 

What advice do you have for new students?

I would say make sure you know the end goal. It seems hard to stay motivated at times, but if you remember why you are pursuing school and keep that thought always in the back of your mind, you will succeed and accomplish your goals.

What do you wish you'd known about EvCC sooner?

I always knew about EvCC as I am the second child in my family to attend. But if I wished to know something sooner it would probably be all the options they offer. People think that community college isn’t as in-depth, but EvCC has a vast variety of programs in which one can pursue their career goals. 

What do you plan to do next? 

After I graduate in June of 2025, with the BAS in Accounting, I plan on pursuing to get my CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license and my CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Certification. These two things will take some time to complete but after I graduate, I hope to enter the workforce with an entry level position in accounting or finance and work my way up from there, and eventually hope to open my own practice.