Hard work puts Emily Carpenter on path to success

“I took an accounting class my senior year of high school,” says Emily Carpenter of Poplar Bluff. “I liked it so much, I decided to pursue a degree in business administration. When I took more accounting classes at Three Rivers College, (TRC) I realized how much I really enjoyed the work.”

Carpenter graduated from TRC in 2017 with an associate degree in Business Administration/Accounting Technology.

In 2019, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Central Methodist University, where she was able to complete all her coursework online. Carpenter minored in Banking and Finance.

“I went to work for Kraft, Miles & Tatum LLC in 2017,” Carpenter notes, “where I work as a staff accountant. I value the relationship I have with my clients and am confident that I made the correct career choice five years ago.”

Carpenter and her husband, Clayton, were married in the fall of 2017.

At the Claudia House, Clayton and Emily Carpenter of Poplar Bluff are pictured on their wedding day in September 2017. Photo provided

Carpenter observes that beginning a marriage, starting a new job and taking college classes presented many challenges.

Emily Carpenter of Poplar Bluff graduated from Central Methodist University in 2019. The ceremony was held on the campus of Mineral Area College in Park Hills. Photo provided

“My parents and husband have played a huge part in my being able to accomplish my goals,” Carpenter relates. “The three of them have always been super supportive.

“My parents kept me on track and offered advice when I had questions. My husband and I were both pursuing degrees, so we had many nights during a work week when we were up late completing assignments for school. We would work together to help one another until everything was finished.”

In reflecting on her college experience prior to entering the workplace, Carpenter says she regrets not realizing the benefits of a professional internship.

“I wish I had known how important and helpful an internship in my chosen field would have been,” Carpenter relates. “Most universities require an internship, but others offer an alternative course that can fill that requirement.”

She goes on to say, “I chose to take the alternate option, and I don’t feel it gave me as much knowledge as the experience of an internship would have.”

Now that graduation is behind her, Carpenter says she currently does not have plans to return to school for an advanced degree.

“I believe I am finished with college,” she observes, “however, I have enough credit hours and meet the requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam, should I choose to do that in the future.”

In her free time, Carpenter enjoys spending time with family and traveling with her husband.

During the winter, she participates in the park department volleyball program.

Additionally, she volunteers at Bluff Church, where she is involved in the Sunday morning media operations.

Carpenter and her husband are parents to two Shih-Tzu Chihuahuas named Chewy and Otis.

A 2015 graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, Carpenter admits the transition from high school academics to college coursework proved to be daunting at times.

As many 2020 graduates prepare to head to college this fall, Carpenter offers this advice — gleaned from her own experience.

“When your life gets busy and school seems overwhelming, don’t ever give up. Keep pushing through because in the end, the late nights, difficult classes and hard work will all pay off,” she said.