Southern State business degree opens new career path for recent graduate

By Elizabeth Burkard
Director of Marketing
Southern State Community College

Ryan Chapin, a recent graduate of Southern State Community College, is embarking on an exciting new career journey following the successful completion of his Associate of Applied Business degree in Business Management/Real Estate Broker, as well as the required salesperson certification needed to sit for the real estate license exam.
 
The skills and knowledge Chapin has gained at Southern State have established a strong foundation for him to pursue professional opportunities in the real estate industry. He credits Southern State with providing the support, resources, and inspiration that helped him overcome challenges and pursue his dreams, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average (GPA).
 
“I have spent most of my adult life working as a tradesman with various roles in the construction industry,” Chapin recalled. “The stars aligned, the opportunity presented itself, and I enrolled at Southern State Community College.”
 
Aside from the abundance of knowledge Chapin gained during his time at Southern State, he says the faculty contributed in a big way to his success.
 
“The professors who teach in the business program are some of the most impressive individuals I’ve ever met,” Chapin said. “Besides my family, no one else has ever made such a significant impact on me, and I am so grateful for their roles in my life.”
 
The faculty and staff at Southern State take great pride in fostering a student-centered learning environment, offering hands-on training, mentorship, and pathways to four-year universities and rewarding careers.
 
According to Southern State’s Associate Professor of Business Jeff Tumbleson, “Ryan is a shining example of what our students can achieve.” Tumbleson went on to say that “each student’s success reminds us why Southern State is vital to the future of our community.”
 
Southern State prides itself on offering accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students, like Chapin, to achieve their career goals and support their communities. The college continues to provide programs that align with industry needs, ensuring graduates are prepared for the evolving job market.
 
With the required coursework now completed, Chapin is preparing to take the real estate license exam and begin work as a real estate salesperson. 
 
“I would like to tell anyone thinking about college to just go for it; sign up at Southern State and get started,” Chapin said. “The day I enrolled at Southern State holds the same value as the day I graduated.”
 
Southern State Community College offers associate degree programs in accounting, business management, and business management/real estate broker, as well as a one-year certificate in accounting. Pathways that may be completed in less than one year include the real estate salesperson certificate and the real estate broker option certificate.
 
All business programs can be completed entirely online.
 
For more information about Southern State’s Business programs, please visit https://www.sscc.edu/academics/programs/business.shtml.
 
To view the upcoming semester’s class schedule, visit https://www.sscc.edu/academics/class-schedules.shtml. 
 
Fall semester begins Aug. 25, and registration is underway. Connect with us today.