Business Management Provides a Flexible Path for Matthew Taddy

As a full-time Business Management student who also works full time, Matthew Taddy appreciates the flexibility Lakeshore offers.

Not every career path is straight as an arrow from high school, and that’s ok. Lakeshore College meets people, including Business Management student Matthew Taddy, wherever they are in life, whenever they’re ready to take their next step.

While attending Roncalli High School in Manitowoc, Matthew says he knew attending a four-year university was not going to be the best fit for him right away. After graduating in 2021, he took time off to work and think about his next steps. He appreciated spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and working on restoring his classic Ford truck. 

Matthew knew he wanted to further his education and had an interest in the managerial and financial facets of the building and construction field. He took a job in the construction field and started attending Lakeshore College, with sights on taking his business skills to the construction world after graduation.

“I chose the Business Management program at Lakeshore College because they are nationally ranked among technical colleges, they are very affordable compared to all other schools in the area, and many of my friends and family who attended Lakeshore had nothing but great things to say about their experience,” says Matthew.

The keen interest Matthew developed in his accounting course moved him to rethink the construction field. He decided to pursue an entry-level accounting or finance role and started working as an Operations Specialist at Premier Financial Credit Union in New Holstein. In his role, Matthew is gaining experience in credit union operations, accounting, and information technology. 

“I’m liking this work more every day! This is certainly something I can see myself doing long term,” Matthew says. 

As both a full-time student and employee, Matthew says he really appreciates the flexibility of classes, and the fact Lakeshore instructors have experience in their fields.

“The mixed options of in-person, online, and specifically iFlex classes have been such a great aspect of attending Lakeshore. It allows me to prioritize my schooling, while still having time to work and do the things I enjoy the most,” says Matthew. “I have also appreciated that our instructors have real-world experience out in the field. It brings a whole new element to how they teach and the impact they have on students. The real-world experience our instructors have provide us with valuable insights that closely align with practical applications in the field.”

Business Management Instructor Megan Schaalma says Matthew is the kind of student instructors dream of having in their classes and programs. 

“Matthew consistently demonstrates an outstanding commitment to his studies and personal growth. His dedication to academic growth is evident in the quality of his work. He contributes valuable insights and perspectives to our discussions, enriching the learning experience for everyone. It's a true pleasure to have Matthew in the Business Management program,” says Megan.

Matthew is on track to graduate in December 2024. He says he will then pursue his bachelor’s degree in finance at UW-Green Bay while maintaining his role at Premier Financial Credit Union. Matthew has already proven he can succeed at both, and we wish him all the best in what is sure to be a bright future.

Business Operations Specialist is one of many jobs Lakeshore’s Business Management graduates are prepared to fill. Learn more at gotoltc.edu/programs-and-courses/degree-programs/business-management.