Kathy Birri shares how the Chambers College’s fully-online Forensic and Fraud Examination program helped her reach her reach her goal of becoming a fraud investigator.
Q: Where are you originally from and currently living?
A: I am originally from Columbus, OH where I had a six-year career as a forensic
accountant, but I am currently a fraud investigator in Knoxville, TN.
Q: Why did you choose the Online FFE graduate program at WVU?
A: WVU’s FFE graduate program had unique components such as case work and testifying, which made it my top choice. The most important factor in my decision to attend WVU was the broad range of investigative work. I want to be the best fraud investigator and forensic accountant I can be, and the education WVU’s FFE program offered helped me advance towards my goal. The second most important aspect was having the flexibility to attend online and asynchronous classes so I could continue working.
A: WVU’s FFE graduate program had unique components such as case work and testifying, which made it my top choice. The most important factor in my decision to attend WVU was the broad range of investigative work. I want to be the best fraud investigator and forensic accountant I can be, and the education WVU’s FFE program offered helped me advance towards my goal. The second most important aspect was having the flexibility to attend online and asynchronous classes so I could continue working.
Q: What was your experience with online learning? Have you felt supported by your faculty and classmates?
A: Online learning was an easy transition from previously working from home. As a forensic accountant, it’s extremely important to stay organized and manage the case workflow. I transferred that organization skill to keeping track of due dates and keeping myself accountable.
I felt well supported by faculty and classmates. I was welcome to reach out
as much as needed to my professors for assistance. I made multiple lifelong
connections with classmates during the program. I have frequently kept in contact
with classmates to share investigative knowledge. The friends I’ve made through
this program are truly special to me as they have the same drive and ambition
in the anti-fraud field as I do.
Q: What is your current job? Do you feel that getting a graduate degree from WVU has advanced (or will advance) your career path?
A: Immediately upon graduation from WVU, I secured a job as a fraud investigator with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. I believe WVU’s FFE program made me a top candidate during the application process.
Q: What advice would you have for a student thinking about the FFE program, whether right out of college or not?
A: The biggest question I had when deciding whether to enroll in the FFE program was whether it would help me advance my knowledge in the anti-fraud profession. I can, with absolute certainty, say that WVU’s FFE program was extremely valuable and the education was beyond my expectations. I am a better forensic accountant because of WVU.
Q: How do you hope to change the future of business?
A: My goal is to make business safer for everyone and seek the truth for victims.
Q: What is your favorite WVU tradition?
A: My favorite tradition is WVU’s theme song “Take Me Home, Country Roads”! I often find myself on mountain backroads for investigations and can’t help but sing it and reminisce about graduation day.
Q: If you have any specific stories/insights/updates to share related to your experience with the Chambers College and our FFE program, please share here:
A: During the FFE program, one class had a day seminar with a certified forensic interviewer from Wicklander-Zulawski. The information shared in that class was captivating and allowed students to join the International Association of Interviewers. When applying to the comptroller’s office, they recognized this organization during my interview. Within the first year of my employment, I was encouraged and successfully achieved the forensic interviewer certification. WVU has continued to influence my career goals after graduation. I am proud to be a Mountaineer!
