For Dennis Harlow, higher education wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about transforming his career, expanding his professional network, and immersing himself in a program that aligned with his life. From his early days as a high school bank teller to his extensive experience as a commercial banker, Dennis always had a keen interest in finance and helping his clients succeed. But it wasn’t until he started working alongside CPAs—analyzing financial statements, helping business owners allocate assets, and navigating post-acquisition strategies—that he realized he wanted to dive deeper into the field of accounting. That’s when he discovered the Master’s of Accounting (iMSA) at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business.
The Journey to Gies: A Perfect Fit
Dennis initially took online classes during COVID-19 to get back into the rhythm of school, having been out of the academic world for over 20 years. His first experience with online education was with his undergraduate alma mater, but he found the experience lacking—no interaction, no group work, no flexibility, and only pre-recorded lectures.
Despite already being accepted into his former undergraduate school’s master’s program, he was determined to find something better. He explored several options but the requirement for in-person presence was a dealbreaker, given his full-time job and other personal commitments. In Spring of 2023, just weeks before he was due to return as a full-time online student to his alma mater, he decided to continue his research for other online business programs, noting Gies consistently ranked among the best. With a strong reputation—including being a top-three accounting program in the U.S.—networking opportunities, and a robust online experience for master’s students, Gies stood out above all. Dennis quickly pivoted his plan, left his alma mater, and instead enrolled in the online iMSA.
A Dynamic, Engaging Learning Experience
From the start, Dennis found the recruitment and admissions team at Gies to be incredibly helpful. They explained the possibility of stacking course progress into the degree, the interactive live sessions, and the extensive networking opportunities. Unlike his previous experience, Gies provided a truly engaging environment. His classmates were diverse, coming from all over the world, and his professors included impressive leaders like tax attorneys or PhDs involved in writing tax laws.
“The professors were hilarious and engaging,” Dennis recalled. “They made even the driest material dynamic and exciting.” He specifically praised professors Matthew Hutchens and Danielle Green and their ability to bring real-world experience into the classroom.
He also appreciated the program’s structure, which allowed him to balance work and school. He created his own schedule, working intensively on weekends and completing projects during the week. The flexibility of the program enabled him to maintain a high GPA straight through to graduation.
Networking and Community: The Gies Difference
One of the primary standout aspects of Dennis’ experience at Gies was the strong sense of community and networking opportunities. He was blown away by iConverge, an annual event that brings online students together in person. “The sheer awesomeness of it all—the phenomenal speakers, the alumni connections, and the history of the school—was incredible,” he said.
Despite being an online student, Dennis felt deeply connected to his peers and the Gies network. He actively participated in iGBA networking opportunities, Chicago meetup groups, and even attended Cubs games with fellow students. Dennis noted, “The wonderful thing about the University of Illinois and the Gies program is that they try to keep you together and connected with the school,” he said. “We help each other. It’s a very cohesive community.”
The ability to connect with other professionals across industries and locations made the experience feel like more than just an online program. In fact, as Dennis noted, “it felt like family.”
Preparing for the Future: CPA Exam and Beyond
The iMSA program at Gies not only prepared Dennis for a career shift but also equipped him for the CPA exam, which he is scheduled to take in April. He appreciated that the program didn’t require an accounting background and that it was designed to ensure students were well-prepared for the CPA and real-world applications.
Beyond the CPA, Dennis is already looking ahead—he plans to return and complete the online iMBA program at Gies, further expanding his expertise in business and finance. He was namely excited about his ability to stack 24 credits from the iMSA toward the iMBA and complete a second credential even faster than his first one. His passion for working with clients, analyzing financial strategies, and helping businesses succeed has only grown stronger.
A Proud Graduate
Graduating in December 2024, Dennis celebrated this milestone by purchasing a commemorative brick at Illinois Memorial Stadium, marking both his journey and his family’s legacy. With his brother being a 2004 Illinois graduate, and with Dennis graduating from the same school 20 years later, he was excited to cement this lasting familial bond that he and his brother now share at the University of Illinois. Reflecting on his experience, he is grateful not just for the education but for the relationships, mentorship, and professional growth he gained through Gies.
With 15 years at his current firm and a deep passion for tax and advisory services, Dennis is eager to continue helping clients navigate financial decisions. His mantra remains the same: “How can we get you there?”—a perfect reflection of his dedication to guiding others toward financial success, and his dedication to bettering himself through higher education.
For anyone considering an online business or accounting program, Dennis’ journey is proof that Gies College of Business provides not just a top-tier education, but an experience that is flexible, engaging, and deeply connected to a thriving professional network.