Online degree candidates could gain hands-on accounting experience

Online degree candidates could gain hands-on accounting experience

Prospective accountants who choose to enroll online colleges may leave time to participate in skill-boosting volunteer opportunities, such as those offered by the University of New Hampshire.

For the seventh consecutive year, the college's Whittemore School of Business and Economics has launched a program that allows its students to test their accounting knowledge and help low-income families.

A total of 30 students will offer free tax preparation services for individuals and families whose total household income falls below $49,000 per year.

These charitable students have all been certified through the school's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which is a collaboration between the school, the Internal Revenue Service, Northeast Credit Union and the Creating Assets, Savings and Hope Coalition of Southeastern New Hampshire.

The services will be available to eligible consumers through the month of February.

Similar opportunities could help business degree candidates gain experience that can give them a competitive edge when they enter the workforce.

Working professionals who couple volunteer experiences with online courses may be able to stay abreast of emerging trends in their field.