Continuing one’s education can be difficult, if not impossible, due to the cost. At Palmetto GBA, we encourage our employees to continue their education. To support employees’ educational goals, Palmetto GBA offers an education assistance benefit to help employees earn college or graduate degrees at regional or nationally accredited colleges or universities. The Palmetto GBA Education Assistance Program reimburses a portion of eligible expenses such as tuition, books, and most related fees

A degree can be an important stepping stone in career development. To learn more about our associates’ experience with the Education Assistance Program, we spoke to Clinton Griffin and Arteya Robinson.

How did you hear about the Palmetto GBA Education Assistance Program?

Clinton Griffin: I was aware of this program before starting with Palmetto GBA. I like to explore employee benefits before joining a company. I also learned more about the program from the Human Resources team during onboarding and training in my first week with Palmetto GBA.

Aretya Robinson: I’ve heard about the Education Assistance Program through word of mouth from coworkers and management for a couple of years now and haven't thought too much about it until I wanted to finish my degree. I figured this would be an excellent start and a way to move my career forward.

What degree did you pursue?

Clinton Griffin: I am earning my Master's in Healthcare Administration at The University of South Carolina.

Aretya Robinson: My degree is a Professional Master of Business Administration (Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina).

Why did you decide to apply to the Palmetto GBA Education Assistance Program?

Clinton Griffin: I decided to apply to this shortly after beginning my master’s program, figuring it would be an excellent way to help me earn my degree.

Aretya Robinson: I like the opportunities that Palmetto GBA offers, and I believe the commitment of the tuition reimbursement program supports my goals of growing within the company.

Was this program a deciding factor for you in obtaining your higher degree?

Clinton Griffin: No, not for me. I had always planned to pursue my degree. However, it was a nice perk.

Aretya Robinson: Yes. The tuition reimbursement program allowed me to focus less on the cost of the degree program and shift more focus to deciding which program worked best for me and my goals.

How do you feel this program helped you in obtaining your degree?

Clinton Griffin: Overall, it helps relieve some of the stressors that come with the financial liability of attending or completing a master’s degree. The courses are typically more costly than undergraduate courses.

Aretya Robinson: This program helped in obtaining my degree because the assistance made me more comfortable with selecting a local graduate program where I could attend classes onsite and build my professional network.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting or going back to school and is looking at the Palmetto GBA Education Assistance Program?

Clinton Griffin: I would tell them it is a great program offered by Palmetto GBA. 

Aretya Robinson: Obtaining my PMBA has strengthened my confidence, broadened my network, and expanded my perception of the unlimited professional and personal opportunities available to me. This degree has positioned me for what is next.