20-Year-Old Twins Earn College Degree From HBCU; Start Careers in Accounting and Mass Communications

Twin sisters Jordyn and Morgan Jackson have just earned their Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Lousiana.

In 2018, the Jackson sisters graduated from North Houston Early College
with a high school diploma and Associate degree at the age of 17. Now, at 20-years-old, the twins are ready to start the next phase of their career. On May 8th, Jordyn obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications.

“It’s never too early to start working on your craft and you’re never too young to make an impact,” says Jordyn. “One of the things my sister and I took advantage of when we got to Xavier was the Office of Career Service. That office is vital to your college career. I was able to have three internships with PwC just by always being in the Office of Career Services, working on my craft, and working on my interview.”

She adds, “It’s never too early to start working on you. While you are sleeping and procrastinating, there is someone that is always working 50 times harder. They are on their grind and working to be the best they can be.”

How This Twin Pursued a Degree in Accounting

Jordyn had her eyes set on pursuing the lawyer track. Growing up in the black community, she felt that there were three main career options that were highlighted: doctor, entertainer, lawyer.

“If you didn’t fit into those categories, what are your other options?” says Jordyn.

But after doing her research, Jordyn was no longer sold on the lawyer lifestyle. She felt that business would be a better fit. After talking to her school’s division head, she set her target on pursuing a career in accounting and started attending the AICPA and National Association of Black Accountants conferences to get acquainted with the profession.

“College is the time when you learn and challenge yourself,” says Jordyn. “I took my first accounting class, enjoyed it, and stuck with it. I want to continue to increase the pipeline of Black CPAs because it’s less than 3%. That’s my why and my drive for doing what I do. I want to show young Black girls and boys that there are other career options out there. Accounting is a great profession.”

Exploring the World of Mass Communications

Jordyn shared her interest in business with Morgan and recommended that she consider that path as well. But Morgan wanted to leverage her skills in a different way. After hearing her mother discuss her experience as a mass communications major at Grambling State University, Morgan decided to go in that direction.

“I love speaking, says Morgan. “I did poetry a lot in high school so I wanted to learn more. When I got on campus, I fell in love with mass communications. We are the only department on Xavier’s campus that was all Black. That was amazing to me. Being mentored by Black women and men who were in the industry opened my horizons to what a career in mass communications [could look like].

Morgan is already thinking about ways that she can use her degree to bridge the gap between corporate and community communications.

“I chose the strategic communication route. In the future, I want to work with companies and brands to help them design and execute community engagement strategies that really enhance their brand appeal and make them resonate with marginalized audiences.”

Twin Sisters Pave the Way for Success During Degree Program

At 20-years-old, Jordan and Morgan have already built impressive resumes that will lead to more opportunities.

They are both members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Jordyn was a Resident Assistant, INROADS scholar, and Executive Leadership Council scholar. She’s also had three internships with Big Four accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and is a student member of the AICPA.

Morgan is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and National Millennial & Generation Z Community. She is a published writer and has worked as Marketing & Communication Specialist for the Center for Minority Health & Health Disparities Research & Education within Xavier‘s College of Pharmacy.

Twin Sisters Earn Their Degree While Capitalizing on Opportunities

On top of their extracurricular and leadership activities, both twins have exuded academic excellence through their recognition on the Dean’s list and honor societies. Their exemplary performance has been a magnet for opportunities on campus and beyond.

“Seize every opportunity and always present your best self,” says Morgan. “I can remember times when there was a small event on campus or someone was coming to speak. I made sure I was presenting my best self.  You never know who you are going to meet or see. When you walk around, you are your own brand.”

Now, Jordan and Morgan are preparing for the next opportunity that awaits them.

“All of our lives we have been together,” Jordyn posted on LinkedIn. “Now we will be entering separate educational pathways to make our impact on the world.”

Morgan will be attending The University of Missouri-Columbia to pursue her Master’s degree in Journalism. Jordyn will start her Master’s degree program in Accounting this Fall.