Business students on the fast track

SFCC students are eager to quickly prepare for a better paying job, advance in the workplace or start a new business venture. SFCC’s Business Administration program helps them build the skills and knowledge to gain a competitive edge. A Certificate in Business Administration can be completed in just 16 weeks, no matter when a student starts.

Assistant Professor of Business William Sikes understands the needs of students who often work full- or part-time while juggling other responsibilities such as childcare. He teaches a variety of business classes and works closely with Academic Advisor Emily McCarthy, who helps students map out classes to earn academic credentials.

“A real strength of the business program is that you can start any time. Most business courses are offered as 8-week classes in multiple modalities and some classes are a full 16 weeks,” Sikes said. “We have 8-week business classes that will start midsemester on October 14.” During the academic year, students have five different opportunities to begin an 8-week class.

Earn other Business Credentials
Students can build on their learning by earning additional certificates or an associate degree.

Business Certificates
In addition to the certificate in Business Administration, the Business program offers a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources.

Business Administration Associate degrees
SFCC offers two paths for students to earn an associate degree.  One is geared toward students wanting to transfer and the other supports students seeking more immediate career opportunities.

• The Business Administration Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree prepares students who would like to transfer to another college to pursue a bachelor’s degree and then perhaps ultimately a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).
• The Business Administration Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program is designed for students who wish to obtain or sharpen their basic business administration skills – accounting, marketing, business law, management and office technology – while pursuing course work in their chosen area of concentration (accounting, technology, media arts, etc.). The associate in applied science degree is available with concentrations in accounting, business administration and entrepreneurship or a focus area of your choice.

“We’ve just started offering business classes for students in the trades and it’s been exciting to work with people who are primarily aged 25 to 35 years old – although we get students of all ages. They often are from working families and are looking for ways to boost their knowledge, skills and abilities. They really enjoy the class format of working with real world examples that are practical for their goals,” Sikes said.

Business and Accounting programs offer flexible scheduling
SFCC’s Business Pathway offers a mix of online and in-person class options for flexible scheduling that meets student needs. Sikes teaches both in-person and online classes. For those who like the flexibility of online classes, it is possible to earn credentials in Business, as well as SFCC’s related Accounting program completely online. Accounting students can earn an Accounting Specialist Certificate, as well as an Accounting A.A. or an Accounting A.A.S. Read more about SFCC’s flexible Business and Accounting programs.

Sikes’ background reflects his ability to be flexible
Today’s economy demands that people have strong business skills. Sikes, along with other SFCC business and accounting instructors, represent a wealth of knowledge gained through personal experience. Sikes credits his personal flexibility with his own eagerness to learn about the world, business and become comfortable with both online learning and teaching.

Sikes was born in New Mexico. After moving as an infant, he grew up in small towns in Colorado and Wyoming. He gained a global perspective by studying and working abroad, pursuing a variety of interests including culinary arts, marketing and business. He earned his MBA from a Swiss-based school. He has lived in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Mainland China. In 2023, he returned to New Mexico with his wife and two children to gain stability and seek new opportunities after living and working abroad.

He loves New Mexico. Sikes said, “Teaching at Santa Fe Community College has been such a positive experience for me. The college offers such a great range of accessible and affordable classes to meet students wherever they are on their educational journey. I want more people to recognize that and discover all that the college offers in terms of resources to succeed.”

SFCC’s Business Pathway
Prospective and current students wondering if studying Business or Accounting will meet their interests or career goals are encouraged to check out SFCC’s Business Pathway. Prospective students who need assistance applying or enrolling can click here, call 505-428-1270 or email enrollment-admissions@sfcc.edu.