A Double Husky's journey to Deloitte

Q: Tell us about your background and what brought you to Northeastern?  

A: I came to Northeastern planning to study finance, but my first accounting class quickly showed me that's where I really belonged. With accounting, the logical structure and satisfaction of getting a clear, definitive answer clicked with me right away. Accounting was both challenging and rewarding, and that's when I knew I needed to switch my concentration. 

One of the biggest reasons I chose Northeastern University as an undergrad was the co-op program. I completed two co-ops, one in tax at The Bollard Group, a small Beacon Hill firm, and another in staff accounting at Lantheus, a publicly traded biomedical company. These experiences gave me hands-on exposure to tax research, month-end closes, and quarterly reporting. It was the first time I truly saw how what I was learning in class showed up in real-world work. 

After graduating in December, I continued building my skills through an Audit and Assurance internship at Deloitte from January to May. During this time, I gained firsthand insight into how audits work, from testing procedures and evaluating internal controls to delivering accurate, dependable financial statements. This exposure confirmed that accounting was the right path for me, making the MS in Accounting a natural next step. 

Q: Why did you choose to return to D'Amore-McKim as a Double Husky? 

A: Northeastern always felt like the right place for me. I'd had a great undergraduate experience and built a strong network in Boston, so continuing at D'Amore-McKim was a natural choice. I initially considered the PlusOne MS in Accounting, but I wasn't able to complete the prerequisite courses in time to start graduate classes during my senior year. Because of that, the full MS in Accounting program made the most sense, and the Double Husky Scholarship, which reduced my tuition by 25 percent, made the decision even easier. 

Meeting with a graduate advisor and learning how the MS in Accounting coursework aligns with the CPA exam reinforced my choice. The advanced curriculum will help me prepare for the CPA and stand out as a new hire. I also heard a lot of positive feedback from friends who had completed the program. 

At this point, I realized public accounting as the one area of accounting I had not yet experienced. My co-ops in tax and industry accounting were both valuable, and I was fortunate that my schedule allowed me to pursue one more internship before starting my master's program. Working at Deloitte confirmed that audit was the right path for me, something I would not have discovered without that opportunity. 

Q: How did Northeastern's accounting faculty support you?  

A: The faculty at D'Amore-McKim played a huge role in my development. I built a personal connection with a professor when I was a teaching assistant during my last summer as an undergraduate, and that relationship continued during the MS in Accounting program. Every professor was approachable, deeply knowledgeable, and committed to making accounting come alive through case studies, guest speakers, and discussions of current issues.  

Two moments that stood out were a session with a forensic accounting expert, who walked us through real investigations, and a discussion led by a professor on how AI is being applied in accounting. Experiences like these gave me concrete examples of how complex audits work in practice and the tools firms are using, insights I can directly apply as I start my audit role at Deloitte. 

The coursework mirrors the core topics tested on the CPA exam, and professors provided helpful resources, including study guides and prep materials, which I'm using to build confidence as I prepare for the exams. Even though I haven't taken any yet, I feel well-prepared thanks to the combination of hands-on learning and practical insights from the faculty. 

Q: What is your plan after graduation? 

A: After graduation, I'm excited to join Deloitte as an audit associate. I received the job off after completing my internship with them. My immediate goal is to pass three levels of the CPA exams before I start at Deloitte. 

Once I'm at Deloitte, I look forward to building strong professional experience, taking on more responsibility, and establishing a solid foundation in public accounting. Thanks to the skills and connections I've gained at Northeastern, I feel confident that I'll be ready to pursue whatever opportunities come next.  

Q: What advice would you give to students considering the MS in Accounting program? 

A: Start early and stay focused. The MS in Accounting program moves quickly, so it's important to engage fully with each class, participate in case studies and discussions, and seek out opportunities to apply what you're learning. Be proactive with faculty and advisors and take the initiative to connect coursework to real accounting situations. The more you invest in the program, the more you'll gain and the better prepared you'll be to start your career confidently.