About Justin
Previous University: Northeastern University
Undergraduate Degree: Business Administration with a concentration in accounting
Q: What is your background?
A: My journey into accounting started back in high school, when I took a college-level accounting course and realized how much I enjoyed working with numbers and problem-solving. That early experience stayed with me and led me to choose accounting as my concentration from the very beginning of my undergraduate studies.
When it came time to choose a university, Boston felt like the perfect place to grow both academically and personally. Northeastern University stood out not just for its location but for the way it prepares students for real-world careers. From the start, Northeastern felt like a place where I could challenge myself and lay a strong foundation for the career I wanted to build.
Q: Why did you choose the PlusOne MS in Accounting?
A: I chose the PlusOne MS in Accounting because it offered more than preparation for the CPA exam. The program combines graduate-level coursework with real-world applications, allowing me to build advanced skills while I'm still an undergraduate. From the moment I learned about PlusOne, I knew it was the right opportunity to get ahead.
By the fall of my junior year, I had completed the necessary prerequisites, earned the required credits, and secured faculty recommendations to ensure I was on track for CPA eligibility. The coursework closely aligns with CPA exam content and is reinforced by hands-on experience, giving me a strong foundation for a career in audit. This preparation has given me the confidence to take one or two CPA core exam sections before starting full-time at CohnReznick in January, while also making progress toward my master's degree.
Q: How did you choose to focus in audit?
A: Audit appealed to me because it's all about working closely with clients and guiding them through complex situations. I appreciate that it's never black and white. There's always something new to learn, and the field keeps evolving. During my undergrad, I completed two winter audit co-ops at CohnReznick, and I knew I'd found the right fit. Preparing workpapers, analyzing statements, and performing substantive testing strengthened my technical skills and boosted my confidence in client-facing work.
I'm currently interning at CBiz on the government and non-profit audit team while finishing my master's coursework. Even though this internship isn't for credit, it's been a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and immediately apply what I'm learning in class. These experiences have broadened my exposure in the field, solidified my commitment to audit, and positioned me to grow quickly in my career. For anyone considering audit, know that it's a career where curiosity and problem-solving really shine, and it opens doors to incredible opportunities.
How did the career team support your ambitions?
A: Throughout both my undergraduate and graduate coursework, I've felt fully supported by the career services team, and that support has truly made all the difference. From refining my résumé and practicing mock interviews to offering guidance at every step, they've helped me build confidence and clarity about my career path. My two undergraduate co-ops were transformative, providing me with real-world experience that shaped my decision to focus on auditing. And now, my current internship is preparing me in ways I didn't even know I needed, skills and insights that I'm already benefiting from as I get ready to launch my career. I'm positioned to start strong and grow quickly in the profession.
Q: What academic experiences have shaped your career?
A: One of the most influential classes I've taken was Ethics in Accounting. It focused on firm policies, professional skepticism, and the principle that our primary responsibility is to the public. This perspective shapes how I approach audit work, reminding me that my work affects real people who rely on accurate financial information. It grounded me and gave me a clear sense of how I want to conduct myself throughout my career.
My professors provided clear guidance on assignments and exams, which allowed me to gain professional experience while staying on track academically. Their flexibility and encouragement have been key to my success in the PlusOne MS in Accounting program.
Q: What advice would you give to future students?
A: If you're serious about accounting, the PlusOne program is a game-changer. It is a strong academic and professional asset that provides you with graduate-level experience during your fourth year of undergraduate studies. That head start puts you ahead in the job market and helps you prepare for the CPA while gaining real-world experience that employers value.
The program is very much a “what you put in is what you get out” opportunity. The connections you make with classmates are valuable because everyone has similar goals, such as preparing for the CPA and gaining experience. If you are ready to commit, the PlusOne MS in Accounting is an investment that can accelerate your path in accounting and set you up for long-term success.
