About Anthony
Previous Degree: BS in Management and Economics
Previous University: Skidmore College
Q: What was your background before starting your MS in Accounting/MBA at D'Amore-McKim?
A: I attended Skidmore College, where I majored in business management with a minor in economics and played baseball. During my time in college, I discovered my passion for accounting through my finance and accounting courses, which inspired me to pursue it further. While my undergraduate studies provided a solid business foundation, my exposure to accounting was limited to a few courses. I saw this as a strong starting point but knew I wanted to deepen my expertise in accounting to advance my career.
Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim for your graduate studies?
A: When I was researching graduate programs, I was drawn to D'Amore-McKim for its unique combination of an MBA and MS in Accounting in an accelerated, 15-month format. The program's corporate residency was particularly appealing because I didn't complete an internship during my undergraduate studies and wanted the opportunity to gain professional experience before starting a full-time role.
The program's curriculum also stood out for its combination of advanced accounting principles and MBA coursework. I was looking for a program that would not only strengthen my accounting knowledge but also incorporate modern tools and techniques relevant to the industry. The courses combined data analytics and technical skills such as Python, SQL, and Tableau, creating a comprehensive learning experience that blended theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Q: How has the MS in Accounting/MBA program prepared you to achieve your professional goals?
A: D'Amore-McKim's MS in Accounting/MBA program has profoundly influenced my career path. Over the next three to five years, I plan to focus on public accounting, applying the knowledge and practical skills I've gained to broaden my expertise and deepen my understanding of the field. Beyond that, I see promising opportunities—whether advancing at Ernst & Young (EY), transitioning into private accounting, or exploring roles in other industries.
The program provided both a strong academic foundation and invaluable real-world experience. I completed my corporate residency at EY, which proved to be a turning point in my career. That hands-on experience not only deepened my industry knowledge but also led directly to a full-time position in their audit practice, where I currently work.
Coursework further prepared me for success. Case studies and presentations allowed me to apply financial theories to real-world scenarios, while group projects strengthened my communication and teamwork skills. Specialized courses in audit services and business entity tax equipped me with technical expertise directly relevant to my work at EY.
Additionally, the program's emphasis on analytics was transformative. Learning tools for data mining, analysis, and visualization strengthened my ability to work with complex financial data and deliver data-driven insights—essential skills in today's digital accounting environment.
Q: In what ways did the D'Amore-McKim team support you in securing your position at EY?
A: One of the most valuable aspects of the MS in Accounting/MBA program is the opportunity to visit all four of the Big 4 firms within the first few months. These visits are designed to help us identify the best fit for our corporate residency by giving us firsthand exposure to each firm's culture, values, and leadership. While the Big 4 offer similar services, these experiences make it clear which firm aligns most closely with our goals, and which firm sees us as the right fit.
For me, that firm was EY. I was drawn to their focus on innovation, collaboration, and their strong emphasis on technology and digital transformation. Their investments in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain set them apart, offering exciting opportunities to work with cutting-edge tools and stay ahead in the industry.
The Graduate School of Professional Accounting's career support team played a critical role in helping me secure my residency at EY. They coordinated interviews, provided personalized coaching, and offered resources like resumé reviews, mock interviews, and networking events with partner firms. This support not only helped me feel prepared for the residency but also set me up for long-term success.
My corporate residency at EY was a turning point in my career. It gave me meaningful, hands-on experience and ultimately led to a full-time position in their audit practice, where I continue to build my skills and contribute to impactful projects.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: Being surrounded by smart, motivated classmates is an incredible experience that pushed me to grow continuously. My advice to future students is to fully embrace your cohort and recognize the value of its diverse backgrounds. As a former baseball player, my experience in sports and as an undergrad was different from many of my peers, but that diversity created meaningful opportunities to connect and learn from one another. I also learned the importance of showing up every day and being fully present. This program moves quickly, so it's essential to be prepared to work hard and seize every opportunity to learn from others—just like in baseball, where discipline and teamwork are key to success.
