About Alexander
Hometown: Roxbury, Massachusetts
Country: United States
Previous Degree: BS in Economics
Previous University: Connecticut College
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: Accounting wasn't even on my radar when I started college. Coming from an economics background, I was interested in numbers and problem-solving, but I didn't really understand what a career in accounting could look like. I took my first accounting course in my sophomore year, and my professor encouraged me to explore the field after seeing how well I did in the class.
The more I learned about public accounting, the more I realized it was very different from what I had imagined. I discovered that it combines analytical problem-solving with collaboration, communication, and relationship-building. That combination really appealed to me and showed me that accounting could be a great fit for both my interests and my personality.
Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim's MS in Accounting/MBA program?
A: My professor introduced me to Northeastern's MS in Accounting/MBA program through Connecticut College's partnership with the university. I was drawn to the accelerated 15-month format, the combination of accounting and business coursework, and the opportunity to return home to Boston.
Northeastern's experiential learning approach was a major draw, especially the corporate residency. As I was approaching graduation, I was looking for a clear next step and a program that would put me on a path toward a career. The combination of advanced education, professional experience, and strong career outcomes made it a great option for me after undergrad.
Q: How did the program prepare you for your corporate residency?
A: From the beginning, the program prepared us through networking events with firms like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY and BDO. These events helped us build relationships before the recruiting cycle began and made the transition into corporate residency much smoother.
The faculty and Graduate School of Professional Accounting team were also a constant source of support. They helped us throughout the recruiting process, from interview preparation to answering questions about the firms, while our coursework gave us the foundation we needed to step into the residency with confidence.
One of the biggest questions I had during the networking process was, “What firm will be the right fit for me?” Going through that process taught me that the best approach is to be yourself rather than trying to give the answers you think firms want to hear. When you have genuine conversations and pay attention to where you naturally connect with people, you start to get a sense of where you'll fit best. That made the process of choosing a firm feel much more intuitive and ultimately helped me find the right fit.
Q: What was your corporate residency experience like?
A: I completed my corporate residency at Deloitte on the audit track, working onsite with a client-facing team. The experience gave me the opportunity to build on what I was learning in class and see how those concepts come together in a professional setting. I worked closely with associates, managers, and other team members, asking questions and learning from their experience.
The classroom and corporate residency complemented each other in different ways. In class, I built a strong foundation in accounting concepts, while at Deloitte I applied that knowledge to client work, understood processes, collaborated with my team, and saw how accounting works in practice.
I also got to see how AI is being used in the profession. Rather than replacing critical thinking, it was being used as a tool to support the work and improve efficiency. Seeing that firsthand gave me a better understanding of how the field is evolving.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: After graduation, I will be returning to Deloitte full-time as an auditor and plan to pursue my CPA license. I will begin preparing for the CPA exam, which is a rigorous four-part process that requires significant dedication.
Long term, I am keeping an open mind about how long I stay in public accounting, but I ultimately hope to move toward a role that blends accounting with the sports industry. During my undergraduate studies, I completed two internships with the Worcester Red Sox, which gave me a firsthand look at a sports front office and strengthened my interest in working in the sports industry. My goal is to eventually bring together my accounting experience and my passion for sports.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students?
A: Be yourself and trust your instincts. Bring your own perspective and personality to the program rather than feeling like you need to fit a certain mold or have everything figured out before you start. The MS in Accounting/MBA program is challenging, but you're surrounded by people who want to see you succeed, from your cohort and faculty to the professionals you meet along the way. If you're willing to work hard, stay open to learning, and trust who you are, the program can give you the confidence, connections, and foundation to launch your career.
