About Jackson
Previous Degree: BS in Health Science
Previous University: Boston University
Q: Can you tell me about your background and what led you to D'Amore-McKim?
A: I was a Health Science major in undergrad, but the business classes I took for my minor, especially in accounting, finance, and innovation, were what truly fascinated me. I absolutely loved my accounting classes and enjoyed presenting on real-world problems we could solve.
I wanted a graduate program that would build on the business classes I took in undergrad while letting me go deeper into accounting. When I found Northeastern's combined MS in Accounting/MBA, it felt like the right fit. I had taken some accounting classes as an undergrad and absolutely loved them, so the chance to pair that interest with broader business training made perfect sense.
The combined degree and three-month corporate residency in just 15 months were the deciding factors. The program's structure, with its residency, networking, and career development opportunities, was exactly what I wanted. That's why I chose to pursue the MS in Accounting/MBA instead of just the MBA alone.
Q: What was the hiring process like for your corporate residency?
A: I knew I wanted to complete my corporate residency in New York, so I took advantage of all the available resources. The D'Amore-McKim team was instrumental in guiding me through the process, providing tools and connecting me with people at the firms I was interested in. When firms visited campus, the career team also identified students who wanted to work out of state and introduced us to professionals from those firms' New York offices. That extra support really helped my application stand out.
The career team also prepared me with workshops on resumé building and mock interviews. The resumé workshops were great for spotting my strengths and weaknesses, and the career advisors provided one-on-one feedback. They brought in alumni to run mock interviews, taking on the role of partners and managers. They asked the kinds of questions we would likely face in a real interview and provided honest feedback on our responses. All this preparation was essential in helping me feel confident and ready.
Q: Tell me about working for a Big Four firm in New York?
A: Starting my corporate residency at PwC in New York City was definitely a leap—it was a new city with a fast-paced environment, and I was one of the few in my program to go out of state for a corporate residency. At first, it was a little nerve-wracking, but PwC's training and the incredible support from my team made all the difference. Their mentorship helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I'm excited to return as an associate this fall.
What really set me up for success was the coursework in the MS in Accounting/MBA program. Classes like Audit Foundations gave me the confidence to hit the ground running. Because I had a strong grasp of the technical skills, I could focus on building relationships, from associates to partners. That ability to connect and contribute meaningfully made my residency an unforgettable experience and confirmed that I'm on the right path.
Q: How does your MBA coursework give you an extra edge?
A: The MBA courses were just as impactful as the accounting curriculum in shaping my success. They gave me a broader understanding of how different industries operate, which proved incredibly useful during my residency at PwC. I was placed on the real estate team within asset and wealth management, and thanks to my MBA coursework, I could quickly grasp the nuances of that sector, from supply chain structures to customer dynamics.
Courses like marketing, supply chain, and data mining completely shifted my perspective. They helped me move beyond the numbers and understand the full picture of a client's business. For example, my supply chain knowledge helped me understand how a client's operations were structured, while data mining gave me the tools to spot trends and potential risks. Because I felt confident in my accounting foundation, I had the freedom to explore these broader business topics—and that curiosity helped me grow professionally and stand out on my team.
Q: What is your post-graduation role at PwC?
A: After graduation, I'll be starting as an Audit Associate at PwC this fall. The role is a direct result of my corporate residency, and the program's career services team was great at helping me understand this structured path from intern to a full-time associate.
My short-term goal is to grow in my audit role and complete my CPA within the next year. I've already begun taking sections this summer and am making steady progress. I'm really enjoying public accounting, and I'm excited to keep learning and building my skills. Looking further ahead, my long-term goal is to become a leader in the profession, someone who drives results for clients while also mentoring and supporting the next generation of accountants.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: My best advice is to believe in yourself and your abilities. This program is fast-paced and challenging, but that's by design. It's preparing you for the kind of dynamic environment where you'll thrive at a firm. This experience will teach you discipline and resilience, and it will show you just how much you are capable of. You are here for a reason. You are smart, capable, and ready for this. Every challenge you take on now will only help you grow stronger and more confident as you step into your career.
