From Nantucket to Deloitte: Turning determination into opportunity

Q: What is your background?

A: I'm originally from Brazil, and my journey took a big turn when I came to the U.S. through a high school exchange program in Wisconsin. I later transferred to a high school in Massachusetts, which eventually led me to UMass Dartmouth, where I studied operations management and international business and planned to follow a traditional business path. 

After graduation, I moved to Nantucket and worked for several small businesses, handling bookkeeping and admin work. That's when something clicked. I realized I didn't just want to support businesses; I wanted to become a CPA and play a bigger role in their financial success.  

That realization set everything in motion. I started researching graduate programs and found Northeastern's MS in Accounting/MBA. It was exactly what I needed to take the next step. It felt like I had found the perfect path to turn my skills into a career I was truly passionate about.

Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim?

A: When I found D'Amore-McKim, the program, it offered everything I was looking for: a combined advanced degree, a corporate residency at a top firm, and an accelerated 15-month timeline. But more than that, I felt like I belonged here. From my very first interaction with the admissions team, everyone was so welcoming and genuinely supportive. That sense of community made all the difference in my decision.

Q: What was your experience like as a student?

A: It's been intense but transformative. As a first-generation college student and a mom, I've always had to plan carefully and work hard. I commuted to Boston, managed a full-time course load, and raised my six-year-old son throughout the program. It was a lot to juggle, but the support from the faculty made a huge difference. The coursework gave me confidence and real-world skills. I've grown so much, personally and professionally, and I'm proud of how far I've come.

Q: Tell us about your corporate residency at Deloitte.

A: I worked as an Audit & Assurance intern, and it was an incredible experience. I wasn't just observing; I got to contribute to real client work and apply classroom concepts to real challenges. It helped me build technical skills, grow more confident in a professional setting, and form strong relationships with my team. 

Q: What are your next steps?

A: I'm thrilled to be joining Deloitte full-time as an Audit & Assurance Associate. I've worked hard to get here, and I'm excited to take everything I've learned and apply it in my career.  After everything I've put into this journey, it feels like I've reached the light at the end of a very long tunnel. I used to drive past Northeastern and wonder if I'd ever belong here—now I'm graduating with a combined degree and a job at Deloitte. I'm ready to take everything I've learned and put it into action.

Q: What advice would you share with future students?

A: Start strong and stay focused. From day one, take every opportunity seriously. Go to events, connect with your classmates, and build relationships with people who understand what you're working toward.  I said yes to every chance to learn and network, and those relationships turned out to be incredibly valuable. If you stay focused and committed, this program can truly change your life, just like it did for me.