About Lauren
Previous University: Northeastern University
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration, dual concentration in Accounting and Finance
Q: Why did you decide to enter the PlusOne MS in Accounting at D'Amore-McKim?
A: I decided to pursue a master's degree in accounting to be prepared to sit for the CPA exam before beginning to work full-time. I applied to the PlusOne MS in Accounting program during my junior year while interning at Deloitte. I anticipated a full-time offer and knew that earning a master's and becoming CPA certified early on would provide additional growth opportunities as I moved into my new role.
Starting on this path so early meant that I could take classes at a pace that worked for me. I will graduate with my master's, undergrad, and co-op experience, all at an average four-year college pace, which no other university could offer me.
Q: How has your master's degree deepened your accounting expertise?
A: As an accounting undergrad, you believe there are only two options for your career path: work for a company in their bookkeeping department or go into public accounting. After taking graduate classes like forensic accounting and internal audit, I found there are many career paths in accounting. I've gained the skills to pursue a variety of different options.
With my PlusOne MS in Accounting, I gained a depth of experience, knowledge, and skill that has opened new doors. My graduate classes went beyond basic journal entry accounting classes; they're directly applicable to accounting in the real world. That experience positions me at a more advanced level than those entering the field with just a bachelor's degree because I have a greater understanding of the bigger picture.
Q: How has your degree helped you achieve your professional goals?
A: My ultimate goal would be to work at a financial services company as the head of either accounting or financial reporting. The advanced knowledge and the connections I've made during my master's degree are helping me get there. After my co-op at Deloitte, I received an offer as an audit and assurance first year in their Boston office. Earning my master's and soon becoming CPA certified will only help me grow and develop professionally at Deloitte, bringing me closer to achieving my goals. I'm so excited to work at a Big Four firm once I graduate!
Q: How did the faculty help you confirm that accounting was the right field for you?
A: The support and insight from faculty throughout my time at D'Amore-McKim have been amazing. Coming to Northeastern University, I was unsure if I wanted to pursue accounting.
All the professors I've had the pleasure of working with have been more than willing to share their own unique experiences. Asking about their background and career path helped me better understand what a career in accounting would entail and helped me decide if I wanted to do that or not.
I am so grateful for my accounting professors. Their insight really helped solidify that accounting was the career for me.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: I would say to utilize Northeastern's resources to maximize your opportunities and figure out your path. Professional experience is crucial in solidifying if the career you're considering is the right fit. Step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and see if you like it. Take risks like working as a teacher's assistant or a research assistant in the accounting department. Utilize your professors as resources and fountains of knowledge. They can provide a much-needed perspective, and all you have to do is ask. Overall, the experiences that I've taken advantage of have helped reinforce what I want to do with my career.
