Q:What skills are you building in the D'Amore-McKim MSA program that you will use in your future career?
A:As a graduate student of the D'Amore-Mckim MSA program, I am building important skills that I will be able to apply to my future career at KPMG. Working with a team has been a common trend in the program. By working on various teams, I am able to experience not only the positives but also the difficulties of working within a group. By working efficiently with my peers, we are able to become a high-performing team. As an associate at KPMG after graduation, I will be on various engagements comprised of different individuals. My experience working on teams at Northeastern, will allow me to excel with my engagement teams as well. The MSA program also has challenged my analytical skills. My professors have encouraged critical thinking to overcome obstacles and look for solutions. Communication is another skill that has been strengthened due to the MSA program at Northeastern. Whether it is communicating my ideas in ethics class or communicating the expectations from my internal auditing group, I am improving a skill that is critical in the world of accounting. From my colleagues to clients, communication is the key for success.
Q:What would you say to a colleague considering enrolling in the MSA program?
A:I would strongly encourage a colleague to enroll in the MSA program at Northeastern. The MSA program focuses on experimental learning which gives a snapshot of the real-world. The program provides courses that are correlated to the CPA exam as well. The professors also challenge me to reach my greatest potential. By working closely with the students, the professors ensure each student has gained knowledge, skills, and values to carry into the future.
Q:Why did you choose the D'Amore-McKim MSA?
A:Besides Northeastern being a very prestigious university, I chose to earn my master's at Northeastern specifically for the direct alignment of the course material to the CPA exam. The courses offered in the program will be a helpful tool when preparing for the CPA exam. Because of the courses in the program, I have gained confidence in myself and believe I can pass the exam.
Q:What has been your biggest take-away from earning your MSA at Northeastern so far?
A:So far, my biggest take-away from earning my MSA at Northeastern is the experience of the program itself. In my first semester, I already gained an understanding of what to expect in my future career. Already, the program has enabled me to work in groups, interview clients, and tap into my critical thinking.
Q:Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A:In 5 to 10 years, I see myself continuing my career at KPMG. As a CPA, I would have climbed the ranks in the firm, eventually becoming manager within the 10 years. The skills I built at Northeastern would have been reinforced while working in the industry. I would have Northeastern to thank for the success in my accounting career.