About Sam
Undergraduate University: University of Delaware
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Finance
Q: Could you tell us what led you to pursue a dual degree at D'Amore-McKim?
A: Sometimes, on your way to achieving goals, you just need a push or a jumping-off point to get started. When I was a freshman at the University of Delaware, one of my mentors asked me if I had ever thought about getting a law degree, and that got me thinking. I had always considered going to law school, but I also was interested in the business and tax side so, when I came across the combined JD/MS in Accounting/MBA program at Northeastern, it worked perfectly. I ultimately chose this program because D'Amore-McKim is one of the best business schools in the country, and the corporate residency offered an excellent opportunity to work at a Big 4 or other globally known accounting firm. Being able to do two law co-ops and a corporate residency in accounting means I will get three semesters of real work experience in both fields. For me, one of Northeastern's most significant selling points is that I'll build the confidence to take the next step in my career and the experience and credentials to get there.
Q: You study with Northeastern Law and D'Amore-McKim School of Business. How has that experience been?
A: My experience has been great. At Northeastern Law, I'm preparing to practice law, and at D'Amore-McKim, I'm gaining deep knowledge of essential accounting and business principles. The advisors and career services staff at D'Amore-McKim made these school transitions seamless. I like the program's structure and how I can apply what I learn in law school to my business classes and accounting corporate residency with KPMG. When I return to complete my last semesters at Northeastern law, I'll bring additional expertise and perspective with me that my law classmates won't have.
One of the benefits of studying in two schools is that I've had a chance to meet and network with people from diverse backgrounds. This will benefit me throughout my career as my network is that much stronger.
My professors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. They often share their industry experience in class and make themselves available after class to talk one-on-one. The staff and professors at both schools have been immensely helpful in making my graduate experience a positive one.
Q: Tell me about your three-month residency at KPMG. What were your responsibilities?
A: I worked at KPMG's State and Local Tax Mergers and Acquisitions (SALT M&A) practice for my accounting corporate residency. This role requires a JD, and my business coursework was such an asset in helping me understand some of the tax implications going in. I was responsible for performing due diligence on mergers and acquisitions from a state and local tax perspective. I reviewed the company's information from legal to tax to HR and wrote a report documenting the pertinent information about the business the client might acquire.
Because I had the opportunity to work at two law co-ops before my residency, I came equipped with a lot of knowledge regarding legal research. I could work with many businesses and be aware of what is happening in each one, which was very helpful throughout my KPMG residency.
Q: How has your coursework helped to prepare you for your residency at KPMG?
A: During my time at KPMG, I worked at performing due diligence from a state and local tax perspective on mergers and acquisitions. Understanding Transactional Drafting and Business Bankruptcy was extremely helpful because the concepts I learned in classes made the projects in my residency less abstract. The coursework at Northeastern helped me prepare for my role at KPMG.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation? How has your program helped you feel prepared for that next step?
A: I received a full-time job offer from KPMG after completing my corporate residency. Starting this role and passing the bar will be my number one focus when I graduate.
This program has prepared me for the future and given me a competitive edge. Going into my full-time role with legal, accounting, and business expertise will allow me to advise clients on a holistic level. The most significant benefit of this program is the confidence it has given me. I know that I can enter a situation with the knowledge to understand a company from legal, accounting, tax, and business perspectives.
Q: What advice would you share with future students?
A: Take it all in because it goes by very quickly. Use the school's resources and find out who has experience in what you want to do. I advise you to talk to people at the law and business schools. I was able to find out how my program worked and what they thought. Talk to your professors and classmates. They will offer advice and can put you in touch with alumni. Don't be afraid to talk to people; this community is willing to help.
