What are your current majors and when do you expect to graduate?
I am currently majoring in Accounting with a co-major in Business Law, Ethics, and Decision Making. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s in Spring 2025 and with my master’s through the MSADA program in Spring 2026.
What is your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?
My favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley is the opportunity to get involved with the field of accounting starting your first semester as a first-year undergraduate student. Unlike the other Kelley majors, you can take advanced accounting courses before you start I-Core if you choose, which helps with preparing for the CPA examination and any internships you might take part in. It gave me an edge when completing work as an intern and I was able to take on more responsibility because of it.
Why did you choose to major in accounting?
I’ve always been fascinated by understanding how things work. From the mechanics of a computer to the process of a simple chemical reaction, I’ve been driven by a curiosity about the how and why behind everything. As a child, I constantly asked questions, much to the chagrin of my parents at times. My curiosity naturally led me to accounting, as it provides answers to some of the most compelling questions about business. Accounting is the language of business; it explains why some businesses thrive while others fail. It’s about understanding which numbers go where, ensuring everything is in its proper place. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of accounting is its ability to tell a story. It narrates how a business grows or falters, providing insights and lessons that guide future decisions. For me, accounting isn’t just about numbers; it’s about uncovering the narratives that those numbers reveal.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?
Connect with your professors and create a personal relationship with them. Some of the best experiences I have had as a student at Kelley have come because of the support of the professors that I have had the pleasure getting to know. Whether it was Professor Clark clearing his entire schedule so students could talk to him about things they were confused about before the exam; Professor Metz genuinely wanting to hear about all of the little things that were happening in my life and offering her support in any way she could, even if it had nothing to do with accounting; or Professor Mathis taking the time to personally congratulate me for my hard work on an exam, I could not be the student I am without the support of the amazing faculty in the accounting department.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduating in May (2025), I will be completing an internship in the Audit Department at Deloitte in Chicago. In Fall 2025, I will begin my graduate coursework in the 4+1 MSADA program at Kelley. Then, after graduating in Spring 2026, I hope to work full time as an auditor for a public accounting firm.
Please tell us about your favorite activities at Kelley and IU.
Reflecting on my undergraduate career at Kelley, two experiences stand out: winning the K204 Case Competition and the I-Core Case Competition. The K204 Case Competition was my first time doing a case study, and it was an unforgettable experience. It was incredibly fulfilling to know that my hard work directly benefited a small business and positively impacted its operations. Working with a client to create an information system from the ground up, which they then used in their daily operations, was a unique and transformative experience for my academic career. Winning the I-Core Case Competition is one of my proudest moments at Kelley. This experience honed my collaboration skills and allowed me to thrive in a high-pressure environment. It taught me the value of teamwork, especially when working with individuals I had never interacted with before. I’ve found that at Kelley, it isn’t just about the application of what you have learned, it is also the soft skills that you develop through real world applications that you can’t learn elsewhere that gives Kelley students an edge. Outside of academics, I am very involved in Greek life. I am a member of the Student Conduct Board for the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and held many leadership positions within Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, including Vice President of Operations and Panhellenic Delegate.
What has been your favorite accounting class at Kelley?
As I said before, I have had so many enriching experiences through my connections with the professors in my classes, which has made each class stand out to me. However, I would say the most applicable class that has helped my professional life outside of preparation for the CPA exam would be Taxes & Decision Making. Although I do not want to be a tax accountant, I became more informed about the world of taxes and tax policy, which allowed me to be able to speak in an educated manner about my thoughts on economic policy. It also helped increase my financial literacy, which is so important as a young professional.
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