Sydney graduated from Kelley in 2024 with majors in Accounting and Business Analytics. Currently in her second year as an Audit Staff at EY’s financial services group in Chicago, Sydney shared with us some of her Kelley Accounting memories and advice for future students.
Why did you choose to major in accounting?
My interest in accounting started early – I was fortunate enough to have taken business electives in high school, including an accounting course, which sparked my curiosity and ultimately led me to apply to Kelley and enroll at IU. My dad, who began his career in public accounting, often shared how much he learned from his team and client interactions, and that perspective stuck with me. When I started at Kelley, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. The variety of majors, co-majors, and career paths felt overwhelming at first. But after taking introductory and financial accounting courses freshman year, something clicked. The material felt intuitive, and more importantly, I found myself genuinely interested in learning more. That’s when I decided to switch my major from Finance to Accounting, and I’ve never looked back!
Was there an accounting course/project/group/interaction, etc. at Kelley that has been particularly helpful to you in your career?
The one accounting experience that stands out most for me is A-315 Audit Workshop with Professor Lori Bhaskar. Even though I had an internship lined up for the summer, this class broadened my perspective on the many career paths available with an accounting degree, which was far beyond what I initially imagined. What made the course impactful were the weekly panels featuring accounting professionals across different ranks and industries. Hearing their diverse experiences and engaging in Q&A sessions helped me better understand not only my current position, but also the breadth of other career opportunities an accounting degree has to offer. Beyond the content, Professor Bhaskar’s passion for the curriculum and dedication to her students’ success made the experience unmatched. She is one of the best professors I had during my time at IU; I encourage all students interested in accounting to apply for the workshop!
What was your favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley?
My favorite part of being an accounting student at Kelley was the strong sense of community. The professors were not only outstanding educators, but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about all our success. All my professors consistently made themselves available and were always willing to provide guidance beyond the classroom, whether for course-related questions, career guidance, CPA exam advice, or simply offering support during the most demanding parts of the semester. Equally meaningful was the connection with my peers. While Kelley is a large school, the accounting program felt like a close-knit group. The collaborative nature of the major courses fostered strong friendships and efficient teamwork. I was fortunate to share that experience with two of my best friends, Emily Kennedy and Emma Fine. From tackling challenging coursework together to grabbing a SPEA bagel before class, those everyday moments became some of my fondest memories at IU. The network of support from both the professors and students within the accounting program shaped my college experience and continues to influence my career today where collaboration and relationships are essential.
Drawing on your career experiences, what advice would you give to future Kelley Accounting students?
To future Kelley Accounting students, my biggest piece of advice is to take full advantage of both the learning opportunities and the incredible network around you. The classroom is not just a place to absorb lectures; it is a space to develop the soft skills that will set you apart in your career. Communication, collaboration, and professionalism are just as critical as technical knowledge, and they’re often built through team projects, going to office hours, and even casual conversations with classmates before class starts. I would also advise investing in relationships with your peers and professors. The connections you make at Kelley can become lifelong resources. Speaking from just a little over a year of experience, the network I built during my time at Kelley continues to offer me insights and opportunities well into my career in public accounting. The more effort you put into engaging beyond the lecture, the more value you’ll gain not just now, but for years to come!
What was your favorite accounting class at Kelley?
One of my favorite classes at Kelley was Intermediate Accounting II (A-312) with Professor Mark Piorkowski. It was the first accounting course where I truly felt challenged, and honestly, a little lost at first. While intimidating, that experience pushed me to rethink how I learn and problem-solve, ultimately making me a stronger student and more resilient professional. Beyond the material, what made the class my favorite was Professor Piorkowski’s dedication to his students: hosting extra office hours, walking through examples in the classroom, and ensuring we felt prepared for exams. His support didn’t stop there; when I expressed interest in academia, he shared his own journey and offered me a research assistant role, which became one of the most impactful experiences of my senior year. I cannot recommend him enough for this course!
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