What were your professional goals when you started the MSA program? How did the Seidman MSA program help you achieve your goals?

1. Take classes that aligned with my CPA exams.
2. Further my knowledge of accounting beyond debits and credits.
3. Broaden by professional network with professors and other professionals in the field.

I was able to pass 3 out of 4 of my CPA exams while going through the MSA program. I also built strong relationships with professors and students with whom I still stay in touch to this day and have helped me along the way throughout my career. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work alongside Professor Harper as his graduate assistant.

What content or skills did you learn in the MSA program that you regularly use today?

Aside from enhancing my technical accounting skills and business fundamentals, the MSA bolstered the development of my business writing and communication skills in the workspace, which has been integral in the advancement of my career to this day. Communication is one of the soft skills that might not seem that important, but as an accounting professional, you will have to explain difficult or complicated concepts to clients or co-workers in a simple and concise manner.

What was the most rewarding part of the Seidman MSA program?

The classes were well structured, and the professors were helpful and responsive. The professors also pushed for open discussions in class to engage us in diverse viewpoints and continuously reminded us to ask questions. The MSA program provides the student the freedom to choose elective courses that allow them to explore new topics, such as ethics, research, international accounting, and gain knowledge of the business world. There are also various business organizations within the Seidman College of Business where you can hold leadership positions and further enhance your professional development. Lastly, the MSA program provides for many networking opportunities outside the classroom, including events with alumni and speakers from various backgrounds that showed me the multiple paths and careers an MSA degree can offer.

How were you challenged during the MSA program?

I had professors who truly cared and were passionate about what they taught and challenged me to think critically. In the classroom setting, I was constantly challenged to defend my viewpoints and logic behind my research papers and accounting issues.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a Seidman MSA?

While you should certainly take advantage of the textbook content and master accounting/GAAP concepts, make sure you are also connecting with and getting to know your classmates and professors, as they will be your life-long connections and will be able to help you further down the road in your career. Make sure you are taking advantage of networking opportunities and also office hours.

How did your Seidman MSA shape your leadership style?

I had the pleasure of getting to know and working closely with two of my closest classmates at the time, who had the highest work ethic and helped shape the way I think and lead in the workplace. These are people who I still rely on for professional and personal advice.