Joseph Gause, Jr. (MS '10)

One of the best decisions I made in my collegiate career was applying for and completing the Master’s of Science in Accounting program. The courses offered through this program equipped me with the intellectual foundation needed to succeed in the Internal Audit profession. This was also aided by a collection of professors who were knowledgeable and effective in applying their real-world knowledge of business and accounting to help us learn.

Through this program, I was able to build lifelong personal and professional relationships with like-mind individuals who helped encourage, challenge, and hold me accountable. This program also exposed me to different business disciplines, industries, companies, and organizations. The availability of local chapter professional organizations (e.g., Beta Alpha Phi Accounting Club, IIA, NABA, ISACA, etc.) allowed me to gain professional experience and exposure while completing the program. The networking opportunities through these groups, laid the foundation of my entry into the professional world.

VP, IT Internal Audit
GM Financial

Hisham Alhakimi (MS '12)

At Eastern Michigan University's College of Business, I encountered professors and school administrators who were truly best in class. Not only did they bring great knowledge and unconditional support to the students, but they also connected us to countless professional networking opportunities. While completing my combined Bachelor and Master of Accounting degrees, I was also able to become involved with local student organizations that would further enhance my academic profile.

Professor recommendations, solid career services resources, coupled with my strong academic performance helped me land two internships and later a full-time role. Since then, I have gained valuable experience with multinational companies in the areas of tax, financial and IT audit, as well as business transformation. I am convinced that the Master of Science in Accounting program helped lay a healthy foundation for my career in business and it has enabled me to be much more versatile than I could have imagined. 

Security Assurance Manager
AWS Security

Erin Critchfield (MS '11)

The masters in accounting program at EMU has opened many doors for me and allowed me to grow my career in the direction I want. The classes prepared me to sit for the CPA exam in a way I could not have prepared myself. It is evident that the professors really care about their students both inside and outside the classroom. Not only were they always willing to assist with coursework, but they also provided access to many opportunities, such as student organizations, career fairs, and professional organizations, to help me prepare for my career. The education and experience I gained from the program has played an instrumental role in my ability to be a trusted tax advisor to my clients.

Tax Manager,
Plante Moran

IIkhomjon Amanov (MS '16)

Pursuing the master’s degree in accounting program at Eastern provided me with countless opportunities to grow by enhancing valuable skills such as problem solving, public speaking and gaining a comprehensive understanding of technical accounting. This experience forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and boost my confidence by preparing to sit for and pass the CPA examination. It was an excellent decision to continue my education at EMU. The faculty and staff played an instrumental role in my decision since they focus on the success of students inside and outside the classroom. The program allowed me take on leadership opportunities by participating ​in the various student organizations and initiatives at College of Business. All in all, the program equipped me with necessary tools to be prepared to start a career at a professional services firm and strive towards becoming a trusted business advisor for multinational corporations.

Risk Advisory Consultant,
EY

Besnik Topulli (MS '07)

I found the master's in accounting program to be a great program in many aspects. For starters, the fact that classes were offered in the evening was very helpful, as it allowed me to have a regular day time job. It has a good balance of classroom instruction by faculty and hands-on projects. Projects range from studying and analyzing real life cases and scenarios to working with local business on specific projects. This prepares you for a professional setting once you finish the program.

The professors are great—overall some of the best and brightest people I have met or worked with. Most of them worked hard outside the classroom to find internships and job opportunities for students. We were highly encouraged (at times aggressively, but with good intent) to pursue these opportunities, as well as attain professional certifications (like the CPA and CIA) while in school to get a head start in the job search market. The emphasis was not just on instruction while in the program, but making opportunities available beyond that. I found this approach very valuable.

Business Manager,
School of Art & Design, University of Michigan