Washington D.C. and Beyond!
Washington D.C. and Beyond!
I recently was able to take a trip to Washington D.C. with some of my MAcc colleagues, where I was introduced to many new people and policies for the first time. This experience was a week-long experience that pulled back the curtain on how accounting connects with the world of government, regulation, and public affairs.
Monday morning, we dove into understanding the machinery of government, hearing from the President of The Washington Campus as well as others. They reminded us that policy isn’t created in a vacuum and when it comes to business. Staying aware of legislation and regulatory shifts isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Throughout the week, we met with experts across public and private sectors, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where we explored how politics, technology, and innovation intersect with financial systems. A highlight was hearing from voices like Donna Brazile and media professionals, who gave us an honest take on how perception, policy, and public trust are shaped by the headlines.
Tuesday was all about advocacy and accountability. At the AICPA, we saw firsthand how the profession fights for ethical standards and relevance in a changing world. Later, at the SEC, we got a front-row seat to how regulations are enforced and how crucial transparency is for maintaining fair markets. It was eye-opening to connect these agencies and efforts to the very frameworks we study in class.
By Wednesday, we were in audit territory, visiting the PCAOB, where we were reminded that protecting investors means holding firms to the highest standard. The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) added another layer, focusing on emerging topics like ESG reporting and anti-fraud innovation.
Thursday broadened our lens. We engaged in conversations about sustainability reporting, tying financial disclosures to environmental and social responsibility. We also explored Capitol Hill, sitting in the House and Senate galleries, watching policy being shaped in real time!
What this trip taught me is that accounting is not passive. It’s not just filling in boxes and reconciling balances. It’s about standing at the crossroads of business, ethics, and government and having the tools to make sure things are running not only accurately, but fairly.
Being in the MAcc program offers so many incredible paths for your life after graduation, but the value of it truly lies in what you choose to invest in it. Trips like this are a reminder to lean into the bigger picture. Build the knowledge, stay curious, and remember that the work we do as future accountants will shape more than balance sheets—it will shape public trust, economic outcomes, and the world we live in.
Go Bucks, and never stop learning beyond the classroom.
