Oh(io), The Places You’ll Go

When I first started the MAcc program at The Ohio State University, I was unsure of several things. From career outcomes and course rigor to connecting with new people, I wasn’t sure what to fully expect. 

Coming from a finance undergraduate background and transitioning into accounting, many questions surfaced early on. Would I need to complete an accounting internship before pursuing full-time roles? What would the recruiting process and timeline look like? And would I be able to balance all of this with my course workload?

During the first semester of the MAcc program at Ohio State, I attended a wide range of recruiting events, from career fairs to courtyard networking socials. While the process felt overwhelming at times, Ohio State and Fisher’s MAcc program prepared me well for these situations, easing my uncertainty early on. 

Now, as I’ve reached halfway point of the program, I’ve found answers to many of these initial questions and uncertainties. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend KPMG’s Talent Sync event in Orlando, Florida after accepting a full-time position at their Columbus office. This event was a two-day experience designed to connect new hires (interns and full-time) with the firm, offering career development, networking opportunities, and culture immersion. While the trip was quick, it provided a great opportunity to step away from coursework and reflect on the past couple of months. 

During the MAcc program, it can be easy to get caught up in your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, from classes and projects to your personal hobbies and activities. Sometimes you lose track of your progress and where you are heading. When I began my graduate school journey at Fisher, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have the opportunity to take part in events like KPMG’s Talent Sync. Connecting with other like-minded individuals who are on a similar path was a reminder that the work being done now in the classroom is building toward real career outcomes. 

For future Fisher MAcc students, I think it is important to find a balance between reflecting on what you’ve done and accomplished while also staying present and focused on working towards the goals you’ve set. In the moment, the days and weeks can feel long and repetitive but staying consistent despite uncertainty and remaining disciplined can open many doors and new opportunities.  You never know the places you’ll go or what you’ll achieve.