Master's in Accounting Program

Accounting students visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Greg Johnson — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:25:04 +0000

Accounting students visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Greg Johnson Thu, 04/11/2024 - 09:25

Prior to his teaching career, Bret Johnson, an associate professor of accounting at the Costello College of Business at ��AV, was a staff accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Accounting students and faculty

“I went back as an academic fellow, so I was there from 2020 to 2021, and part of my responsibility was arranging these student visits for other universities to come,” he says. Johnson knows the current SEC academic fellow Ally Zimmerman, an assistant professor of accounting at Florida State University’s College of Business. She coordinated the visit for Costello College of Business students to visit the SEC headquarters on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 28. An independent agency of the United States federal government, the SEC was established following the Wall Street Crash of 1929 to protect investors and enforce the law against market manipulation.

Johnson worked with Ethan Kinory, an instructional assistant professor of accounting at the Costello College of Business, to assemble a group of students they could bring on the visit. Kinory is the faculty advisor to Mason’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor organization for financial information students and professionals. The chapter has 41 total students, 29 of whom are accounting majors, and it runs approximately 12 events per semester. In addition to Beta Alpha Psi students, other attendees in the group included students from the accounting honors program and the master of science in accounting program. “It’s a huge benefit of us being here in the backyard of Washington, D.C., to have these types of opportunities,” says Johnson. “We have a great relationship with the people there, and that’s really helpful to foster these types of opportunities in the future.”

The Costello College of Business group arrived at SEC headquarters by 1:30 p.m. and was greeted by Ally Zimmerman in the lobby. From there, the afternoon was broken into segments running approximately half an hour each until the agenda concluded at 5:00 p.m. Interactive presentations were given by representatives from the office of the chief accountant, division of investment management, division of enforcement, division of corporation finance, and division of examinations.

The students’ trip to the headquarters showed them how they could apply what they have learned in the classrooms as future professionals, whether it be at the SEC or elsewhere. “This excursion provided an invaluable opportunity for students to gain insight into the SEC's role and organizational structure,” says Maya Didier, a master’s in accounting student and vice president of Beta Alpha Psi. "Visiting the SEC provided me with a valuable opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained from textbooks into a real-life experience from talking to individuals who work for the SEC to visiting the building where all the work happens,” says Nathaly Pablo, a master’s in accounting student. “It was a great experience to broaden my understanding and perspective of the accounting profession."

For the 20 students who attended, it was a worthwhile and potentially career-altering event. “A lot of my students who attended told me that they hadn’t previously considered a career in the SEC or any regulatory agency,” says Kinory. “Now that they’re aware, they are considering those types of opportunities and potential employment down the road.” The proximity of ��AV and the proactive partnership building done by the faculty members open the doors for countless other top-notch experiential learning opportunities for Costello College of Business students.

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Bret Johnson

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Accounting students make the most of internship opportunities

Marianne Klinker — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:43:33 +0000

Accounting students make the most of internship opportunities Marianne Klinker Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:43

With a wide array of options, accounting students at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��AV are able to choose the types of experiential learning that will best prepare them for their future careers.

Mina Al Hashimi, BS Accounting ’23, and Makayla Sorto, a senior studying accounting, took full advantage of internship opportunities that were offered through student organizations and courses. Kaleb Lewis is the director of career services at the Costello College of Business and the faculty instructor of the internship for academic credit course. “Internships provide the foundation for a successful career by allowing students to try out various tasks and get a feel for a company's workplace environment,” he says.

Mina Al Hashimi

After graduating this past May with her undergraduate in accounting, Mina Al Hashimi is looking forward to continuing on the track at Mason with the master of science in accounting (MSA). But rather than taking the time to rest between her degree programs, she made the most of her summer by joining Ernst & Young (EY) as a technology risk consulting intern. She was serving as the president of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) on campus, which is how she got connected with the EY recruiter. As an intern, she learned about the different accounting service lines and did walkthroughs with a client to make sure that the process was working correctly. “I realized I can do a lot more with accounting than just audit and tax,” she says. “I can go into consulting or corporate accounting or any pathway really.” She now has a better idea of the kind of accounting career path she wants to pursue but still has her eyes on the big four accounting firms.

Another big takeaway Al Hashimi took from the experience was how vital networking is to connecting with people and learning from them, something that she looks forward to continuing both in the classroom and in the office. “Mina's internship flourished thanks to her leadership abilities, outstanding academics, and enthusiastic can-do attitude,” says Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant area chair and instructor of accounting. “Her student journey emphasizes the importance of organizational skills and efficient time management for students, while also emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and active campus involvement.”

Makayla Sorto

Makayla Sorto is now in her senior year of studying accounting at the Costello College of Business. She had learned about the Embark Scholars program at KPMG and decided to apply. The Embark Internship is designed for accounting students from ethnic minority groups and consists of eight weeks rotating among the audit, tax, and advisory practices. Eligible interns are then able to select their area of interest for another internship the following summer at KPMG. Sorto and her team of six other interns completed projects ranging from researching clients to updating reports. “Going into this, I was so sure I was going to like tax, but throughout the whole rotation, I came out knowing that I want to do either advisory or audit,” she says. “It completely changed the whole trajectory of what I thought I was going to do because I had such a great time in audit.”

During the internship, Sorto was enrolled in ACCT 492, the Internship for Academic Credit course, offered through the Costello College of Business Office of Career Services. “ACCT 492 enhances a student's internship experience by providing assignments that allow the student to self-reflect on a number of career-related topics such as mentorship, receiving and giving feedback, and utilizing one's strengths in the workplace,” says Lewis. “In addition, one fundamental aspect of the course allows students to directly learn about their strengths and areas to improve through supervisor evaluations.” Through the internship, Sorto learned not only what really interested her but she also made many connections, especially with other Embark interns. One of her favorites experiences was presenting in front of executives at the firm’s headquarters in Orlando, Florida.

“Internships stand as highly effective experiential learning opportunities for accounting students,” says Long Chen, area chair and associate professor of accounting. “They bridge the gap between classroom and workplace, cultivating vital transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Furthermore, internships facilitate networking with accounting professionals and provide insights into industry best practices. We strongly encourage both undergraduate and graduate accounting students to pursue internships and enroll in dedicated courses—ACCT 492 and ACCT 695—laying the groundwork for their future success in the field.” By extending their education to outside of the classroom, Al Hashimi and Sorto both gained a better understanding of what they want to do in their respective careers. The internship experiences allowed them to practice what they have been taught while focusing their continued learning on the areas that truly pique their interests.

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Mason grad took advantage of her opportunities

Colleen Rich — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:45:29 +0000

Mason grad took advantage of her opportunities Colleen Rich Wed, 05/11/2022 - 11:45

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New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School

Jennifer Anzaldi — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:40:22 +0000

New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School Jennifer Anzaldi Wed, 03/16/2022 - 11:40

Matt Van Horn

The ��AV School of Business recently set up a unique admission partnership with the University of Virginia at Wise. The pathway offers students who graduate from UVA-Wise the ability to streamline their applications to the master’s in accounting, master’s in finance, and master’s in management (MSM).

The master’s in management is designed for non-business majors who seek a foundation in business management. Program benefits include access to world-class faculty, individual advising and lifelong career coaching. Over the course of 11 months, MSM students will earn a master’s in management, complete an internship (150 hours), and participate in a global residency.

"The MSM program provides a unique opportunity to combine the diverse perspectives of the non-business undergraduate degrees with the targeted foundation in both the theory and practical application of business in areas such as organizational behavior, economics, finance, marketing, and others," says Victoria M Grady, associate professor of organizational behavior and academic director of the MSM Program. "It is exciting to be part of such a dynamic program. We are thrilled to share integrated partnerships with schools such as UVA-Wise."

Matt Van Horn, a student in the (MSM) program, is the first student to come through this pathway to Mason. When asked why he chose the pathway, Van Horn says it was because of Mason’s reputation and the easy nature of the application process.

“I always knew I wanted to go to grad school, but the graduate application process can be overwhelming,” Van Horn says. “The UVA-Wise pathway was almost too good to be true. It was like a yellow brick road through all the confusion.”

According to Van Horn, the MSM program has benefits that may not be obvious initially. The business school’s Office of Career Services is a “true benefit,” he says, and the staff works closely to meet student wants and needs. He emphasizes the excellent networking opportunities with other professionals in the Washington, D.C., area.

When asked how the MSM helped him develop, Van Horn says he now has a more realistic idea of the scope of the business world and the skills he needs to continue developing to be successful. “It allowed me to take what I already knew from undergrad and build on it,” he says.

He added that the professors are friendly and want their students to succeed, which he considers a strength of the program. Van Horn’s advice for students who are considering a School of Business master’s program is to reach out to any of the staff or faculty for more information.

If you would like your college or university to benefit from a similar partnership or pathway, please contact Kevin Connor, associate director of graduate admission, strategic initiatives in the School of Business.

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School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings

Marianne Klinker — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:26:02 +0000

School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings Marianne Klinker Wed, 01/26/2022 - 13:26

��AV School of Business online MBA Program jumped 25 spots in two years with a new ranking of #98 nationally for Best Online MBA (#70 among public universities) from U.S. News & World Report. Launched in 2018, the online MBA program, which offers the same high-level curriculum as the in-person MBA, first landed on the rankings list in 2020 at #123 out of 335 schools. This impressive leap is a testament to Mason’s ability to develop high-quality programs in formats that are flexible and responsive to the needs of today’s students.

In addition, the online MBA program was also ranked #17 for Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs (#11 among public universities), #19 for Best Online General Management MBA Programs (#11 among public universities), and #64 for Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans (#49 among public universities).

“We are glad that our efforts to create an online MBA program that facilitates affordable access to a rigorous and transformative education are recognized,” says Ioannis Bellos, director of Mason’s MBA program. “Through a curriculum that is responsive to market needs, our program prepares well-rounded leaders equipped with both analytical and soft skills. The online Business Analytics certificate is an example of such responsiveness.”

The School of Business was also ranked #35 for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs (non-MBA) for the Master’s in Accounting Program, moving up three spots from its previous ranking.

“We are proud of and humbled by the recognition our program receives and believe it reflects our commitment to provide an outstanding education in Accounting that reflects current trends and technology in education and is delivered with a global perspective,” says Kevin Jones, Master’s in Accounting program director. “We continually review, revise, and improve our program to reflect these goals and ideals which allows us to attract top students who move on to or continue with successful careers.”

“These rankings reflect that our programs are part of a thriving ecosystem that the School of Business and the University have developed,” says Bellos. “This is where our talented students, whether online or face-to-face, can connect with renowned faculty, industry centers and passionate professionals dedicated to their success.”

“Mason has always worked to provide the learning and development working professionals need, when, where, and in the way they most need it,” says Dean Maury Peiperl. “Our online MBA continues to do that, and to improve with deeper and deeper engagement with our customers, most of whom are in the Washington region.”

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Accounting Grad Student Receives Emerging Business Leader Award

Marianne Klinker — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:08:03 +0000

Accounting Grad Student Receives Emerging Business Leader Award Marianne Klinker Tue, 12/07/2021 - 12:08

After graduating from the School of Business with her BS in accounting, Melissa Perera returned to complete her masters and get another leg up on her competition. Perera’s hard work was rewarded with the 2021 Graduate Division Emerging Business Leader Award. “I have been working while taking night classes, and I’ve kept on pushing because I’m the only one to support myself,” says Perera. “After all the hard work, the positive results seem to come all at once, and this award is further proof.”

Melissa Perera

Being good enough was never going to be acceptable to Melissa Perera. As an undergraduate student, she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class, while serving as the president of ��AV’s Accounting Society and the treasurer of the Tau Sigma Honor Society. While many of her peers were satisfied with simply getting by, she kept pushing. Along the way, Perera would find faculty members who went out of the way to help her reach her potential. Jenelle Conaway, assistant professor of accounting, to whom Perera served as research assistant and Namrata Maguire, adjunct professor in accounting, provided advice and support that would prove invaluable.

Melissa Perera receives her award.

Originally unaware of the opportunity, winning the Emerging Business Leader Award came as a complete surprise to Perera. As part of her recognition, she was honored at the Annual Business Celebration and the Scholarship Luncheon. At both events she took advantage by networking with donors, alumni, and other students—people she would have never otherwise met. “I was surprised that several people, knowing that I won the award, approached me and I was able to meet many winners of other scholarships, too,” she says. “Getting to know the donors and my fellow scholarship recipients was a wonderful experience.”

Approaching her expected graduation in the spring, Melissa Perera is now fielding offers from accounting firms. Clearly, the time and effort invested in her education and career are proving to be worthwhile. To other students who may doubt their educational dreams, she says, “The struggle is worth it. You may feel alone but you’re not.” The accolades that she’s now enjoying are just the tip of the iceberg. “I’m excited to have put myself in a position where I’ll have many options when I graduate,” she says. “Now I know that anything I want, I will be able to attain.”

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Master's in Accounting Program

An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting ��AV Around the World

Marianne Klinker — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:58:50 +0000

An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting ��AV Around the World Marianne Klinker Mon, 12/06/2021 - 14:58

Innovative teaching is not something new to Karen Kitching, associate professor of accounting and Accounting Advisory Council faculty fellow. At the School of Business, Kitching is often at the forefront, introducing new concepts and ideas to the students in her Master’s in Accounting Program classes and her undergraduate courses.

Karen Kitching

Recently, Kitching began teaching accounting educators as part of the American Accounting Association’s (AAA) new Webinar Series on Accounting Research and Education (weARE). Launched in October 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the weARE series offers two webinars a month, one on research innovation and one on education innovation. These webinars are free of charge to AAA members and offer the opportunity to earn 1.2 CPE's for attending the one-hour webinar.

“The CPA exam is changing in a big way where technology is a huge focus now. Big data skills are in high demand in the accounting firms and schools haven’t met that demand,” says Kitching. “Accounting academics are not as rapidly changing as they should be. This is a way for me to upskill the educators so that they can upskill their students.

Kitching presented a webinar titled, “Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Hands-On Training and Tips on How to Introduce RPA to Your Students” in June to 170 accounting academics from around the world. With no prior experience necessary, participants built their first bot using UiPath Studio, while learning why RPA is transforming the accounting profession and how it is being used in accounting firms. Kitching offered a follow up webinar in August on “Data Visualization: Hands-On Training and Resources for your Classroom” with 290 accounting academics registered. In this workshop, participants used a comprehensive case to create various types of data visualizations using Tableau Desktop -- from a variance analysis to interactive pie charts. Kitching will be presenting a webinar in January on Data Automation and Alteryx Designer.

“An educator teaching educators,” says Kitching. “That’s the theme here.” Kitching says accounting faculty at universities across the world are attending this one hour long webinar. “I work hard to create an environment where attendees are learning in a way that makes it fun. There’s been a huge participant rate and I offer lots of teaching resources following the webinar.” Kitching says she develops materials in her classrooms, and then brings successful concepts and exercises to the WeARE webinars.

“Because the CPA exam is changing to emphasize technology topics, a model curriculum has been proposed by the AICPA that includes many of the big data analytics skills covered in my webinars,” says Kitching. “Accounting faculty across the world are trying to upskill quickly, and my webinars are helping them do that.”

The American Accounting Association, founded in 1916, is the largest community of accountants in academia. The group has a history of providing leading-edge research and publications, and strives to shape the future of accounting through teaching, research and a powerful network.

Kitching’s dedication to the accounting industry is apparent, and aligns with the School of Business’ strategic initiative of Transformation of Work. “Karen Kitching has been a leading proponent of information systems and analytics courses in accounting programs at Mason,” says JK Aier, area chair of accounting. “Her passion is infectious and she is always willing to support other faculty to find innovative ways to incorporate technology across the curriculum and enhance the learning experience of our students.”

It is through work such as this, that the future of the profession continues to grow and the School of Business helps meet the demand for accounting graduates.

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Leveling Up with Mason's Master's in Accounting

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:45:45 +0000

Leveling Up with Mason's Master's in Accounting Marianne Klinker Thu, 11/18/2021 - 15:45

The ��AV School of Business prides itself in being a place for lifelong learning, a place where professionals of all experience levels can continue to grow and rise in their respective fields. It’s a place where already successful businesspeople eagerly come to learn from their peers in the classroom and expert faculty alike. Karen Crosswhite had already served in international corporate tax roles with three of the four leading accounting firms before starting her own. She decided to enroll at Mason to take her career to the next level and be the best possible accountant for her clients.

Karen Crosswhite

Since opening her own firm, BAS Certified Public Accountant Firm, Karen Crosswhite has been successfully supporting clients within the United States and abroad. “Our firm primarily works with U.S. based multinational businesses and international businesses with subsidiaries in the United States,” she says. “The firm also assists nonprofit organizations and individuals with tax filings, accounting, financial reporting, and other compliance needs. It’s rewarding to help clients solve their problems and be a valued resource to a broad and diverse community of businesses and individuals.” The experience of running her own firm also opened her eyes to a few areas where she wanted to expand the expertise she could offer to her clients. Therefore, she decided it was time to go back to school, but it had to be somewhere that was also convenient, given her busy career. Thankfully, Mason was just down the road from her firm based in Lansdowne, Virginia.

Encouraged by the opportunity to be taught by true experts in accounting, Crosswhite enrolled in Mason’s master's in accounting program and graduate certificate program in forensic accounting. According to Crosswhite, some of her favorite courses were Fraud Examination, Advance Topics in Fraud, and Fraud and the Law. She went on to say, “The courses were instructed by retired FBI instructors, who infused the programs’ curricula with real world experience.” She credits the programs with equipping her with the tools and knowledge to perform fraud consultancy services in a day and age when it’s more in demand than ever before.

The takeaway from the accounting programs was so much more than just what Crosswhite learned in the classroom. “Participating in classes is just the tip of the iceberg,” she says. Her advice to prospective students is to engage with other students and faculty outside of the classroom. In addition to being on campus, she participated in the master’s in accountancy global residency program in Ireland led by Bret Johnson, assistant professor of accounting. The trip led her to authoring a paper on Ireland’s erosion and profit-sharing program. While pursuing knowledge is a lifelong process, it also is done in many avenues, and Crosswhite was eager to seize every opportunity Mason had to offer.

Going back to school for Karen Crosswhite was not about getting a piece of paper so she could be promoted. It was about learning from the best so she could be at the top of her game. Graduation from the MSA program will be not the end of her education either. Whether it be online, in-person, formal or informal, she’s eager to soak up all the knowledge and experience she can get her hands on so that she’s able to stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic world.

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Alumnus Shows How Celebrating Diversity Fuels Professional Success

Marianne Klinker — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:52:14 +0000

Alumnus Shows How Celebrating Diversity Fuels Professional Success Marianne Klinker Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:52

With nearly a quarter of its undergrad enrollment identifying as Asian American or Pacific Islander, the School of Business continues to be one of the most diverse schools within the most diverse university in Virginia. Michael Ly, BS Accounting ’12 and MS Accounting ’13, has been proud to watch the university support students’ distinct backgrounds more and more over the years. “The heritage and cultures of our students are now embraced unlike ever before,” he says.

For Ly, a second-generation Chinese American, higher education was a critical step of the journey in improving his family’s future. While he has achieved so much since graduating, he considers being the first member of his immediate family to attain a degree to be among his greatest accomplishments. “My parents have always supported and encouraged my higher education aspirations since they saw this as an opportunity for me to achieve a better life,” he says. He didn’t stop with the undergrad degree either. Ly returned to Mason to complete his masters in accounting right after his undergrad degree. And it looks like he may have started a Patriot tradition for the Ly family with both of his siblings also graduating from Mason.

Asian American and Pan Asian professional groups play an important role in Ly’s career today as a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). “They have been supportive in my career as I have learned so much on the job at PwC over the past six years,” he says. PwC’s CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative ensures a workplace that’s suited for all of its employees. Ly credits Mason for bringing so many accounting and consulting firms to campus for networking events. “That’s where I really learned about the public accounting industry and where I wanted to work,” he says. That connection made on campus has propelled him to where is today working within PwC’s assurance practice.

“My Asian American heritage is central to my identity,” Ly says. “Not only does it bring a unique perspective to my social life but also to my professional setting. This allows me to be more aware and sensitive to different perspectives in my teams.” Ly’s heritage has helped drive him to high achievement in a rewarding career, but he knows it’s only the beginning. More than just stories of his family’s past, his culture has molded values that have been passed down from generations. Supportive employers, school faculty, and professional groups make a world of difference in nurturing talented individuals to reach their potential, but family remains the most critical support system, and Ly is honored to know where he comes from.

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Transforming Today’s Military Leaders into Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

Marianne Klinker — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 16:46:57 +0000

Transforming Today’s Military Leaders into Tomorrow’s Business Leaders Marianne Klinker Fri, 11/12/2021 - 11:46

��AV’s School of Business is committed to the active-duty military service members and veterans who come to Mason to enhance their education. Located in the Washington, D.C., area, Mason offers many benefits to active-duty service members and veterans, many of whom choose to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill that provides them funding for tuition, required fees, books, and housing. The bill covers all tuition costs for an in-state public college. At a private institution, annual tuition is capped at a nationwide threshold. For many students taking advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the entire Mason degree program is fully funded.

Meet three recent graduates who have taken advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill as they share their reasons for attending Mason’s School of Business and their advice to others following in their footsteps.

Tyler Kasak

MS Real Estate Development ’18
Veteran, U.S. Air Force
Asset Manager, General Services Administration

After six years as an active-duty enlisted member in the U.S. Air Force serving as an aircraft engine maintenance technician and a member of the regional USAF Honor Guard, Tyler Kasak sought out Mason’s MS in Real Estate Development Program. For Kasak, Mason offered the best value within the Washington, D.C., area and one of the best educations in the country.

“With most private schools in the area being very expensive, you can get close to hitting the GI Bill threshold in one fulltime semester of grad school. At Mason, the entire degree program was covered.

“I know many veterans who have access to such amazing benefits but are intimidated about the process. I would emphasize how easy it was at Mason. The veterans and military office is always willing to talk and help you through whatever problems you have.”

As for his time in the program, Kasak says his group work with fellow students was most memorable for him. “I was always surrounded by fun, like-minded, and good people. Some of the members of my project group from my first semester are still some of my closest friends to this day and are thriving in the real estate industry,” says Kasak.

Following graduation, Kasak started a real estate development and investment company called Kastle REDI LLC. “With Kastle REDI, I plan to develop and invest in residential real estate assets throughout the East Coast. I am utilizing the knowledge I have learned and the relationships I have built through my Mason MS in real estate development degree in order to do so.”

His advice: “I would suggest maintaining your network and the connections that have been cultivated through ��AV and the School of Business. Nothing is more exciting than seeing your friends and fellow students grow in their careers. You also never know when you may need their help, or they may need yours.”

Felicity Wiafe Akenten

BS Accounting’18, MS Accounting ’19
Finance Technician and Staff Accountant, U.S. Army Reserve

Felicity Wiafe Akenten says she chose Mason for her MS in accounting because of the reputation of the School of Business and its location. “Mason is highly praised, and graduates are easily placed into the workforce. Also, I knew I wanted to work in Washington, D.C., so I wanted a school in the area for ease.”

Yet, the support she received from fellow students, faculty, and staff is what made the difference for her. “During what I considered my lowest academic moment [when] I thought about dropping a difficult class, Professor Ingram encouraged me not to drop it and assured me I could definitely do better.”

Akenten says she appreciated the events held by Mason’s Office of Military Services. “They organized activities for military and veterans such as resume polishing, mock interviews, and job opportunities specifically for the military. I think it’s great that Mason has a veteran’s office, as not every school does, and they try to do events to meet students’ needs.”

For Akenten, her main goal of pursuing her master’s degree was to obtain the 150 credits required for her CPA license, which she hopes will open additional doors in her career. Her advice: “Whatever you do in the workplace reflects upon Mason, so I would advise all Mason alumni and those about to enter into the workforce to be as diligent and professional as they can, because they become Mason ambassadors once they mention they graduated from Mason. Employers will be willing to hire other Mason students based on their performance and behavior.”

Major Patrick James Jones

Executive MBA ’19
Congressional Appropriations Liaison and Financial Management Officer, U.S. Marine Corps

Major Patrick James Jones entered the Executive MBA program in hopes that the degree would supplement his career experience and help him become a better financial manager in the U.S. Marines.

With a few Patriots already in the family—his sister-in-law and wife are both Mason grads— Jones says he was drawn to Mason because of the Executive MBA’s course schedule. “Weekend classes allowed me to focus on work and family during the week.”

For Jones, Mason’s commitment to active duty military was impressive. “Mason’s Military Services Office has been extremely helpful and responsive whenever I had questions about VA [Veterans Affairs] services. I enjoyed the fact that the folks working in the office were also veterans and students I could talk with about our experiences at school.”

His advice: “Do your best to maintain balance in your life. We all went to school to refine certain skills, obtain new ones, and become better at our jobs, but in pursuit of our new career goals, don’t get too caught up and forget to take care of your mental, spiritual, and physical health.”

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New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School

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School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings

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Accounting Grad Student Receives Emerging Business Leader Award

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An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting ����AV Around the World

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Leveling Up with Mason's Master's in Accounting

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Alumnus Shows How Celebrating Diversity Fuels Professional Success

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Transforming Today’s Military Leaders into Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

Tyler Kasak

Felicity Wiafe Akenten

Major Patrick James Jones

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An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting ��AV Around the World