1. 
What was your major/minor and when did you graduate?
My major was Business Administration with a focus in Accounting. I graduated in May 2016, but did another full year of school in order to acquire the 150 credits necessary to sit for the CPA exam.
2. What is your current position (title, company, location)? Can you describe a typical day?
I am a Senior Associate in the Business Services & Outsourcing division of BDO and I am in the McLean, VA office. I just began this new role this week actually, so I am still going through a lot of onboarding, but I essentially work on outsourced accounting for Non-profit (and some For-profit) clients who need a CPA firm to help them with their accounting.
3. How did your major prepare you for your current job?
My major not only prepared me for the accounting concepts but being a Business Major prepared me for interacting with coworkers and interacting with superiors. It also helps me every day understand terminology during meetings and emails.
4. How did you become interested in your field?
My dad has actually been in the public accounting field since I was born, and I always wanted to do the same thing as him. It also doesn’t hurt that I have always loved numbers, and everyone always told me to pursue accounting.
5. What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Someone told me to always keep doors opened. Just because you don’t want to work at a company right now doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t network with people from everywhere. It always helps to have good relationships with people from all over the country and in all types of industries.
6. Was there a professor, advisor, or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you when you were at UMW?
Yes, I had two actually. Professor Machande and Dr. Henderson, both in the Accounting department. I took multiple classes with both of them, and I actually went on a study abroad trip during Spring Break one year with both professors. It was a completely life changing trip.
7. What’s your fondest memory of UMW?
I was on the varsity swim team and competing in front of people at UMW was my favorite memory. I remember other athletes, professors, other students, and my family watching us and I loved performing in front of the audience.
8. Are there any special accomplishments you’ve achieved after college that you’d like to share?
I bought a Condo in October of 2018, and it was one of the most exciting things I have ever been able to do.
9. How would your family or friends describe you in seven words or less?
Outgoing, easy to talk to, hardworking.
10. In one sentence, what advice would you give current business students?
I would try to do as much networking and attend as many business development events as you can, even as early as right now. Getting out to happy hours (for those above 21), conferences, etc. is a great thing to do and it’s easier to start when you’re young. You can never meet too many people and you can certainly never have too many professional relationships.
