Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) Student Stories
Recent master's in accountancy graduates share their experience in the Gies MSA program. If you are interested in speaking with a current MSA student ambassador, please visit the Graduate Student Ambassador page.
"One thing that I particularly love from MSA is that the program offers a customized study plan for each student. It’s assessed based on the student’s previous education, working experience, or career that the student wants for their future. It gives students the flexibility on choosing their pathways. For me personally, because I’ve been working in the taxation fields for several years, being able to pursue taxation concentration here is important for me. That’s what aligned the most with my previous job and what I want to do in the future as well."
Dea Mustika Kusuma Wardani, MSA ’25
Home country: Indonesia
"In the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during my time in MSA, I got to make new connections with faculty and I understood different perspectives of tax situations within the community. You learn how to adapt to the situation and how to put your skills into practice from what you learn in the classroom."
Dea Mustika Kusuma Wardani, MSA ’25
Home country: Camilo Jaime-Rivera
"I had a very great experience being part of the Accounting Club. We get to do a lot of cool things, like networking events, social hangouts and we even do some community service around campus. My personal opinion is that it’s not always about learning, but also about building connections and having fun along the way, so I have loved every bit of being part of The Accounting Club."
Vishnu Yanamandala, MSA ’25
Home country: IndiaLearn more about Vishnu's experience in this video.
"I believe there will be a bright future for accounting experts and that's why I pursued a professional education beyond my undergrad studies […] Gies College of Business offered me a global perspective and field-based experiences that were very invaluable. I am very proud to be an alum of Gies. I believe the education and experiences I gained here equipped me well for today's Dynamic business environment."
Jennifer Choi, MSA ’24
Home country: South KoreaLearn more about Jennifer's experience in this video.
"Before joining the MSA program, I earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Japanese literature and worked in the insurance and marketing field in Seoul. If you are looking to start a career in accounting or have already passed the CPA exam, the MSA program is an excellent choice. This program not only offers numerous networking opportunities, but it also provides robust job placement support. "
Yoonjin Lee - MSA ’24
Home country: South KoreaLearn more about Yoonjin's experience in this video.
"I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master's in environmental engineering. I joined the MSA program at Gies, driven by a newfound passion for business. Transitioning from engineering to accounting was surprisingly smooth, and I am thrilled to begin my career as a tax consultant at Deloitte. For those considering the MSA program at Gies, here's some advice: Be confident, even if it feels unattainable at first. Experience builds over time, and genuine confidence will follow."
Link Li – MSA ’24
Home country: China
"One of the most amazing things about the MSA program is that you don’t need an accounting background to be accepted. Because of the renowned faculty and a large supply of useful resources, this program teaches you how to be competitive in the field of accounting, no matter what your background is."
Allan Hay, MSA ’23
Home country: United States