Congratulations are in order for the Graduate Accounting Students receiving Kelley School of Business awards this year.
Ashley M. Leonard, MSA’18 and Ting Zhao, MSA’18 received Academic Excellence Awards.
Julie A. Williams, MSA’18, received the Leadership Award.
We asked each student about their favorite Kelley moments, Kelley classes, and how the graduate accounting program has enhanced their career thus far.
Ashley Leonard, MSA’18
How has the Kelley School Graduate Account Program experience enhanced your current career and future career goals?
Thanks to Kelley, I now hold my first position in accounting. I’m excited to be transitioning from “working a job” to “having a career.” I know that receiving a degree from Kelley will open many more possibilities for me in the future.
What has been your favorite part of the program thus far?
As a returning student, I have started many new friendships. We all come from different backgrounds and have had various prior professions. It really adds to the learning experience.
What has been your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was auditing with Professor Sturek. Her love of the subject is infectious. Besides, who doesn’t love investigating fraud in accounting?
What is your advice to current Kelley students?
Take advantage of everything being a Kelley student has to offer. You can’t get these resources or have these experiences anywhere else.
Julie A. Williams, MSA’18
How has the Kelley School Graduate Accounting Programs experience enhanced your current career and future career goals?
My experience in the Kelley Graduate Accounting Program has been exceptional. It has exposed me to both professional and personal opportunities that I would not have had otherwise, and it has led to business opportunities and relationships. Kelley has an amazing reputation in the community and across the country that has allowed me to start conversations and build on my professional network.
What has been your favorite part of the program thus far?
My favorite part of the program has been the amazing opportunity to network and develop relationships with the students and faculty/staff. I’ve enjoyed building those relationships and learning more about different cultures and each individual’s story on how they got to where they are today! The diversity of the students is incredible.
What has been your favorite class and why?
It’s hard to pick out a favorite class because, for me, each class experience was unique and shaped by the professor. The professors in the Graduate Accounting Programs are all, truly, professionals and experienced at what they do. Their passion for teaching and ensuring student’s success is apparent and the reason the program graduates successful students.
What is your advice to current Kelley students?
My advice to current Kelley students is to get involved. Like with anything else, you get out what you put in. The Kelley School of Business, and in particular the Graduate Accounting Programs, offers students many opportunities to be involved in the community, meet industry leaders, and build relationships with faculty and staff. This is instrumental in a student’s success and overall educational experience. Take advantage of the opportunities and make the time….You won’t regret it!
What is your Kelley moment?
My Kelley moment is more than just a moment but the entire journey of being a part of the Kelley family. From the moment I inquired about the Graduate Accounting Programs to now being less than a month away from graduation, the Kelley School of Business has been one of my top life experiences. It took a significant amount of commitment and many sacrifices, but it is a decision I can’t be more thankful for. The Graduate Accounting Programs are top notch, and I’m so very grateful and proud to have been a part of this program.
Ting Zhao, MSA’18
How has the Kelley School Graduate Account Program experience enhanced your current career and future career goals?
The Graduate Accounting Programs strengthened my accounting knowledge on both academic and practical sides. The program also sharpened the skills sets required to improve my career capabilities. The Graduate Accounting Programs was able to provide professional training from many aspects to its students.
What has been your favorite part of the program thus far?
My favorite part of the program so far has been the diversified design of the course projects. They’ve combined many essential accounting knowledge points, strategic problem-solving techniques, and dynamic presenting skills.
What has been your favorite class and why?
As of right now, the “Federal Income Taxes” class is my favorite class, because tax-related work is my career interest.
What is your advice to current Kelley students?
Pay attention to those fundamental accounting courses, because they allow you to have a solid starting point.
What is your Kelley moment?
Holding my graduation diploma and getting ready for a bright future!