Master&#039;s in Accounting Program / en Janis S. Reed Scholarship helps BAM student keep her focus /news/2025-04/janis-s-reed-scholarship-helps-bam-student-keep-her-focus <span>Janis S. Reed Scholarship helps BAM student keep her focus </span> <span><span>Greg Johnson</span></span> <span>Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:44</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Receiving the Janis S. Reed Scholarship sharpened the focus even more for the goal-oriented Anh Tran. Wrapping up her final semester as an undergraduate student in accounting at George Mason 麻豆国产 and completing the </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/bachelors-accelerated-masters-programs" title="Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Programs | Costello College of Business"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">bachelor鈥檚 to accelerated master鈥檚 (BAM) program</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">, she already had her eyes on the larger picture.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2025-04/anh_tran_rszd.png?itok=6BEJPTt7" width="259" height="350" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Anh Tran</figcaption></figure><p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Following a similar path as her aunt and nearly 30 other students each year, she attended two years at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in the </span><a href="https://advancesuccess.gmu.edu/" title="Advance Program | George Mason 麻豆国产"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">ADVANCE Program</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> before transferring into the accounting program at George Mason. Her path is now leading her to completing the CPA exam after finishing her master鈥檚 degree courses.</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Tran was drawn to the </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/" title="Costello College of Business | George Mason 麻豆国产"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Costello College of Business</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> because of its reputation for excellence and diversity. After transferring from NOVA, she worked with an academic advisor to see how she could earn the credits required to sit for the CPA exam. That鈥檚 when she first learned about the BAM program. At first, she was concerned that taking undergraduate and graduate courses at the same time would be too much. However, as she eased into the course material, she found that it was nothing she could not handle. Tran is now one of more than 60 BAM students pursuing this accelerated path to the MS in accounting degree.聽</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Still, her course load was increasingly heavy, so Tran was relieved that the Janis S. Reed Scholarship helped pay off her financial costs. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my first time taking both the undergraduate and also the grad classes, so I really want to focus on school,鈥 she says.聽</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Not only did the scholarship help with finances, but it also gave her other opportunities, like connecting her with Reed herself. 鈥淚 had a chance to talk to her and other recipients at the scholarship luncheon,鈥 she says. 鈥淪he gave us good advice for our academic journey and then also tips for the career journey that we asked her for. It was really a great opportunity for us to meet her, and she was very sweet and friendly.鈥澛</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The scholarship luncheon, which brought together Costello donors and recipients to the Fairfax Campus, was an experience that Tran was grateful to take advantage of.</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Looking back on her experiences at the Costello College of Business, Tran is glad that she took advantage of many of the opportunities, some of which were recommended or assigned by professors. She recalls attending the career fair for the first time with one of her classmates.聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">鈥淎t that event, I had my first opportunity to talk with real recruiters, and it was really special for me,鈥 she says.聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">It was at that career fair where she had the chance to interview for her first internship. The internship was exactly what she was looking for鈥攁 great learning experience in the professional tax services area at a public accounting firm.聽</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Through focus, hard work, and informed planning, Tran is on schedule to sit for the CPA exam after graduation. She plans to begin her career immediately and balance her CPA studies with her work schedule. 鈥淚 want to work for a public accounting firm, perhaps in the tax area as well,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 believe I am familiar with taxes after my past internships, and I鈥檇 like to gain more knowledge and experience about this field.鈥澛</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW90677258 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW90677258 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Tran is excited to begin her state and local taxes internship at a public accounting firm in the summer of 2025. Another summer plan that she鈥檚 looking forward to is the global residency trip to Rome, Italy, as part of her global accounting environment class, where she will be able to engage with local companies and explore the culture.聽</span><span class="EOP SCXW90677258 BCX0">聽</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14016" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Scholarships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13701" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13716" hreflang="en">Accounting Area</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4056" hreflang="en">Scholarships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1926" hreflang="en">ADVANCE</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:44:42 +0000 Greg Johnson 117076 at Accounting students visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) /news/2024-04/accounting-students-visit-us-securities-and-exchange-commission-sec <span>Accounting students visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</span> <span><span>Greg Johnson</span></span> <span>Thu, 04/11/2024 - 09:25</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Prior to his teaching career, Bret Johnson, an associate professor of accounting at the <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/" title="Costello College of Business | George Mason 麻豆国产">Costello College of Business</a> at George Mason 麻豆国产, was a staff accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).聽</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-06/sec-hq-visit1.jpg?itok=NahaDQMy" width="350" height="229" alt="Accounting students and faculty" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Accounting students and faculty</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>鈥淚 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,鈥 he says. Johnson knows the current SEC academic fellow Ally Zimmerman, an assistant professor of accounting at Florida State 麻豆国产鈥檚 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.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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鈥檚 chapter of <a href="https://mason360.gmu.edu/bap" title="Beta Alpha Psi | George Mason 麻豆国产">Beta Alpha Psi</a>, an <span><span>international honor organization for financial information students and professionals</span></span>. 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 <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-resources/honors-programs" title="Honors Program | George Mason 麻豆国产 Costello College of Business">honors program</a> and the <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/masters-in-accounting" title="Master of Science in Accounting Program | George Mason 麻豆国产 Costello College of Business">master of science in accounting program</a>. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge benefit of us being here in the backyard of Washington, D.C., to have these types of opportunities,鈥 says Johnson. 鈥淲e have a great relationship with the people there, and that鈥檚 really helpful to foster these types of opportunities in the future.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The students鈥 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. 鈥淭his excursion provided an invaluable opportunity for students to gain insight into the SEC's role and organizational structure,鈥 says Maya Didier, a master鈥檚 in accounting student and vice president of Beta Alpha Psi. <span>"<span>Visiting the SEC provided me with a valuable opportunity to apply the theoretical聽knowledge I聽gained from textbooks聽into a real-life experience from talking to individuals who work for the SEC to visiting the building where all the work happens,鈥 says </span></span><span>Nathaly Pablo, a master鈥檚 in accounting student.</span><span><span> 鈥淚t was a great experience to broaden my understanding and perspective of the聽accounting profession."</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For the 20 students who attended, it was a worthwhile and potentially career-altering event. 鈥淎 lot of my students who attended told me that they hadn鈥檛 previously considered a career in the SEC or any regulatory agency,鈥 says Kinory. 鈥淣ow that they鈥檙e aware, they are considering those types of opportunities and potential employment down the road.鈥 The proximity of George Mason 麻豆国产 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.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13716" hreflang="en">Accounting Area</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13701" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3422dde5-e332-48be-bc70-9398e78d21d4"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://mason360.gmu.edu/bap/home/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Beta Alpha Psi <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="33f9988d-618f-49e8-9281-1f0b6ed3694a"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/masters-in-accounting"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Mason's Master's in Accounting Program <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/bjohns37" hreflang="en">Bret Johnson</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ekinory" hreflang="en">Ethan Kinory</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:25:04 +0000 Greg Johnson 111541 at Accounting students make the most of internship opportunities /news/2023-11/accounting-students-make-most-internship-opportunities <span>Accounting students make the most of internship opportunities </span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:43</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">With a wide array of options, accounting students at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason 麻豆国产 are able to choose the types of experiential learning that will best prepare them for their future careers.</span></p> <p>Mina Al Hashimi, BS Accounting 鈥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 <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/current-students/office-career-services/internship-academic-credit" title="Internship for Credit | George Mason 麻豆国产 Costello College of Business">internship for academic credit course</a>. 鈥淚nternships 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,鈥 he says.聽</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-11/Mina-Al-Hashimi-web.jpg?itok=wX3i1-ee" width="263" height="350" alt="Mina Al Hashimi" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Mina Al Hashimi</figcaption></figure><p>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<a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/masters-in-accounting" title="Master's in Accounting | Costello College of Business, George Mason 麻豆国产"> master of science in accounting (MSA)</a>. 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 <a href="https://mason360.gmu.edu/alpfa/home/" target="_blank" title="Association of Latino Professionals for America ">Association of Latino Professionals for America</a> (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. 鈥淚 realized I can do a lot more with accounting than just audit and tax,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 can go into consulting or corporate accounting or any pathway really.鈥 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.聽聽</p> <p>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. 鈥淢ina's internship flourished thanks to her leadership abilities, outstanding academics, and enthusiastic can-do attitude,鈥 says Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant area chair and instructor of accounting. 鈥淗er 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.鈥澛</p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-11/Makayla-Sorto-web.jpg?itok=1onBBKef" width="302" height="350" alt="Makayla Sorto" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Makayla Sorto</figcaption></figure><p>Makayla Sorto is now in her senior year of studying <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-science-business/accounting-concentration" title="Accounting Concentration | George Mason 麻豆国产 Costello College of Business">accounting at the Costello College of Business</a>. She had learned about the <a href="https://www.kpmgcampusinfo.com/embark-scholars/" title="Embark Scholars at KMPG">Embark Scholars program at KPMG</a> 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. 鈥淕oing 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,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t completely changed the whole trajectory of what I thought I was going to do because I had such a great time in audit.鈥澛犅</p> <p>During the internship, Sorto was enrolled in ACCT 492, the Internship for Academic Credit course, offered through the <a href="https://business.gmu.edu/current-students/career-services" title="Office of Career Services | Costello College of Business">Costello College of Business Office of Career Services</a>. 鈥淎CCT 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,鈥 says Lewis. 鈥淚n addition, one fundamental aspect of the course allows students to directly learn about their strengths and areas to improve through supervisor evaluations.鈥 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鈥檚 headquarters in Orlando, Florida.聽</p> <p>鈥淚nternships stand as highly effective experiential learning opportunities for accounting students,鈥 says Long Chen, area chair and associate professor of accounting. 鈥淭hey 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鈥擜CCT 492 and ACCT 695鈥攍aying the groundwork for their future success in the field.鈥 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.聽</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/721" hreflang="en">internships</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="0dbf6540-b9bf-4123-a813-e4d3e21f73a6"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-science-business/accounting-concentration"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Undergraduate Accounting Concentration <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="4449bc64-46c9-4b98-9c75-ca702bfe377c"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/masters-in-accounting"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about Mason's Master's in Accounting program <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:43:33 +0000 Marianne Klinker 109576 at Mason grad took advantage of her opportunities /news/2022-05/mason-grad-took-advantage-her-opportunities <span>Mason grad took advantage of her opportunities</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 05/11/2022 - 11:45</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="158ed588-9f81-407c-b911-98c496d54048" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Graduation Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-bcfda2d40a578b9d06c33e8170566cd70f0288229df65ca678cbde2e2d9c9025"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/buchanan-receive-george-mason-medal" hreflang="en">Buchanan to receive the George Mason Medal</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/george-mason-honors-record-number-graduates-spring-commencement" hreflang="en">George Mason honors a record number of graduates at Spring Commencement </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 12, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/how-resilience-caring-and-lived-experience-created-social-worker" hreflang="en">How resilience, caring, and lived experience created a social worker </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 9, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/public-health-boardroom-dean-melissa-perrys-mba-journey-reflects-future-higher" hreflang="en">From public health to the boardroom: Dean Melissa Perry鈥檚 MBA journey reflects the future of higher education</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 8, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-05/george-mason-student-uses-his-passion-filmmaking-give-back" hreflang="en">George Mason student uses his passion for filmmaking to give back</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 7, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-05/220505602.jpg" width="1200" height="800" alt="girl sitting outside" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Nermeen Shawky will graduate from Mason this spring with a master鈥檚 degree in accounting. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>Of all the things she misses about her hometown of Asyut, Egypt, Nermeen Shawky said it is the street food, especially the falafel sandwiches, she misses most.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>But that, she admitted, is a small price to pay for the opportunities provided by her family鈥檚 move to the Fairfax, Virginia, area when she was 13 years old.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淢y parents wanted a better education and a better life for us,鈥 Shawky said of herself and her three siblings.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚t was very hard to transition at first,鈥 she added. 鈥淎t the same time, my parents pushed us to try our best because they sacrificed so much to get here, and I鈥檓 very thankful for them.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Shawky made the most of her opportunities and will graduate from George Mason 麻豆国产 this spring with a master鈥檚 degree in </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/masters-in-accounting"><span>accounting</span></a><span>. She also earned her bachelor鈥檚 in accounting at Mason in 2019 after transferring from Northern Virginia Community College.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚t feels great,鈥 she said of her graduation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so crazy because the two years went by so fast.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Shawky is the first in her immediate family to earn a master鈥檚 degree, and will also graduate with a certificate in </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-certificate-programs/graduate-certificate-accounting-analytics"><span>accounting analytics</span></a><span>. When she finishes her </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-certificate-programs/graduate-certificate-forensic-accounting"><span>forensic accounting</span></a><span> certificate during the summer, she will be the first Mason accounting major to earn two graduate certificates with a master鈥檚, said Mary Hayes Collins, associate director of the accounting master鈥檚 program in Mason鈥檚 </span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/"><span>School of Business</span></a><span>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>And she鈥檒l have done it all while working full-time as a financial analyst for Mercury Systems.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Shawky has always been motivated. Encouraged by her parents, she read books from the local library to supplement English as a Second Language classes in middle school. She turned an internship at a start-up she found on her own into a full-time job while she was an undergraduate, and took a gap year after graduating to focus on work.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For Hayes Collins, though, it was how Shawky elevated her coursework during her master鈥檚 studies that was most impressive.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚 love finding transcripts like that, where you see that upwards trajectory,鈥 Hayes Collins said. 鈥淎nd then you meet the person and they have this wonderful personality. She never really asked for anything, she just did it.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Shawky said her master鈥檚 classes have been valuable in teaching real-world skills such as using analytics, different software and best research practices. Spreading her master鈥檚 studies over two years also helped.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚n undergrad it was really tough because I was working 30 hours a week in an internship and managing five classes,鈥 Shawky said. 鈥淏ut in grad school I鈥檓 focusing on each class at a time, and I鈥檓 able to put 100% into that class. It makes me focus on different skills, and I鈥檓 actually interested in those skills.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Still, with a full-time job, her time is precious, so she puts together a time-management plan and devotes hours on weekends to get through assignments.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>She does have her mom鈥檚 homemade grape leaves for comfort, and a planned trip this summer to her hometown in Egypt, where she can get that longed-for falafel sandwich.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/481" hreflang="en">Graduation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3831" hreflang="en">Commencement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1061" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3411" hreflang="en">accounting</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7796" hreflang="en">international students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18296" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Graduate Student Spotlight</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 11 May 2022 15:45:29 +0000 Colleen Rich 69916 at New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School /news/2022-03/new-partnership-eases-transition-grad-school <span>New Partnership Eases Transition to Grad School</span> <span><span>Jennifer Anzaldi</span></span> <span>Wed, 03/16/2022 - 11:40</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-04/Matt%20Van%20Horn.jpg?itok=oSZNNA6p" width="350" height="233" alt="Matt Van Horn" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Matt Van Horn</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>The George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business recently set up a unique admission partnership with the 麻豆国产 of Virginia at Wise. The pathway offers students who graduate from UVA-Wise the ability to streamline their applications to the <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><a href="http://business.gmu.edu/masters-in-accounting/">master鈥檚 in accounting</a></span></span>, <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/masters-in-finance/">master鈥檚 in finance</a></span></span>, and <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><a href="http://business.gmu.edu/masters-in-management/">master鈥檚 in management</a></span></span> (MSM). </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><span><span>The </span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>master鈥檚 in management <span><span>is designed for non-business majors who seek a foundation in business management. </span></span></span></span></span>Program benefits include access to world-class faculty, individual advising and lifelong career coaching.<span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><span><span> Over the course of 11 months, MSM students will earn a </span></span>master鈥檚 in management<span><span>, complete an internship (150 hours), and participate in a global residency.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span>"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."</span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>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鈥檚 reputation and the easy nature of the application process. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>鈥淚 always knew I wanted to go to grad school, but the graduate application process can be overwhelming,鈥 Van Horn says. 鈥淭he UVA-Wise pathway was almost too good to be true. It was like a yellow brick road through all the confusion.鈥 </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>According to Van Horn, the MSM program has benefits that may not be obvious initially. The business school鈥檚 Office of Career Services is a 鈥渢rue benefit,鈥 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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>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. 鈥淚t allowed me to take what I already knew from undergrad and build on it,鈥 he says. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span>He added that the professors are friendly and want their students to succeed, which he considers a strength of the program. Van Horn鈥檚 advice for students who are considering a School of Business master鈥檚 program is to reach out to any of the staff or faculty for more information.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><span>If you would like your college or university to benefit from </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/programs/graduate/graduate-strategic-partnerships">a similar partnership or pathway</a></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><span>, please contact </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><a href="mailto:kconnor8@gmu.edu?subject=Graduate%20Admission%20Pathway">Kevin Connor</a></span></span></span></span><span lang="EN" xml:lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"><span><span>, associate director of graduate admission, strategic initiatives in the School of Business.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13691" hreflang="en">Master's in Finance Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13681" hreflang="en">Master's in Management Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6346" hreflang="en">Graduate Education</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:40:22 +0000 Jennifer Anzaldi 67031 at School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings /news/2022-01/school-business-grad-programs-get-boost-us-news-rankings <span>School of Business Grad Programs Get Boost in U.S. News Rankings</span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Wed, 01/26/2022 - 13:26</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business online聽<a href="https://business.gmu.edu/mba-programs/" title="/node/5811">MBA Program</a>聽jumped 25 spots in two years with a new ranking of聽<strong>#98 nationally for Best Online MBA</strong>聽(#70 among public universities) from聽<em>U.S. News & World Report</em>. 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鈥檚 ability to develop high-quality programs in formats that are flexible and responsive to the needs of today鈥檚 students.</p> <p>In addition, the <a href="https://masononline.gmu.edu/programs/mba-online/" target="_blank" title="Online MBA Program | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">online MBA program</a> was also ranked聽<strong>#17 for Best Online Business Analytics MBA Programs</strong>聽(#11 among public universities),聽<strong>#19 for Best Online General Management MBA Programs</strong>聽(#11 among public universities), and聽<strong>#64 for Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans</strong>聽(#49 among public universities).</p> <p>鈥淲e are glad that our efforts to create an online MBA program that facilitates affordable access to a rigorous and transformative education are recognized,鈥 says聽<a href="/profiles/ibellos" title="Ioannis Bellos">Ioannis Bellos</a>, director of Mason鈥檚 MBA program. 鈥淭hrough 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.鈥</p> <p>The School of Business was also ranked聽<strong>#35 for Best Online Master鈥檚 in Business Programs (non-MBA)</strong>聽for the聽<a href="/node/141" title="Master鈥檚 in Accounting Program | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">Master鈥檚 in Accounting Program</a>, moving up three spots from its previous ranking.</p> <p>鈥淲e 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,鈥 says聽<a href="/profiles/kjones81" title="Kevin Jones">Kevin Jones</a>, Master鈥檚 in Accounting program director. 鈥淲e 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.鈥</p> <p>鈥淭hese rankings reflect that our programs are part of a thriving ecosystem that the School of Business and the 麻豆国产 have developed,鈥 says Bellos. 鈥淭his 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.鈥</p> <p>鈥淢ason has always worked to provide the learning and development working professionals need, when, where, and in the way they most need it,鈥 says聽<a href="/profiles/dean-maury-peiperl" title="Dean Maury Peiperl">Dean Maury Peiperl</a>. 鈥溌槎构 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.鈥</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13741" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Graduate Programs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7911" hreflang="en">MBA Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:26:02 +0000 Marianne Klinker 64076 at Accounting Grad Student Receives Emerging Business Leader Award /news/2021-12/accounting-grad-student-receives-emerging-business-leader-award <span>Accounting Grad Student Receives Emerging Business Leader Award</span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Tue, 12/07/2021 - 12:08</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>After graduating from the School of Business with her BS in accounting,聽Melissa Perera聽returned to complete her masters and get another leg up on her competition. Perera鈥檚 hard work was rewarded with the 2021 Graduate Division Emerging Business Leader Award. 鈥淚 have been working while taking night classes, and I鈥檝e kept on pushing because I鈥檓 the only one to support myself,鈥 says Perera. 鈥淎fter all the hard work, the positive results seem to come all at once, and this award is further proof.鈥</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2021-12/Melissa_Perera_2_250x300.jpg?itok=xuUIpVs5" width="250" height="299" alt="School of Business student Melissa Perera" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Melissa Perera</figcaption></figure><p>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 George Mason 麻豆国产鈥檚 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.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2021-12/Melissa_Perera_1_300x224.jpg?itok=5RVEr2IV" width="300" height="224" alt="Melissa Perera receives an emerging business leader award." loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Melissa Perera receives her award.</figcaption></figure><p>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鈥攑eople she would have never otherwise met. 鈥淚 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,鈥 she says. 鈥淕etting to know the donors and my fellow scholarship recipients was a wonderful experience.鈥</p> <p>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, 鈥淭he struggle is worth it. You may feel alone but you鈥檙e not.鈥 The accolades that she鈥檚 now enjoying are just the tip of the iceberg. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to have put myself in a position where I鈥檒l have many options when I graduate,鈥 she says. 鈥淣ow I know that anything I want, I will be able to attain.鈥</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14016" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Scholarships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13701" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:08:03 +0000 Marianne Klinker 61221 at An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting 麻豆国产 Around the World /news/2021-12/educator-teaching-educators-accounting-prof-karen-kitching-presents-webinars <span>An Educator Teaching Educators: Accounting Prof Karen Kitching Presents Webinars to Accounting 麻豆国产 Around the World</span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Mon, 12/06/2021 - 14:58</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>Innovative teaching is not something new to聽<a href="/profiles/kkitchin" title="Karen Kitching">Karen Kitching</a>, associate professor of accounting and <a href="/node/3761/" title="Accounting Advisory Council | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">Accounting Advisory Council</a> faculty fellow. At the School of Business, Kitching is often at the forefront, introducing new concepts and ideas to the students in her Master鈥檚 in Accounting Program classes and her undergraduate courses.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2021-12/karen-kitching.jpg?itok=Xl81R5go" width="278" height="350" alt="Karen Kitching, associate professor of accounting and Accounting Advisory Council faculty fellow at Mason's School of Business" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Karen Kitching</figcaption></figure><p>Recently, Kitching began teaching accounting educators as part of the American Accounting Association鈥檚 (AAA) new聽<a href="https://aaahq.org/Education/Resources/Online" target="_blank" title="Webinar Series on Accounting Research and Education">Webinar Series on Accounting Research and Education</a>聽(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.</p> <p>鈥淭he 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鈥檛 met that demand,鈥 says Kitching. 鈥淎ccounting 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.</p> <p>Kitching presented a webinar titled,聽<a href="https://aaahq.org/Education/Resources/Online/weARE-Webinar-22" target="_blank" title="鈥淩obotic Process Automation (RPA): Hands-On Training and Tips on How to Introduce RPA to Your Students">鈥淩obotic Process Automation (RPA): Hands-On Training and Tips on How to Introduce RPA to Your Students</a>鈥 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 鈥<a href="https://aaahq.org/Education/Resources/Online/weARE-Webinar-25" target="_blank" title="Data Visualization: Hands-On Training and Resources for your Classroom">Data Visualization: Hands-On Training and Resources for your Classroom</a>鈥 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.</p> <p>鈥淎n educator teaching educators,鈥 says Kitching. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the theme here.鈥 Kitching says accounting faculty at universities across the world are attending this one hour long webinar. 鈥淚 work hard to create an environment where attendees are learning in a way that makes it fun. There鈥檚 been a huge participant rate and I offer lots of teaching resources following the webinar.鈥 Kitching says she develops materials in her classrooms, and then brings successful concepts and exercises to the WeARE webinars.</p> <p>鈥淏ecause 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,鈥 says Kitching. 鈥淎ccounting faculty across the world are trying to upskill quickly, and my webinars are helping them do that.鈥</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Kitching鈥檚 dedication to the accounting industry is apparent, and aligns with the School of Business鈥 strategic initiative of Transformation of Work. 鈥淜aren Kitching has been a leading proponent of information systems and analytics courses in accounting programs at Mason,鈥 says聽JK Aier, area chair of accounting. 鈥淗er 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.鈥</p> <p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:58:50 +0000 Marianne Klinker 61086 at Leveling Up with Mason's Master's in Accounting /news/2021-11/leveling-masons-masters-accounting <span>Leveling Up with Mason's Master's in Accounting</span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Thu, 11/18/2021 - 15:45</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>The George Mason 麻豆国产 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鈥檚 a place where already successful businesspeople eagerly come to learn from their peers in the classroom and expert faculty alike.聽Karen Crosswhite聽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.</p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2021-11/karen-crosswhite.jpg?itok=R7f2SkRF" width="280" height="350" alt="Karen Crosswhite" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Karen Crosswhite</figcaption></figure><p>Since opening her own firm,聽<a href="https://bas.cpa/" target="_blank" title="BAS Certified Public Accountant Firm">BAS Certified Public Accountant Firm</a>, Karen Crosswhite has been successfully supporting clients within the United States and abroad. 鈥溌槎构 firm primarily works with U.S. based multinational businesses and international businesses with subsidiaries in the United States,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he firm also assists nonprofit organizations and individuals with tax filings, accounting, financial reporting, and other compliance needs. It鈥檚 rewarding to help clients solve their problems and be a valued resource to a broad and diverse community of businesses and individuals.鈥 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.</p> <p>Encouraged by the opportunity to be taught by true experts in accounting, Crosswhite enrolled in <a href="/node/141" title="Master's in Accounting | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">Mason鈥檚 master's in accounting program</a> and <a href="/node/4531" target="_blank" title="Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">graduate certificate program in forensic accounting</a>. 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, 鈥淭he courses were instructed by retired FBI instructors, who infused the programs鈥 curricula with real world experience.鈥 She credits the programs with equipping her with the tools and knowledge to perform fraud consultancy services in a day and age when it鈥檚 more in demand than ever before.</p> <p>The takeaway from the accounting programs was so much more than just what Crosswhite learned in the classroom. 鈥淧articipating in classes is just the tip of the iceberg,鈥 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.</p> <p>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鈥檚 eager to soak up all the knowledge and experience she can get her hands on so that she鈥檚 able to stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic world.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8536" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:45:45 +0000 Marianne Klinker 57946 at Alumnus Shows How Celebrating Diversity Fuels Professional Success /news/2021-11/alumnus-shows-how-celebrating-diversity-fuels-professional-success <span>Alumnus Shows How Celebrating Diversity Fuels Professional Success</span> <span><span>Marianne Klinker</span></span> <span>Tue, 11/16/2021 - 15:52</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>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 鈥12 and MS Accounting 鈥13, has been proud to watch the university support students鈥 distinct backgrounds more and more over the years. 鈥淭he heritage and cultures of our students are now embraced unlike ever before,鈥 he says.</p> <p>For Ly, a second-generation Chinese American, higher education was a critical step of the journey in improving his family鈥檚 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. 鈥淢y parents have always supported and encouraged my higher education aspirations since they saw this as an opportunity for me to achieve a better life,鈥 he says. He didn鈥檛 stop with the undergrad degree either. Ly returned to Mason to complete his <a href="/node/141" title="Master's in Accounting | George Mason 麻豆国产 School of Business">masters in accounting</a> 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.</p> <p>Asian American and Pan Asian professional groups play an important role in Ly鈥檚 career today as a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). 鈥淭hey have been supportive in my career as I have learned so much on the job at PwC over the past six years,鈥 he says. PwC鈥檚 CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion initiative ensures a workplace that鈥檚 suited for all of its employees. Ly credits Mason for bringing so many accounting and consulting firms to campus for networking events. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 where I really learned about the public accounting industry and where I wanted to work,鈥 he says. That connection made on campus has propelled him to where is today working within PwC鈥檚 assurance practice.</p> <p>鈥淢y Asian American heritage is central to my identity,鈥 Ly says. 鈥淣ot 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.鈥 Ly鈥檚 heritage has helped drive him to high achievement in a rewarding career, but he knows it鈥檚 only the beginning. More than just stories of his family鈥檚 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.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12501" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8536" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/13676" hreflang="en">Master's in Accounting Program</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 16 Nov 2021 20:52:14 +0000 Marianne Klinker 57596 at