For our Master of Accountancy (MAcc) students, it's not just about understanding GAAP, and the intricacies of accounting and finance; MAcc also prepares them to launch a new career or switch careers. 

One way the program achieves this is through a series of mock "open houses". A number of accounting professionals join the students, including program alums, to recreate real interviewing and networking situations. These challenge the students to present themselves in the best possible light to a potential employer, while honing their communication and relationship building skills. 

"I wanted to give back to the MAcc program because it set me up so well for my career and I didn't expect it" said Marija Zagarins from the class of '15, now a staff accountant at Gallagher, Flynn & Co. LLP. She continued "when I graduated I expected to get a job as a bookkeeper or something similar, however, now I have so many more opportunities that I never thought I'd have."

Marijas' sentiments were echoed by Adam Randolph, also from the class of '15, and on audit staff of Crowe Horwath LLP., he said "I came back here today to support students through some of the challenges of starting the MAcc program and the recruitment process. I've been in their shoes, so it was nice to be able to help students who aren't sure what they want to do with their career, because I was like that. I wanted to help them find a way to find their narrative. That it's okay not to know."

Many thanks to all of the attendees for taking the time to participate today.

Mark Dayvie, CPA - Grippin Donlan Pinkham

Adam Randolph - Crowe Horwath, LLP

Marija Zagarins - Gallagher, Flynn & Co., LLP

Katie Glover - Johnson Lambert, LLP

Jonathan King, CPA - Keurig Green Mountain

Jessica Taylor - Grippin Donlan Pinkham