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.
"Coming from a non-accounting background, the MSA program at Gies opened doors I never imagined possible. With top-notch professors and dedicated career services, its global reputation draws in top firms, and its focus on lifelong learning ensures ongoing personal and professional growth. The program has prepared me to dive into the accounting profession in the US, and I’ll be working as an audit associate for Deloitte!"
Aiden Baek, MSA ’24
Home country: South Korea
"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.
"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
"Starting the MSA at the University of Illinois after working as a Chartered Accountant in India was like diving into a whole new world. At EY and Volkswagen, I learned a lot, but the hands-on projects in ACCY 593 really brought things like mergers and acquisitions to life. Diving into the US tax system in ACCY 505 was just as eye-opening, and really practical too. What made the whole experience special was the mix of people I studied with—everyone brought something different to the table. The job fair was a blessing. It helped me get my first job in the US in my favorite city - Chicago."
Shreya Jain - MSA ’24
Home country: India
"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
"Having honed my skills in Taxation and Accounting over eight years in Indonesia, I am keenly aware of the importance of mastering GAAP [Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ] for gaining a broader perspective on multinational business practices. Opting for the MSA Program at a top US accounting university was a natural choice, given its stellar reputation and innovative integration of data analytics into accounting, a skillset crucial for modern accounting careers."
Sony Nugraha, MSA ’24
Home country: Indonesia