Neil Aspelin

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What did you study as an undergraduate, and what prompted you to pursue graduate study in accounting?

I pursued a dual-degree program in Accounting and Management Information Systems as an undergraduate at Florida State University. I was prompted to pursue graduate study in accounting as I felt this would be the perfect way to help meet the CPA licensure requirements while adding some specialization to my accounting knowledge and expanding my network.

What are your academic interests?

In undergrad, I thoroughly enjoyed both my Accounting and MIS classes and specifically liked some of the more math-intensive Accounting classes like Advanced Accounting and Cost Accounting. I was also particularly interested in my MIS classes, which involved database management and cybersecurity.

What courses are you most looking forward to in the M.S. in Accounting Program?

The courses I am most looking forward to in the M.S. in Accounting Program are Data Management and Analytics for Accountants and Cybersecurity as a Business Risk. So far, these classes are exciting and very practical for the workforce. Additionally, I like that both of these classes differ from traditional courses required for Accounting undergraduates, as they teach new topics and mastery of applications.

What do you enjoy most about the M.S. in Accounting Program?

What I enjoy most about the M.S. in Accounting Program is something the instructors emphasized on our first day of classes. The M.S. in Accounting Program is not just a series of classes but a program. While the courses are a part of the program, there are so many other avenues for students to learn and gain new experiences. For instance, students in the program learn how to work with a team, receive numerous exposures to employers, and learn about the different industries available to them.

What extracurricular activities are you involved with?

You will find that UVA offers a wealth of extracurricular activities for students in the M.S. in Accounting Program to partake in. For instance, besides the student ambassador program, I look forward to getting involved in some clubs specific to the Commerce School, such as the consulting club.

What is your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or place to visit in Charlottesville?

My favorite restaurant/place to visit in Charlottesville is probably the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. It’s the best place in town to watch a movie while also getting served some great food.