By Emma Heard (M.S. in Accounting ’23)
I had mixed feelings before officially moving to Charlottesville to start the M.S. in Accounting Program at UVA McIntire. I was excited about the opportunity to grow and build a new network. I was also happy to start new classes and have entirely new professors. In contrast, I was also nervous because this was the farthest I had ever been away from home.
At the time, I expected that graduate school would be remarkably complicated and that I would need help to keep up with the workload and study for the CPA exams simultaneously. After moving and starting the program, I was surprised at how interconnected all my classes were! I can apply the skills and knowledge I gain in one class to my other courses over the semester. I also underestimated the community and network that I would gain. Because our program is smaller, I have grown close with several peers and professors. These relationships have allowed me to grow and excel in the program. I also learned quickly that most of the program feels like we are all in the same boat. Most of the program went to undergraduate institutions that were not UVA, so many people were unsure if they were “smart enough” (for lack of a better descriptor) to succeed in this program. We quickly discovered that was not the case and that we were smart enough to succeed in the program!
Some tips I have discovered and found helpful include managing your time well, finding a friend group, and exploring the city. Managing your time well is vital to your success in the program. I have found that the workload fluctuates; sometimes, you may have nothing to do, while other times may cause you to feel like you are drowning. Staying on top of due dates is crucial and will help alleviate any stress during busier moments. Keeping a calendar, blotter, planner, etc., with due dates helps me accomplish this. Finding your group of friends is also super helpful! I am lucky to live with other girls in my program and in the same building as other MSA students. Because of this, we have grown close. Having people to talk to and do stuff with outside of the classroom makes the program even more enjoyable and helps the busier times feel less stressful. Charlottesville is also a great city, with many cool things to offer. My roommates and I enjoy trying new restaurants or venturing out to the numerous wineries in the area. You are only here for a year, so you should make the most of the surrounding area!
Since this is just my experience, I also interviewed several of my classmates:
Elizabeth Fox | Audit | University of South Carolina
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. I expected to be academically challenged. UVA emphasized the program being STEM-designated, so I expected to be taught such STEM analytic concepts. UVA also emphasized the program being “see the big picture,” developing the ability to analyze the information.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. My experience has not only met but exceeded my expectations. Classes are more focused on the “why”—why this number matters and what these numbers mean for the company/investor, compared to what we learned in undergrad. In my Data and Audit class, I am learning data analytic tools that Big Four Accounting firms use to analyze data, find outliers, and interpret big data.
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. Time management and having a planner. Block out times throughout the day to focus on schoolwork/studying, and know what assignments are coming up in the future. Be able to prepare. Time management also helps with social life. Plan and prioritize ahead of time to have a weeknight free/Saturday free to explore Charlottesville and all it offers.
Joe Chessmore | Audit | Oklahoma State University
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. Coming in, I had no idea what to expect from the program. Coming from Oklahoma State, I was concerned about my background knowledge and ability to connect with peers. I was afraid that in a short program, I might spend a lot of time in the beginning catching up and trying to feel connected socially.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. I was pleasantly surprised with how many students were in the same spot as I was—entering the program knowing few to no people. The program puts you in a position to become very close with your peers, which has been my favorite part. The program creates a structure where classes rely on each other and are interconnected. The courses are much less technical testing and more applicable deliverables that I know will be used in my position after seeing the work during my internship. I enjoy exploring the nuanced areas of accounting and subjects near it to understand how to apply them to my career. The fact that it’s all related to group work also surprised me. Although it may be daunting, working in groups is a great skill I have improved and, when done well, can improve the speed and sharing of opinions on the topic at hand.
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. Socially, to take advantage of group work, classes, the grad lounge, and other outside-of-the-program activities to meet other people. My favorite part of the program has been meeting the different students involved. It is a unique MSA program in how many outside perspectives and backgrounds it brings together. Try to stay ahead of your schedule for school. The program is built around group work, so being available for others when working on a project together is essential. Also, professors are available and willing to guide you on assignments, but you must get ahead and be prepared for the work you receive to get their help before the due dates.
Haleigh Ensminger | Audit/Tax | North Carolina State University
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. Going into the MSA program, I expected it to be incredibly educational and rigorous. I had heard great things about the professors, so I was excited to learn from intelligent and helpful professionals and educators. I was nervous about coming to a university I did not attend for undergrad, as I was unsure what to expect about the “Grounds” or what the people would be like.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. While my expectations were high, I can gratefully say that my experience has surpassed all my expectations. The professors have, at the minimum, met my expectations. Because the program is on the smaller side, I developed a relationship with all my professors. Furthermore, they have gone above and beyond to help us through this academically challenging program. To top it all off, the people and Grounds are amazing. Some people [in the program] are UVA undergrads, but most are from other states and countries. I have enjoyed making new friends with everyone, exploring Charlottesville, and learning about UVA. If I had to do it all over again, I would change nothing!
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. To be successful, I suggest getting to know your peers and professors. While the content is often difficult to grasp, all the professors are incredibly willing to work with you to ensure that you understand the material, but you need to put in the work. Get to know everyone! It is a great way to broaden your network because the business world is much smaller than it seems. Moreover, your peers are what make the program so enjoyable. We come from different states and countries, so learning more about each other is fun and exciting.
John Robbins | Audit | University of Virginia
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. Going into the MSA program, I was hopeful that I could make new friends with my classmates, but I was unsure how this would look, with everyone from different schools.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. The uncertainty of how I would get along with my classmates vanished. It has been enjoyable to meet a whole new group of people I didn’t previously know at UVA or who are coming to enjoy the place I have called home for over four years!
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. Make an effort to converse with your peers, and get to know as many people as possible in the program.
Dominic Owens | Audit | University of Bristol
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. My expectations for the program were that it would be strictly business and, like my undergrad experience, where you go to class and do the work with little communication with others. I also didn’t fully understand what a leadership class was.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. My expectations were way off, as there are many opportunities to speak with professors, and it feels more like a community than a classroom. Most lecturers are very engaged with their classes and, for the most part, teach very effectively.
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. Stay organized! I like to block off time in my week to do assignments because it can sometimes be overwhelming with all of them. I also like to have a to-do list for the week that I check off.
Natalie Critelli | Audit | University of Mary Washington
Q. What were your expectations of the program before you started?
A. My expectations going into the MSA program were to improve my soft people skills while refining my previous accounting knowledge. I expected the program would be challenging but rewarding and beneficial for my future career.
Q. How do your expectations compare to your experience so far?
A. My experience has exceeded my expectations. I have grown my soft skills and technical skills while creating long-lasting relationships. The community at McIntire is such a great support system. The professors and people in the MSA program genuinely want you to succeed.
Q. What are some success tips for the program?
A. One success tip is to embrace the experience fully. The program only lasts a year, and it truly flies by. Don’t hesitate to go to office hours if you are struggling with a topic or need clarification. It is apparent that the professors love their jobs and want to support and help you succeed in any way they can. Lastly, be open to new relationships. It can be intimidating at first not knowing people. However, people from our program come from all over the world and have unique backgrounds and experiences; you can truly learn a lot from them. Not to mention, you will meet some of your best friends!
