Where Support Meets Ambition: How Saunders Shaped My Career Path

Why did you decide to attend Saunders College of Business at RIT?

I chose Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology because of its strong reputation for accounting and analytics, its hands-on, career-focused curriculum, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professors who were genuinely invested in student success. Another factor that made RIT stand out to me was its vibrant campus life, particularly the opportunity to take dance courses and pursue my passion for hip-hop alongside my academics. That balance of rigorous academics, supportive faculty, and opportunities to explore my interests made Saunders the right choice for me and helped me grow both professionally and personally.

In what ways has Saunders/RIT prepared you for the job market?

Saunders College of Business at RIT prepared me for the job market by combining a strong accounting education with practical, hands-on experience. The program strengthened my knowledge of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, data analytics, and accounting technology while giving me opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with experienced professors. It also helped me successfully earn my U.S. CPA license, which has strengthened my technical accounting knowledge and professional credibility. Beyond academics, RIT encouraged leadership, teamwork, and communication through extracurricular activities such as the Hip Hop Dance Collective, helping me develop both the technical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in today's workplace.

What do you feel is the most distinctive advantage gained from your Saunders experience?

The most distinctive advantage I gained from my experience at Saunders was the people. As an international student, moving to a new country came with many challenges, but the faculty and staff at Saunders made me feel welcomed and supported from day one. Professors like Rong Yang, Srinivasan, and Debanjana had a significant impact on my academic and professional growth through their guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. I also had the privilege of interacting with many other faculty members who, even if I wasn't enrolled in their classes, were always willing to offer advice, answer questions, and help whenever I needed it. That sense of community and genuine care is something I'll always value. Beyond the excellent education that helped me earn my U.S. CPA license, Saunders taught me the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and building meaningful relationships. Those experiences have shaped not only the professional I am today but also the person I aspire to be.

What do you do?

I recently completed my Master's in Accounting and Analytics at Rochester Institute of Technology and earned my U.S. CPA license. After graduation, I received an offer from an LLC; however, due to work authorization timing, I was unable to begin the position. I am currently actively seeking a full-time opportunity that aligns with my qualifications and career goals in accounting, finance, or tax, where I can apply my skills and continue to grow professionally.

What has Saunders best helped me to reach my career success?

Saunders has helped me most by giving me the knowledge, confidence, and support to build a successful career in accounting. The rigorous curriculum strengthened my technical skills in accounting, analytics, and financial reporting, while the encouragement and mentorship from professors helped me grow professionally and personally. My experience at Saunders also played a significant role in helping me earn my U.S. CPA license, which has been a major milestone in my career. Beyond academics, the supportive community, career resources, and opportunities to connect with faculty and industry professionals prepared me to confidently enter the job market and pursue a long-term career in accounting and finance.

What should current students know about Saunders?

Current students should know that one of the greatest strengths of Saunders is its people. While you'll receive an excellent education in accounting, analytics, and business, what truly sets Saunders apart is the faculty and staff who genuinely care about your success. They don't just teach the subject matter—they prepare you for the real world by mentoring you, encouraging critical thinking, helping you build confidence, and sharing practical insights from their own experiences. As an international student, I always felt supported. Whether it was professors I studied under or faculty members I simply interacted with, they were always willing to help whenever I needed guidance. My advice to current students is to build relationships with your professors, participate in campus activities, and take advantage of every opportunity Saunders offers. The connections you make and the lessons you learn outside the classroom can b e just as valuable as what you learn in it.

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