Emma Phelan
Emma Phelan is currently an Assurance Associate at PwC.
Why did you choose to pursue your MSA degree at Boston College?
I attended Boston College for my undergraduate degree. During my freshman year I took an accounting course and loved it, so I decided to pursue an accounting minor. Several BC accounting alumni recommended the MSA program throughout my undergraduate career. Ultimately, I chose the BC MSA because I already had a great community here and I knew the program would prepare me well for a career in accounting. BC professors are experts in their field and our courses are very applicable to both CPA exam material and the accounting field as a whole.
How did the MSA program help you secure your current job?
While interviewing for my current role, I was asked to describe what I was currently learning in my accounting classes. I mentioned a case from my Financial Statement Analysis class regarding revenue recognition, and my interviewer immediately recognized the case. We spent most of my interview discussing the future implications of that case. The BC MSA program teaches material that is relevant and important to the accounting world. I also had a wonderful experience with career services during my program, especially through the Carroll School Graduate Career Development Office. They helped me prepare for career fairs, conducted mock interviews, reviewed my resume and cover letter, and even helped me negotiate job offers. Their help was crucial to my job application experience and my understanding of the business world.
What is your advice to future BC MSA candidates?
Reach out to current students and professors involved in the MSA program so you can understand how welcoming and passionate the community is. Also, Boston College has great community involvement beyond the classroom, so be sure to make time for activities outside of academics. As a graduate student I was able to participate in a graduate student retreat, dance in a student-run tap dance group, and work in media technology services on campus.