07-15-2024
Growing up, I have always loved dogs. While I liked all animals, there was something special about puppies that could fit in a mug — they truly had my heart. When I discovered that I couldn’t just be a vet for dogs, I realized veterinary sciences might not be for me. At the age of seven, I made my first career pivot. Since then, I’ve made countless such pivots. Most people see this as a weakness, but I consider it my greatest strength. Fortunately, at the Daniels School of Business, each pivot I make is encouraged and supported by growth.
What drew me to the Daniels School and the business world was knowing that a business degree could take me anywhere. In my three years of undergrad, I’ve moved from finance to accounting, then to management, and back to accounting. After taking a few classes from each plan of study, I can confidently say I’ve experimented with and enjoyed every aspect of what the Daniels School has to offer. Now, I’m making my next pivot: a master’s in accounting.
Early in my undergraduate journey, I took MGMT 197. In this class, I heard directly from individuals with an accounting background and learned how accounting has more to do than just taxation and audits — it opens doors.
Recognizing this, I utilized all the resources available to me. I spoke to everyone around me, from experienced Purdue alumni to my professors. I drew from the experiences of individuals with accounting degrees to understand how they got to where they are today. Through my classes — which weren’t always easy — I developed a solid foundation in the field that prepared me for my next leap.
I’m currently in the summer before the beginning of my master’s, and I am already looking forward to the various review sessions lined up for me in preparation for my CPA exam. To sit for the CPA exam, I need to complete 150 credits. By the third year of my undergraduate degree, I already had 120 credits — including 6 credits from studying abroad and more from summer classes. I realized that I wanted to use my next 30 credits toward my master’s, and that’s exactly what I did.
When I first heard about the MSA program, what immediately caught my attention was the 80% pass rate associated with Purdue students taking the CPA exam, in stark contrast to the much lower national average. This was an extremely satisfying statistic because Purdue students are much more successful than the national average. Plus, knowing that I can get my CPA exam out of the way early in my career makes me feel less overwhelmed and more confident about my future.
Unlike my undergraduate classes, master’s classes are much smaller in size, with around 30 students per class. As the level of course difficulty increases with another degree, it’s comforting to know that I can connect with my classmates and professors more easily. Also, knowing that Purdue faculty like Troy Janes have been on the official exam board assures me that my education is in the right hands.
The transition into my master’s degree has been extremely seamless. The application process was simplified, and I already have my online accounts and login details set up with Purdue, and I’m familiar with the course registration system. With MS classes being module-based, I have an added level of flexibility in choosing what I want my days and weeks to look like. While I’ve had some trouble adjusting to the new schedule, being able to contact the help desk back and forth has helped answer my questions.
While the ease of transitioning into the MSA program has been instrumental in my decision to stay at Purdue and get my master’s — I’d be lying if I didn’t say it’s also the people. I’m adopted and of Chinese origin, but I’ve grown up immersed in American culture. When I first applied to Purdue for my undergrad, I looked at the diversity statistics and the international population because these numbers have always been of value to me. It has always been important for me and for those around me to feel included.
Staying at Purdue has provided me with incomparable support and education, but most importantly, it’s given me the gift of walking through the Krannert building and not being able to get any work done because I always run into people who make me feel at home.
What makes inclusion different from all other factors that go into choosing the right school is that it can’t be faked. It’s an emotion that you feel and one that you cannot force. Knowing that you may not always look like the people around you but recognizing that they still support you and want to see you succeed is heartwarming. Purdue has played a huge role in making me feel like I belong, and through my time here, I like to think that I’m simply returning the favor.
Looking back, I never planned on my fourth year at Purdue University involving a master’s degree, but I am grateful that things worked out the way they did. I had no idea that I’d earn my bachelor’s degree in three years and pursue my master’s in one. I hadn’t even imagined that I’d change my major three times. But here I am.
This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to pivot. Wherever you are in your Purdue journey, be open to learning in every way you can and know that your path will always look different. Make your roadmap to success. Make your pivot.
Learn more about the Pathway Program for all Daniels School residential master’s programs, including waivers for GRE/GMAT and recommendations.
Haleigh Martin of Oaklawn, IL, is a member of the Purdue Accounting Association, Beta Alpha Psi and the Brock-Wilson Center, and served as a TA. She loves learning where people come from and how their backgrounds shape who they are becoming.
