Christopher Rife, ’25 Master of Accountancy: Transforming Career Path Through Education
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Program
’25 Master of Accountancy
Hometown
Mankato, MN
Undergraduate School and Major
Minnesota State University, Mankato, Bachelor of Arts in Music
Fun Fact
I am a classically trained vocalist with six years of formal study in opera.
Meet the Carlson School community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.
What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing a Master of Accountancy?
When I decided to pursue a career in accounting, I faced two paths. One option was to leverage experience from previous roles to secure an entry-level position and gradually advance through the company over the years. The other was to return to school, dedicating time to developing the fundamental skills that I lacked.
After careful consideration, I recognized that if I aspired to excel in my field and jumpstart my career, I needed to invest in learning the basics thoroughly. This would not only solidify my foundation but also expand my horizons, opening up a multitude of opportunities for my future.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
Coming from a non-traditional background, I was highly impressed by the accessibility of the program and the flexible selection of prerequisite courses tailored for full-time professionals. I looked at all the details, and it became clear that the Carlson School of Management was the right choice for me. The Master of Accountancy program stands out from others due to its supportive staff, curriculum emphasizing group projects, ability to apply real-world applications, and numerous networking opportunities with alumni active in the field. I am confident that with dedicated effort, attending the Carlson School will unlock endless possibilities for my future.
What was your most valuable Carlson School experience?
One of the most valuable experiences at the Carlson School has been participating in the various informational and networking events organized by the Carlson School Accounting Club. The informational events offer numerous opportunities to explore unique career paths, such as working with the FBI in forensic accounting, and to hear directly from leading companies about topics like the future use of AI. The networking events provide a chance to connect with professionals through enjoyable activities like bowling and on-site visits to their offices. These visits not only allow us to learn more about the organizations but also to engage with alumni and expand our professional networks.
I am confident that with dedicated effort, attending the Carlson School of Management will unlock endless possibilities for my future.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Accountancy program?
My advice to potential applicants is to start working on your personal statement as early as possible and have several people review it before submission. The personal statement is your opportunity to make a strong impression by highlighting your professional and academic background, as well as your future aspirations both at Carlson and beyond. This is your story, and you’ve already taken the significant step of deciding to improve your life by applying to this program. Don’t wait until the last minute and risk rushing through it; instead, give yourself ample time to create a compelling and polished narrative.