David Peterson, ’24 Master of Accountancy: From MBA to CPA - A Journey of Lifelong Learning
Friday, October 18, 2024
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?
I’ve been rewarded with 20+ successful years in accounting and finance based on an early MBA degree and by working within great teams. Now it’s time to advance and shift a bit, so I’m taking on a Master’s in Accountancy and sitting for the CPA! The excellent master’s program at Carlson School of Management makes that decision easy.
Why did you choose the Carlson School?
The Master of Accountancy program at Carlson School is deep, thorough, and engaging. Surrounded and supported by excellent programs in business, finance, supply chain, and economics, the Master of Accountancy program operates within a heavy business context, and the outcome is an extremely functional and engaging education.
What was your most valuable Carlson School experience?
Each class’s ability to be such a “deep dive” into a particular subject was an incredible learning experience. While accounting can appear to be a relatively “narrow” area of study, Carlson School’s wide range of instructors and varied class-method constructions made every class a very different experience. The topics and content were all tied together in the context of an accounting program, but each class was a stand-alone, deep study of the subject. Each class felt thorough.
Program
’24 Master of Accountancy
Hometown
Esperance, WA
Most Recent Job Title
Director of Finance
Fun Fact
I truly enjoy discussing accounting—perhaps a support group should be formed … Extroverted Accountants Anonymous?
Each class’s ability to be such a “deep dive” into a particular subject was an incredible learning experience. While accounting can appear to be a relatively “narrow” area of study, Carlson School’s wide range of instructors and varied class-method constructions made every class a very different experience.
How has your Carlson School experience helped you change your career path and get to where you are?
The depth of instruction in accounting has provided the context I needed to step up and take on the CPA exam and a far greater understanding and capability in accounting roles I had not considered, such as internal audit and the whole function of assurance services. I step back into my career with far more options than I anticipated.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Carlson’s Accountancy program?
Be upfront and honest with yourself in deciding to take on this master’s program—it takes work, but you will likely find that once engaged, the program carries you along quite well. Right from the start, the program will immediately connect you with a great team of individuals who will explain the program, chart a potential path for you, and support you as you look to transition or advance your career. Be upfront with them as well regarding both your short-term and long-term goals—their advice and guidance really make a difference.