Success Stories: Billy Keogh
Major/Degree: Master of
Science in Accounting
Hometown: Smithtown, New
York
Why did you
come to the Zarb School?
The three main factors that solidified my decision to attend
Hofstra for my Master of Science in Accounting was the proximity to New York
City, Zarb’s AACSB accreditation, and the presence of Big 4 accounting firms
during the recruiting cycle. Since I
majored in mathematics at the undergraduate level, I knew that it would take a
tremendous amount of learning and guidance to meet the specific state
requirements for eligibility to sit for and eventually obtain the CPA
designation. This is where the AACSB accreditation became extremely useful, as
I knew that I wouldn’t face any barriers when the time came to apply for the
exam.
Additionally, it was my goal from day one to work in
public accounting for a Big 4 firm upon graduation. Therefore, I knew that I
wanted to attend a school whose graduates were targeted by these firms and I
was confident that Zarb’s brand recognition and relationships with the various Big
4 firms would be a huge asset to my job search.
Internship
Experience:
The summer before I graduated I secured an internship
with Deloitte in their business tax services group. I applied for this position
through Handshake, Hofstra’s internal job search platform and subsequently
received an invitation to interview for the position. What I enjoyed most about
my internship with Deloitte was they treated you as if you were full-time staff
and provided valuable learning experiences throughout my journey.
Work
Experience:
After completing my internship with Deloitte, I was
extended an offer to return full-time the following year upon graduation. I
recently began my employment with them as a tax consultant in their business tax
services group, which provides services to help many diverse business entities
with the various, and often complex, aspects of taxation they face including
planning, compliance and controversy services. Working for Deloitte has been a
great opportunity thus far; I’ve enjoyed working for a firm that invests
heavily in their employees and whose name carries such huge influence in the
business world.
Throughout my career search, I received a tremendous
amount of guidance and support from Zarb Graduate Business Career Services.
From countless resume critiques prior to applying for jobs to mock interviews
upon securing an interview, there is no doubt in my mind that their assistance
played a pivotal role in helping secure my current position. Graduate Business
Career Services is a huge asset available to all Zarb graduate students and I
would recommend every student make multiple appointments throughout their tenure
at Zarb.
How did the
Zarb School prepare you for your career?
Academically, Zarb provided me with challenging
coursework taught by professors who are knowledgeable in the profession and
have relevant, real world experience in accounting to support the concepts
taught in class. However, to say that the only thing provided by Zarb was
academics would serve as an injustice to the countless lessons and skills that supplemented
lessons learned in the classroom. From
learning networking practices at alumni/employer events to cultivating
leadership and management skills as the president of the Zarb Accounting
Graduate Association and actively participating in events and extracurricular
activities, I continue to apply these lessons both personally and
professionally.
What is your
favorite memory/experience at the Zarb School?
My favorite experience at the
Zarb School was serving as the president of the Zarb Accounting Graduate Association
(ZAGA). This organization helped me meet like-minded individuals who will eventually
become my colleagues and peers down the line. I became involved in accounting
outside academia through a partnership with the New York State Society of CPAs,
and planned events for both accounting and other business school students. It
was a great leadership and networking opportunity.
What advice do
you have for students who want to follow in your footsteps?
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