Alex Engebretson, MAcc '15

As a recipient of the Elijah Watt Sells Award, an honor recognizing top performers on the CPA exam, Alex Engebretson certainly benefited from the preparation he received in the Ross MAcc Program. But for him, the highlights of the program were the experiences, including the EY Public Policy Symposium, the MAcc formal celebration dinner, and the MAcc holiday party.

Now working at Plante Moran, PLLC, Alex appreciates how the MAcc curriculum relates to the real world. “The MAcc program was a great springboard to entering the public accounting profession. We enjoyed unique, accounting-specific learning experiences that improved my understanding of the fundamental principles of accounting, how they are applied in the real world, and how they are created. I apply lessons from the classes at work every day.”

The opportunity to take MBA classes was another perk. “I was able to take MBA-level courses on negotiations, leading with values, and incentivizing productivity in the workplace, an ancillary benefit that enabled me to learn from MBAs with significantly more work experience.”

Alex also made sure to take advantage of Ross Career Services. “Career Services was ESSENTIAL to helping me land a job. Beyond interviewing, Career Services taught me how to build a professional LinkedIn profile, write a polished resume, and conduct informational interviews, which continue to benefit me in building a professional network.”

But it wasn’t all work. Alex also participated in U-M Club Wrestling and Ross Habitat for Humanity, and enjoyed the relationships he developed. “I have many fond memories of the MAcc program because we all grew extremely close over our eight months together.”