Jono Bennett
Class of 2024
Hometown: Durban, South Africa
Undergraduate University: West Virginia University
Class Year: 2023
Major/Minor: Accounting/Marketing
Employer: Cohn Reznick LLP in Washington, DC
Position: Tax Associate
What prompted you to return to school and earn an MAcc?
I needed 150 credit hours to achieve my main goal of taking the CPA exam. Through my research, I knew William & Mary's MAcc program would get me those hours and an exceptional education, which prompted me to apply. I was also part of a D1 swimming program at West Virginia University during my undergraduate education experience, and I had an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. When my undergraduate experience ended, I wasn't quite ready to give up swimming, so I wanted to use that eligibility to swim one more year at an NCAA D1 college.
Why did you choose the William & Mary MAcc program?
I chose the William & Mary MAcc program for many reasons. I was initially drawn to it because I knew W&M was a great school with a prestigious reputation. Unlike MAcc programs at many other universities, W&M's MAcc was STEM-designated, allowing me three years of work eligibility without visa sponsorship as an international student in the United States. While researching the program, multiple testimonials emphasized its unique ability to prepare its students for the CPA exam, which was my goal to pass. Lastly, I enjoyed my conversations with the head coach of William & Mary's swim team and knew I would join a tight-knit, well-coached community. My experience far exceeded my expectations, as I finished the program well-prepared for the CPA exam and with relationships that will last a lifetime.
What were some highlights for you during the MAcc experience?
One of the aspects I appreciated most about the program was the opportunity to take the same classes with all my classmates during the first semester. This setup fostered genuine connections and created an engaging learning environment where everyone felt comfortable asking questions and participating. A particularly memorable part of the experience was collaborating with MBA students from diverse backgrounds and expertise.
One standout moment was working with a high-level army officer in the MGJW MBA program. When I expressed concern about managing a heavy workload, he reassured me that it wasn't a matter of life or death and that I would be able to complete it. His perspective helped me realize that while the workload was demanding, it was manageable and not as overwhelming as I initially thought. This encounter spoke to the remarkable character and diverse experiences of the students at William & Mary and highlighted the value of such interactions in shaping my approach to challenges.
What value has the MAcc degree had on your professional growth?
I firmly believe that the program has significantly enhanced my ability to analyze and resolve real-world accounting issues effectively. As a result, I secured a position with Cohn Reznick LLP in Bethesda, Maryland. The MAcc program bolstered my confidence in tackling and discussing complex accounting problems—skills that will be invaluable in my work with accounting professionals at this firm and throughout my career.
