Joy Gonzalez
Class of 2023
Hometown: Williamsburg, VA
Undergraduate University: Old Dominion University
Employer: Keiter CPAs
Position: Tax Associate
What prompted you to return to school and earn an MAcc?
I experienced significant burnout in my previous career, which made it increasingly difficult to find motivation and enthusiasm for my daily work. This growing dissatisfaction prompted me to consider a significant career change and seek new opportunities. Although my undergraduate degree was not in accounting, I developed a strong interest in the field over time. This newfound passion made pursuing a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree a clear and important goal, representing a meaningful step toward reinventing my professional path.
Why William & Mary?
Given that my undergraduate studies did not include accounting, I needed a program that would enable me to earn my MAcc and adequately prepare me for the coursework. William & Mary offered excellent resources to bridge this gap. Specifically, I took full advantage of their summer boot camp designed for non-accounting majors. This preparatory program equipped me with a solid foundation, ensuring I was well-prepared to succeed in the Fall MAcc class and beyond.
What have been some highlights during your experience in the MAcc program?
William & Mary provided me with many amazing experiences inside and outside the classroom. Big moments, like the class trip to Washington, D.C., and little moments, like studying for tests with classmates, enhanced my academic experience. Outside of the classroom, I could play intramural soccer and attend football games to cheer on my classmates. My year at William & Mary was full of learning, growth, and fun. One of the greatest highlights was the opportunity to meet and connect with amazing people I would have never met had I not decided to change career paths.
How do you think coming to William & Mary has helped your professional career and development?
Earning my MAcc degree at William & Mary allowed me to obtain a job with an accounting firm and work towards my five-year plan. Within the next five years, I want to learn everything I can with my current employer, obtain my CPA licensure, and get promoted. An aspect of the William & Mary MAcc program that immensely helped my professional career with the professors and staff. They are some of the most knowledgeable and caring people who provide firsthand knowledge on navigating the accounting world, which has contributed significantly to my success post-graduation. The William & Mary MAcc program also allowed me to work with Gen Z students two decades younger than me. Working with these individuals helped me learn how this generation views life and their impact on the world. Thanks to this opportunity, I can now communicate more efficiently with the younger generation at my new job.
