Q: Hi! Thank you for doing this. Can you talk a little bit about who you are and what you do at Alma College?

A: Thanks for having me! My name is Megan Neeley and I am from West Bloomfield, Mich. I’m majoring in accounting on the CPA track, and I’ll be graduating with the class of 2025. I am a member of the swim and dive team, a tutor for managerial and financial accounting, a peer writing consultant in the Writing Center, president of the Student Advancement Association, editor in chief of The Almanian, a member of the Interfaith Chapel House, and the recruitment data director and chapter life and events coordinator for my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. I am also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta and the Alma College Honors Program.

Q: In what ways has your experience at Alma College shaped your personal and academic growth?

A: Academically, the liberal arts education provided by Alma College allowed me to explore many different areas prior to deciding on my major. Even in picking the professional accounting major, I am still able to explore my creative and intellectual passions that fall outside of the realm of accounting. For example, I’ve been able to feed my passion for journalism throughout my journey working with the team that produces the biweekly publication of The Almanian (student newspaper). Dr. Matthew Cicci has encouraged my journalistic viewpoints and passion for printed media throughout my college career in such a way that my passion has only grown. Without his support, I would not have been able to discover or nurture this side of my academic journey.

Q: Have there been any new experiences or connections that stand out to you?

A: By offering the professional accounting major, Alma College — specifically Tina Rolling, my advisor — has set me up for professional success. Because of this program at Alma, I have been able to qualify for and successfully complete two internships earning an employment offer in September of my senior year.

Q: That’s amazing! What’s next for you after graduation?

A: Upon graduation from Alma with my bachelor’s degree, I’ll be able to sit for my certified public accountant (CPA) exam — a license that typically requires the completion of a master’s degree. I’m currently considering an offer to further my career in assurance following graduation in April. Additionally, through working on my thesis, “From Pre-Pandemic to Post-Pandemic: Examining Motives and Trends in 21st-Century Accounting Fraud,” I have unlocked a passion for forensic accounting. I plan to also obtain a certified fraud examiner (CFE) certificate, with which I’ll be able to pursue a career in forensic accounting. I’d like to eventually become a special agent in the FBI, working in forensic accounting.

Learn more about accounting and how Alma College prepares its graduates for the workforce by visiting alma.edu.