For the average college student today, it is no question that success in academics requires a balance between school, work and family. For many M.S. in Taxation students, the decision to head back to the books is an important one, as most of the students enrolled in the program handle a full time job during the day.
Carrie Ngao, Spring 2011 M.S. in Taxation graduate, knows what it means to juggle school, work and family. A mother of two, Ngao successfully completed the program while working full time in the Tax Services department at one of the “Big 4” firms, Ernst & Young. Ngao says she attributes her success to the format of the program.
“The program’s structure helps a lot because it’s set for working professionals in the industry,” said Ngao. “During busy season there’s no class, and I liked the cohorts because I got to network with other students with different experience levels from other firms. The structure definitely helped me balance everything.”
Ngao also attributes her success to a special team—her family. “I know I have a great family system because they supported me throughout the program. My kids and my husband are great! My in-laws would help pick up the kids from school and grandma would cook dinner. My family support got me through it,” said Ngao.
Her advice for students interested in the program or those who are already juggling a heavy workload is to keep an open mind and network with other students.
“The great thing about the program is that everyone’s experience level is different and they all come from different backgrounds. Be open and you will succeed,” said Ngao.