Last week, I had the opportunity to catch up with three recipients of the 2011 NSA Scholarship Awards: Katelyn Goettl, Shelby Pieper, and Sonja Gooding. Keep reading to learn more about these three inspiring young ladies pursuing undergraduate degrees in accounting:
Katelyn N. GoettlUniversity of Wisconsin: Eau Claire- Eau Claire, WI
Millard D. Ashley Memorial Award
Accountants Society of Virginia:
An honors student at the University Wisconsin--Eau Claire, Katelyn has participated in both the forensics and lacrosse teams while double majoring in Accounting and Finance and also received a position to mentor other accounting students this semester. She hopes to get an internship position this summer and after graduation, Katelyn would like to work as a CPA in her hometown in Minnesota.
I asked Katelyn to share some advice for other students seeking out an accounting degree:
“I would say to take notes on everything you read! I took lots of notes and reread them all before every quiz and exam. They are extremely helpful! Also, be sure to read everything and to keep up-to-date with homework. Practicing and working through problems is also very beneficial. Work through graded homework problems on a separate piece of paper and check your answers before each exam.”
Shelby L. Pieper
Nebraska Wesleyan University – Lincoln, NE
Nebraska Society of Independent Accountants
While attending Nebraska Wesleyan University and studying accounting, Shelby has participated in volleyball and has been involved with FCA on campus. Shelby has recently decided to graduate in three years then plans to go on to receive her Master's in Professional Accountancy and hopes to one day work for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Shelby weighs in on being an accounting student:
“For other students seeking an accounting degree I would suggest working hard. There are some classes that are challenging but if you spend enough time on classes and working through the material I'm sure they will have success.”
Sonja M. Gooding
Walla Walla University, WA
Washington Association of Accountants
Sonja has two years of school left before graduation and plans to start an internship at a local accounting firm while finishing school. She is also considering an MBA with a concentration in accounting in order to increase. Sonja has enjoyed her tax accounting courses in particular and recently took a seminar in forensic accounting, which she found to be fascinating.
Sonja shares some insights on being an accounting student:
“School is definitely kicking in to high gear but the National Society of Accountants definitely deserves to know that their investment was well spent. I recommend that anyone wishing to go into the accounting field spend as much time as possible informing himself or herself in the areas of accounting and finance. Knowledge is power and there is a wealth of information out there. If a person did not know where to look, I would recommend starting with the NSA website, it is an incredible resource.
Since receiving my scholarship from the National Society of Accountants, I was able to meet all of my educational funding goals, which relieved a lot of pressure. Without this pressure I have been able to spend my extra time away from studies to meet with accounting and financial specialists in my community. I am building connections with my future colleagues and learning a lot about the accounting industry.”
Sonja thanks NSA for support and inspiration and looks forward to the day when she passes the CPA exams and can become a fully invested member of NSA.
About the NSA Scholarship Foundation:
A funding resource for career development, lifelong learning, educational programs, and the future, the Foundation works to build career paths into and within the accounting profession. With its scholarship awards, the Foundation assists dedicated students who are committed to a career in accounting by providing financial assistance to support their education. With its educational grant program, the Foundation supports professional development and educational activities to expand the body of knowledge within today’s practitioner community.
Formed in 1969, the Foundation is a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization and relies on voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to support its programs. A seven-member Board of Trustees holds full fiduciary responsibility for management of the Foundation and its programs.
Learn more about the 2011 Scholarship Award Recipients
Interested in applying or know a student who would benefit? Learn more.
For all applications & related inquiries:
National Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation Awards Program|
c/o Scholarship Management Services
One Scholarship Way, P.O. Box 297
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-1682
Interested in supporting the scholarship foundation? Email Sally Brassé, Executive Director
#ScholarshipFoundation #MemberLink #students