Masters in Accounting Graduate Lands Audit Associate Role at Deloitte

Smriti Hyoju, Masters in Accounting student, ’17, moved from Nepal to the United States less than two years ago. After networking at the Meet the Firms event this past year, she is on track to a permanent position at Deloitte, one of the “Big 4” accounting firms, as an audit associate. 

Using an internal application process after attending the annual Meet the Firms event on campus, Hyoju applied to Deloitte and a few other top accounting firms. She was called for the first round of interviews on campus, then worked with SEBA career services to practice and gain confidence through the process that followed. A second round interview included a social event with employees and partners from Deloitte. And a third interview with two managers led to an offer, after which she was called to the office. “I then got the opportunity to go out for lunch with a few Saint Mary’s alumni who work at Deloitte,” said Hyoju.
“I had a difficult time choosing which company to go with,” said Hyoju. I had offers at Deloitte, KPMG, Crowe Horwath and Armanino. The deciding factor was definitely the people I met at Deloitte, I knew where I wanted to start my career.”

Hyoju previously completed her MBA in Nepal, her home country. “When I came here I was very nervous about my career. Though I had an MBA, I knew I needed to get a degree here as well to really kick-start my career. The country and the culture was new to me. I was doing a lot of research on schools locally, and what I really liked about Saint Mary's was the hybrid program and I also got a very positive vibe from the person I spoke to when I first called,” said Hyoju.
Hyoju moved from Nepal to be near her husband and family, who live locally.
When Hyoju looked at the program, it matched what she was looking for. “I wanted to work full-time, while getting this degree. It was a perfect fit because it just gave me that flexibility. And that was why I really joined the College, that's how it all started,” said Hyoju.

Her time at the College has not been a cake walk. “I'm learning new things every day in every class,” said Hyoju. “I would say it's been fun, but challenging at the same time. I feel like I made the best decision for myself to join the College. My education here has given me a great backbone to achieve things I wouldn't have thought of a year back, if I had not joined the community. I never thought I would get into Deloitte. Saint Mary’s gave me that opportunity and that platform, and I'm happy that I’m here.”