MAC Mentorship Program

What motivated you to join the MAC Mentorship Program?
I was motivated to join the MAC Mentorship Program because of the program’s insight into accounting. I was unsure how to approach my next steps after post grad and I wanted to consider a career in accounting, but had no prior background in this field. The program encourages diverse backgrounds especially if you are interested in learning and growing!

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has supported my personal and professional growth tremendously. The program has great staff, mentors, and professionals who were genuinely interested in my career trajectory and my wellbeing. The program provided resources such as coffee chats, networking events, and one-on-ones where I can ask questions and receive industry insights that applied to my career.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
A moment that really clicked for me was realizing the importance of not being afraid to ask questions or advocate for what I want. MMP created a safe space to do that, and once I leaned into it, I was able to connect with staff and tap into their extensive alumni network to hear about their career paths and experiences after graduation. Asking intentional questions also helped me figure out how to get the most out of the program, which gave me a clearer sense of direction in preparing for a career in accounting

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP has helped me feel more prepared for graduate school and my career in accounting by exposing me to the course content and day-to-day responsibilities in the field. Through the networking events, many of the professionals were alumni of the MAC program at UNC. They were able to share best study strategies and approaches that helped them succeed in the accelerated program. Their guidance gave me practical tools and confidence to navigate the challenges ahead.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
Being a part of the MAC program has shown me the wide range of opportunities within accounting and helped me clarify my own career goals. I am especially drawn to Audit/Assurance because it allows me to combine my communications background with the technical skills and expertise I’ve gained through the program. This path feels like the right fit to build a strong foundation in accounting while also leveraging my ability to collaborate and communicate effectively.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
Join even if you are hesitant about a career in accounting! MMP offers abundant resources and events that reveal just how valuable accounting can be both professionally and personally. As the program’s slogan says, “Accounting is cooler than you think,” and I found that to be true once I saw how key concepts apply across firms of all sizes. When I entered the program, I was uncertain about pursuing accounting, but MMP’s investment in its students and the passion of professionals who use both business and unconventional skillsets convinced me that this is the right career path for me.

What motivated you to join the MAC Mentorship Program?
For me, the deciding factor in joining MMP was the overwhelming positivity I heard from its members. The pride they had in the MAC community and the program as a whole really connected with me, and it ultimately led to my decision to join. A choice I’m happy I made!

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has helped me grow both personally and professionally by showing me what it really means to pursue a career in accounting. The program not only gave me knowledge about the field but also connected me with mentors and peers who have guided and inspired me. From these experiences, I feel more confident and prepared for the next steps in my journey.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
MMP has changed the way I approach challenges by helping me see them as opportunities for growth. I now welcome the challenge and look for ways to be part of experiences that push me out of my comfort zone. This mindset has allowed me to keep learning and growing both personally and professionally.

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP has helped me feel more prepared for a career in accounting by changing the way I view the field and gave me a fresh perspective on what it really means to work in it. The program challenged me to think in new ways and pushed me to grow, especially through experiences like MAC777 that taught me how to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Because of this, I feel more confident facing challenges and better prepared for the demands of graduate school and my future career.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
As someone interested in tax accounting, I know a MAC degree will give me the challenge I need and the valuable skills that will prepare me for that path. What excites me most is that the program will not only push me to grow but also connect me with the support and experiences to become the kind of professional I want to be.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
I would say do it! Joining MMP has been the best decision I’ve made during my time at UNC. Through the program, I’ve learned so much, met amazing people, and grown in ways I didn’t expect. MMP will not only help you build professionally, but it will also shape you personally and give you experiences that stick with you long after your time with the program ends.

What motivated you to join the MAC Mentorship Program?
I joined MMP because of my strong interest in accounting, the valuable resources the program provides, and most importantly, the welcoming and supportive culture it fosters.

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has supported both my academic and professional growth in many ways. Serving as an ambassador gave me the chance to develop leadership skills, such as when I co-hosted a LinkedIn workshop. I also benefited from events like the resume-building workshop, speed networking sessions, and personal pitch training. These experiences elevated my professional presence and gave me greater confidence in any professional setting.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
MMP taught me that no challenge is too large; it’s all about how you approach it. I now focus on breaking big tasks into manageable steps, tackling them in order, and staying consistent. With that mindset, and by seeking help when needed, I’ve learned that success is always possible. Once you begin making this practice a routine, you quickly learn how much you can truly accomplish!

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP provided invaluable insight into both the MAC program and what to expect in a career in public accounting. If you’re interested in pursuing accounting, it’s one of the best starting points to prepare for the journey ahead. To couple with the professional growth opportunities, MMP provides its members with information on CPA exams, Big 4 accounting firm expectations, and much more about the profession that I feel has prepared me well for the MAC program and beyond.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
My vision is to become a respected partner in public accounting who leads with integrity, fosters inclusion, and builds a strong, innovative firm culture. The MAC degree will help me develop the technical expertise and leadership skills to progress through the career of an auditor and achieve that goal.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
I’d tell them that MMP is a supportive community designed to meet you where you are. There’s no pressure, but countless opportunities, whether through events, mentorship, or connections with alumni and staff. If you’re looking for guidance, networking, and growth, MMP is an incredible resource.

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
I’ve been so fortunate to have many resume workshops and networking opportunities that have propelled me forward in my career. Beyond the business realm, I’ve also met some really good friends through my involvement with the program, whom I still keep in touch with.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
Through MMP, I was able to start an initiative that aims to provide professional attire for all, regardless of financial or logistical challenges. It’s called Threads of Opportunity (TOO). With fantastic collaboration and input from Crystal Reed, I’ve been trying to grow the communal closet since the end of last fall.

This initiative, born from MMP, has taught me to persist through challenge and never let others define your story. You have the power to achieve anything at a high level so long as the effort and continued trials follow. I now know (through MMP and TOO) that approaching a challenge with positivity and a stubborn will to never give in will get you very far in life. TOO is not quite as big as I dreamt, but with time it will grow and become a highly valuable resource for all.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
Yes- when was admitted to the Business School, my first thought was excitement and shock, and my second was MMP. I realized all at once that this program is so valuable to my development, and that I owe many of my successes to the individuals who believed in me first by accepting me into MMP.

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP has helped me forge connections with many professionals in the field of accounting, particularly EY employees. The professionals have taught us so much about what a career in accounting looks like, and how to find a job in the field after graduation. Furthermore, Dave Jackson’s frequent involvement has made me aware of the possibility of a master’s degree in accounting through Kenan-Flagler. His input has shaped my future plans and makes me feel excited to potentially do a 4+1 academic plan.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
Lately I’ve been thinking of pursuing either sales or accounting after my time at UNC. A MAC degree could help me get anywhere, because everyone (even Michael Jordan) needs an accountant.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
I would tell the skeptical individual to take the leap of faith. You never know unless you take the chance, and why live regretfully in the future when you can just roll the dice now?

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has been instrumental in shaping both my personal and professional growth. For most of college, I envisioned myself working in the sports industry, but toward the end of my junior year I decided to pivot to accounting. MMP gave me valuable exposure to what a career in accounting truly looks like. Through conversations with professionals and hearing their personal journeys, I gained clarity and confidence in my decision to pursue this field. On a personal level, MMP has helped me improve at building meaningful connections—an essential skill that extends beyond career success and into every aspect of life.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
MMP taught me to approach opportunities with more openness and curiosity. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, I’ve learned to view challenges as chances to ask questions, connect with professionals, and gather insights that help me make more informed decisions. This shift has made me more proactive and confident when navigating new situations.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
Yes, when I was deciding between tax and audit at the start of the program. I didn’t know enough about either area to make a choice, and it felt overwhelming. During a networking event with EY professionals, I had a conversation that really stood out. An EY employee patiently explained the differences between tax and audit and openly shared his own experiences. That conversation gave me the clarity I needed and helped me confidently identify the path I wanted to pursue.

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP workshops have been incredibly valuable in preparing me for both graduate school and my future career. The resume and LinkedIn sessions helped me present myself more professionally, while insights from EY recruiters gave me a clear understanding of what firms are looking for during the hiring process. On the graduate school side, I’ve learned a great deal about the MAC program itself, and conversations with alumni gave me practical tips on how to set myself up for success once I begin.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
The MAC program has completely expanded my perspective on what’s possible. Before joining, I thought the degree was only useful for becoming an accountant. Now, I realize it’s incredibly versatile—the MAC equips us with the “language of business,” which is relevant in virtually any setting. After completing the program, I will be joining PwC as a Tax Associate, where I hope to gain valuable experience and practice applying what I’ve learned. In the long run, I know the MAC degree will continue to serve as a strong foundation for my career growth and opportunities in business.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
I’d tell them to absolutely take the leap. When I first joined, I wasn’t 100% sure if accounting was the right path for me, but MMP gave me the chance to explore it in a really supportive way. You get to meet professionals who are open about sharing their experiences, and those conversations helped me gain clarity and confidence about my own career direction. Plus, the friendships and connections you make with other mentees are just as valuable—you’re not going through it alone. Honestly, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

What motivated you to join the MAC Mentorship Program?
I wanted to get in the room with accounting professionals and learn more about a career in accounting

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has helped me become more confident in choosing accounting as my career. In addition, I was able to gain insight into some of the differences between a career in tax vs. audit.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
I am eager to form new relationships through networking because I have learned so much from conversations that took place at MMP networking events.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
At the end of the year event, prior NC Auditor Jessica Holmes spoke and shed light on the role of an accountant and how every business decision has to run through accounting. This made me realize the career I’m heading in is the core piece of every entity that seeks monetary gain.

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP explicitly detailed application deadlines, to-do lists, and the importance of showing up. All of this together provided me with the clarity and confidence to apply and ultimately be accepted in the MAC program here at UNC-Chapel Hill

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP has been critical in both my personal and professional growth throughout my time in college. I have been able to form close relationships with many people throughout every aspect of the program who have been able to mentor and support me through everything from changing majors to internship searches. Professionally, MMP has sharpened my skills like networking, resume building and interviewing which directly helped me in my internship application process.

What’s one way MMP has changed the way you approach opportunities or challenges?
MMP has given me the confidence and skills to accept opportunities or challenges even if I feel I may need support through them. MMP’s curriculum gave me the toolkit to be mentored and ask for support when needed so that I can now approach new opportunities and challenges knowing I can do it even if I cannot do it all on my own.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
My first ever event in MMP. In January of my first year, I attended the Welcome Reception and through a conversation with Professor Barringer that evening it clicked that accounting was the field I could achieve my greatest dreams through. And I never looked back.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you there?
I truly want to be able to help people and communities. As of now, I do not know where that ten-year plan may take me, but I know that a MAC degree will allow me to use any number of paths to achieve that whether I run for county auditor or use my time outside of my career to do financial work for my community.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
Do it. Applying to MMP has been the singular best decision I made in my undergraduate career here at UNC. The relationships I have formed and the skills I have learned have fundamentally shaped me for the better personally and professionally.

What motivated you to join the MAC Mentorship Program?
I knew I wanted to pursue accounting and earn my MAC degree, so I was drawn to MMP. Without the mentorship program, I could still earn the MAC degree, but I was ultimately looking to meet other students interested in accounting. Many of those in MMP will be in the same MAC cohort as me! I’m excited to see familiar faces in the graduate program.

In what ways has MMP supported your personal or professional growth, regardless of where you are in your journey toward choosing a career?
MMP’s networking events taught me how to navigate different professional environments. The events allowed me to practice dressing and speaking professionally, which prepared me for my summer internship. I was able to approach the first day of my internship with confidence because I knew what standards to hold myself to.

Was there a moment during the program when something just clicked for you—whether academically, professionally, or personally?
MMP’s golf outing was my favorite event because it was different from the usual indoor networking experience. During the event, I realized that most professional relationships are developed outside the office in circumstances like these. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about building connections in everyday settings.

How has MMP helped you feel more prepared for graduate school or a career in accounting?
MMP gave me the language to express what career opportunities I’m interested in. Tax and audit are very broad terms, but within MMP, you’ll gain knowledge of the different tax, audit, and assurance offerings at EY. I was also able to speak with EY professionals and listen to their first-hand experiences within those different offerings. All of this has given me career direction.

What’s your vision for your career, and how do you think the MAC degree can help get you the
I plan to start my career as a tax consultant in public accounting. For me, the MAC degree is a must for my career growth; it will grant me the opportunity to earn my CPA license and set me up for future promotions. Additionally, the degree will follow me wherever I go—whether it’s public accounting, industry, or entrepreneurship, I will always hold my credibility and technical skills.

If someone is on the fence about applying to MMP, what would you tell them?
If you’re unsure about a career in accounting, the skills you build in MMP apply to any field in business, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.