Jack Bogan, who majored in economics in college, had no background in accounting. That’s the primary reason why he chose Vanderbilt’s MAcc program.  

“I wanted to work for a Big Four firm, and I knew that my undergraduate experience probably did not prepare me enough to pursue that career,” Jack explains. “I also knew the Vanderbilt Master of Accountancy program is built for non-accounting majors. That meant I would never feel behind or inadequately prepared for the content. I knew the program would help me land a job, prepare for the CPA exam, and equip me to do well in a job once I started.”

It helped that Jack already had some experience with Vanderbilt. As an undergraduate at Davidson, he enrolled in Owen’s Accelerator Summer Business Immersion, a 30-day program oriented toward non-business majors. “After I did the program and met some of the faculty,” Jack says, “I knew it would potentially be a great place for me to return for post-graduate education.”

As Jack had foreseen, his relationships with faculty and staff proved invaluable once he joined the MAcc program. He particularly cites program director Emily O’Dell. “I could always come to her with questions and knew she would be available to talk and help me with classes, recruiting, or whatever issues I was facing.”

He credits the opportunity to build close relationships with his peers as another pillar of his success. “I love that the accounting program is so small, with only 40 or so people, because it meant we all grew close as a class.  

“I remember playing pickleball with people from my class in the first week of school. And then almost every week, we played sand volleyball. We went on a class trip to Gulf Shores before graduation. We really got to know each other over the course of a year.” One of Jack's favorite memories was being in the stands with his friends—and then rushing the field together—as Vanderbilt football upset Alabama in 2024.  

In the end, the MAcc program delivered the result Jack had in mind when he chose Vanderbilt. “It landed me a job that I believe will be a great start to my career,” he says. “It also taught me countless technical and soft skills I can take with me. And, most importantly, it allowed me to develop deep friendships that I will take with me for the rest of my life.”