Sonali Vibhakar always knew she wanted to pursue a graduate degree. After a summer internship following her junior year at the University of Florida, she knew her intended pathway was in accounting.

When she began researching MAcc programs, she says, “Several factors made Vanderbilt the right choice: its strong reputation and ranking; the comprehensive nature of the program; excellent Big Four connections; and the fact that it is especially welcoming to students without an accounting degree” (Sonali majored in business administration).

Once she arrived on campus, Sonali found that “Vanderbilt’s community made all the difference” in how she experienced the program. “Coming from a large undergraduate institution, I often felt like just a number,” she says. “Professors didn’t know my name, and I rarely saw the same people twice. At Vanderbilt, it’s the complete opposite. I know my classmates, and the faculty and staff are genuinely invested in my success.” She particularly cites Professor Ed Wilkins, who, she says, “supported me both academically and professionally, even helping with interview prep and job negotiations.”

As she neared graduation, Sonali looked back at the “countless ways” the MAcc program shaped her future. “Not only did it make me eligible to sit for the CPA exam,” she says, “but it opened doors professionally, like receiving an offer from Deloitte. Just as important, I have grown so much personally. I’ve gained confidence, improved my communication and public speaking skills, and developed a strong network of peers and mentors.

“I’ve built the technical foundation for a successful accounting career and the personal connections that will shape my life in and outside of work.”