Sarah Song ’17, MPS ’18

Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Undergraduate education: Hotel Administration, Cornell University
Post-Cornell employer: EY
Favorite hobbies: Ballroom dance, hiking, traveling, yoga, and meditation

Why did you decide to apply to the MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization program?

“During my junior year of my undergraduate career at the School of Hotel Administration, getting CPA-licensed became my newfound aspiration. The MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization program gave me a way to actualize that aspiration. I then had the motivation to graduate a year early to pursue this program, which allowed me to keep my hospitality industry degree/knowledge fresh while obtaining more education in accounting on a reasonable timeline. I am also so glad to stay on the Cornell campus for another year—Ithaca is truly ‘gorges.'”

Have any faculty interactions stood out to you?

“Professor Jack Little changed my life. When I approached him during the critical time of choosing a career path, he empowered me and pointed me in a clear direction. He helped me gain confidence in my accounting knowledge and abilities and did all he could to help me build connections with professionals, which ultimately landed me an internship and full-time offer from EY. From resume edits to two-hour phone calls about prospective employers, Professor Little has supported me and given me guidance ever since we met. Frankly, I would not be where I am today without him, and know that he cares deeply about every student he crosses paths with.”

What are some of the benefits of being in a collaborative program at the SC Johnson College of Business?

“Having obtained my undergraduate degree from the School of Hotel Administration (SHA)—a school within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—I genuinely appreciate the chance to still take classes from SHA and interact with SHA faculty. We also have the opportunity to take MBA classes and build connections with other students/professionals in the business college. The MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization program is one of the first direct results of the SC Johnson College of Business collaboration; I am proud to be a part of it, and can’t wait to see the program flourish as the collaboration continues.”

How would you describe the program cohort and community here at Cornell?

“We are a cohort—we study together, listen to each other’s life stories, and support each other academically and beyond. During the first month of our time together, we have shared memorable experiences such as climbing the clock tower, going on an accelerator tour, and having a BBQ at our program director’s home. Everyone contributes their knowledge and resources from their various backgrounds and helps each other excel. The professors involved with the program are not only experts in their fields, but also approachable and caring mentors who made an effort to meet us individually. I love this community.”