Fifty-six Master of Accountancy (MAcc) students hit the first week of school running with an engaging two-part orientation program held Monday and Wednesday. Faculty members discussed course expectations, and guest speakers led activities designed to help students understand how to leverage their strengths and weaknesses and successfully work on collaborative projects.
“While the MAcc program prepares students to pass the CPA exam, it is also designed to push students to think beyond the CPA. We do so by creating opportunities for our students to build professional skills and networks that set them up for long-term career success,” said MAcc Program Director Michele Frank.
Monday’s focus was on the importance of teamwork in graduate programs and professional settings. Students had an opportunity to start building their peer network. “Often, students are required to work in teams (as in most business organizations) without ever really receiving training about how to do so,” said Frank. “We invited Hiram Ramirez, Miami’s Assistant Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Strategic Initiatives, to lead a role-playing activity designed to help students develop strategies to manage conflicts in teams and have difficult conversations.”
On Wednesday, students walked through the results of the CliftonStrengths assessments they completed over the summer. This assessment is designed to bring self-awareness to strengths that individuals can capitalize on in the workplace. Mattea Carveiro, Assistant Director of Wilks Leadership programs, led students in a discussion about how to best leverage their strengths within their teams and in their future workplaces. She also provided practical tools that the students could use to assemble well-balanced teams.
Congratulations to our MAcc students on a great first week—we’re looking forward to working alongside you this year!
