The nation’s capital became the classroom for students in George Mason University’s MS in Accounting program this summer as the program hosted its first Washington, D.C., residency.
In partnership with The Washington Campus (TWC), a nonprofit educational organization, the week-long residency gave students the opportunity to meet with accounting professionals, policymakers, and federal government leaders, and learn more about the connection between accounting and public policy.
Led by MS in Accounting faculty member Bret Johnson, the residency included visits to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Students also met with accounting policy experts, lobbying organizations and members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.
“Talking to such people opened doors for networking with them and learning a lot about their work experience. It helps students like myself gain an understanding of real-world policies and challenges relating to the accounting profession and other areas.”
— Ishan Tuli, MS in Accounting student
“Our students enjoyed a customized residency program based on TWC’s Accounting and Public Policy course offered to other universities from across the country,” Johnson said. “During the week-long residency, we visited government agencies and other regulatory organizations .”
Students had the chance to hear from professionals working across accounting, government, and public policy, including Julius Hobson, senior policy advisor at Polsinelli; George Botic, PCAOB board member; Erin Cromwell, CPA and senior manager at the Center for Audit Quality; and Dana Schwartz, CPA and accountant in the SEC’s Enforcement Division.
For MS in Accounting student Ishan Tuli, the residency was a great way to connect what he has learned in the classroom with the work being done in Washington.
“I must say it was a great experience overall! We met some of the renowned speakers from around town,” Tuli said.
Growing up locally, Tuli especially appreciated having the opportunity to meet with professionals working in the area.
“Being a Northern Virginia resident, I could not have gotten a better opportunity than this to meet these great personalities in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I learned a lot about how things actually work in the federal government, as many of the speakers were or had some exposure working in federal government.”
The conversations also gave students the opportunity to expand their professional networks and learn more about the real-world challenges facing the accounting profession.
“Talking to such people opened doors for networking with them and learning a lot about their work experience,” Tuli said. “It helps students like myself gain an understanding of real-world policies and challenges relating to the accounting profession and other areas.”
The week also included time to experience Washington, D.C. Students took an evening monument bus tour, visited the Capitol Senate Gallery, and toured the U.S. Capitol before wrapping up the residency with a farewell lunch.
“The students had many networking opportunities and cultural experiences,” Johnson said.
The first Washington, D.C., residency gave MS in Accounting students a chance to step outside the classroom, meet professionals in the field, and see firsthand how accounting connects with government and public policy.