#Fisher2019: Double Degrees Add Up To Success

One St. John Fisher College degree wasn’t enough for Jessica Bolak. A 2017 graduate of the accounting program through the School of Business, Bolak returned to the College to complete her MBA with a concentration in accounting.

Finishing in December 2018, she was among the MBA candidates celebrated during the College’s 65th Commencement Ceremony in May. She credits Fisher with preparing her for a career in accounting.

As a junior, Bolak participated in the Deloitte Tax Challenge, calling the opportunity an “amazing academic experience.”

“We spent a significant amount of time learning new material, problem solving, and working on our presentation skills,” she added. “My team ended up winning the regional competition in Boston and went on to compete at the national level. Being involved in the competition pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me improve various skills. It was one of the most valuable academic experiences I’ve had.”

Bolak obtained an internship at KPMG through the College’s accounting recruitment process and was offered a full-time position as an audit associate in December 2018. She is excited to continue her career with the accounting firm and frequently returns to Fisher to recruit on behalf of the organization.

“It’s been great to come back and visit professors and interact with current students on campus,” she said. “Obtaining an accounting degree from Fisher is invaluable and affords graduates with opportunities they might not have otherwise. Fisher has an extensive network of alumni and accounting professionals, which is a great advantage when it comes to recruiting and job placement for its students.”