Xue Yang
Master of Science in Accounting Student
"I like accounting more and more because of the excellent faculty and wonderful studying environment here. Kelley creates lots of opportunities for us to get in touch with the real business world."
Four years ago, Xue Yang came to the United States from China to study genetics at the University of Rochester. How she ended up in the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Kelley Indianapolis is a long story, but it begins with the premise that people should enjoy the work they do.
"I can't go like this for all my life," explains Yang, of her realization that a career in medicine wasn't for her. "I need something I'm interested in."
After researching graduate accounting programs, Yang decided Kelley's high national ranking, location and reputation made it the logical choice. As her Chinese medical school education was of little use when she arrived at Kelley, Yang spent part of her first year taking undergraduate business courses and graduate accounting courses at the same time – a feature of Kelley's MSA program that's a real plus for students without a business background.
For someone making such a dramatic career shift, Yang says she's thrilled to be studying accounting at Kelley. The small class sizes and helpful, engaged faculty are a perfect match for Yang, who even so far from home, says she feels like part of a family.
"I like accounting more and more because of the excellent faculty and wonderful studying environment here," Yang says. "Kelley creates lots of opportunities for us to get in touch with the real business world."
After graduation, Yang hopes to work in auditing for one of the "big four" accounting firms. She's taken the first step by accepting an internship with a top firm in Indianapolis. She says a full-time position in the city would be a great opportunity with Indianapolis' low cost of living and all of the amenities she's enjoyed during her time here, including shopping and the many cultural attractions.
"I think it would be best to find a job in Indianapolis," Yang says. "New York would be a good place for working, but not for living."
An only child, Yang expects to remain in the United States for at least five years before heading back to China to be with her parents and continue her business career. Until then, there is always a trip to Chicago's Chinatown to remind Yang of home.
"Sometimes I miss the food," says Yang. "Indianapolis has some good Chinese restaurants, but when I want to eat a lot of food, I go to Chinatown."
