Feature Stories 2014: Brandon Ward: Working for the government in DC

‌Brandon Ward '14 of Peabody, MA, is a double major in accounting and finance. His internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston provided him with real-world experience in tax laws and procedures. Following graduation, Brandon will begin a finance-related position with a government agency in Washington, D.C.

Why did you decide to double major in accounting and finance?

I came to UMass Dartmouth with the intention of becoming an airline pilot. I declared an accounting major because I wanted a strong background in another field in case I wasn’t able to become a pilot.

After taking a few business courses with professors Ling Lin and Michael Anderson, I knew accounting and finance was what I wanted to do. With the guidance from the professors at Charlton, I was quickly able to realize my passion in finance. My professors are always available and not only willing to help me with the coursework but to offer career advice and guidance as well.

What are your plans following graduation?

After graduation, I’ll be moving to Washington, D.C. to work for a government agency. My position is finance related, and I’ll be rotating through various financial departments. 

Tell us about your internship.

I interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Boston during the summer 2013 tax busy season. I was a seasonal tax associate in the State and Local Tax Department. I worked closely with the managers and partners in preparing our clients’ tax returns. On average, I was working 75 hours a week while gaining real-world experience on various tax laws and procedures.  

Have you been involved on campus?

I’ve been an Admissions Ambassador for three years. During my time in the Admissions Office, I was able to help students with one of the scariest and happiest times in their lives. I gained more knowledge of the university than the average student and can recite random facts about the campanile or library in my sleep.

Working in the Admissions Office is extremely rewarding. I get recognized by a lot of students who thank me for influencing them to join the Corsair family. I’ve met a lot of university officials, and I can effectively speak in front of large crowds without getting nervous.

I was also the Vice President for Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting and Finance Honor Society. Sophomore year, I was a Peer Health Educator and worked closely with Beth-Anne Vieira and the other Peer Health Educators on various health issues that impacted students.

What makes UMass Dartmouth special?

Because of our giant Ring Road, we have our own community. It’s easy to see your friends who live across campus, and walking to class isn't bothersome. We have small class sizes, making it easy to build lasting relationships with professors. UMass Dartmouth does a great job with helping students both academically and socially. 

It’s easy to get involved on campus. UMass Dartmouth has over 100 clubs and organizations. Anyone can start a club or organization if we don’t have the one you’re interested in. There’s always something to do on campus any time of the day or night, whether it’s playing bingo on a Friday night or going to Manhattan with SAIL on a Saturday morning. Getting involved on campus or in the local community makes your time here at UMass Dartmouth unforgettable. 

After taking a few business courses with professors Ling Lin and Michael Anderson, I knew accounting and finance was what I wanted to do.