From crunching numbers to coding and teaching, Ainsley Buster’s experience in the MAc program has her prepared to take on the world, one balance sheet at a time.
Finding her numbers game
Ainsley Buster arrived at the University of Iowa unsure of which path to pursue. As an open major, she took her general education courses but also explored business classes, driven by her love for numbers. It was in an accounting course that she discovered her true calling.
Messing around with numbers all day? Sounds like a dream job.
At the Tippie College of Business, Ainsley found her place. She loved her professors and built strong relationships with her peers. In the end, she completed her bachelor’s degree in just three years.
The MAc journey begins
Ainsley can pinpoint one special moment during her professional accounting seminar when she first started considering a Master of Accountancy degree. A panel of MAc students came to speak about their experiences and how they applied what they learned in undergrad to real-life situations in the master’s program.
Her interest was piqued.
“It felt like a great steppingstone between college and the real world, allowing me to apply those concepts I’d learned in undergrad.”
Hearing the student panel talk about how involved they were outside the classroom with organizations like Delta Sigma Pi or opportunities like serving as a MAc Ambassador, which enables current MAc students to share their experiences with potential students, sealed the deal.
Right at home
Ainsley explored a few other master’s programs outside Tippie. However, when she spoke with people at these universities or interviewed for them, she was surprised to find that every single person had some connection to the University of Iowa or spoke highly of its MAc program.
“I felt like, even when I was looking elsewhere, I kept getting signs to return to Iowa.”
She ultimately chose Tippie because of the connections she’d made, especially with professors who encouraged her to stay.
Ainsley can say with 100% certainty that she made the right choice.
Expect the unexpected
Part of what Ainsley appreciates about the MAc program is how closely it aligns with her career goals, offering deeper knowledge while she prepares for the CPA.
“I’ve learned even more than I expected, like how to code.”
Yes, code.
“Coming into the master’s program, this was a daunting concept, but all my professors taught it from the ground up. It’s actually been really enjoyable, and as technology changes, it’s important to know.”
Beyond her own studies, Ainsley has enjoyed being a TA for the undergraduate managerial accounting course. It’s helped her gain a deeper understanding of the content while also honing soft skills like public speaking. The experience made her realize that someday, she might find herself in front of a classroom as a professor.
“I really enjoy making connections with students and helping them understand accounting and why it’s more than just numbers.”
While Ainsley’s career options are wide open—whether she returns to PwC, where she interned, or works as a postgraduate technical assistant at the Financial Accounting Standards Board (a position one of her professors nominated her for)—she knows she needs her CPA. And she’s confident that the MAc program has prepared her well to ace it.
“Neither of these roles would be possible without the knowledge I gained from the master’s program.”