The Barney School of Business is recognized for its ever-evolving curriculum, tangible learning opportunities, and innovative Career Ready program. Students learn how to navigate the business world with confidence, and intern with prestigious organizations as they prepare for their career after graduation. These internships often pave the way for permanent employment upon graduation, which was the case for graduated senior, Bilal Nizami ’21.
An accounting major with a minor in business analytics, he received his offer of employment after completing an Ernst & Young internship in Hartford. In addition to working at Ernst & Young, his future plans involve studying for his CPA in hopes to become a certified public accountant as well.
According to Bilal, the required internship was an important part of his undergraduate training at UHart, and he believes it added to his understanding of the working world outside the classroom. He says, “I have had various internships since my sophomore year of college including Eversource, where I worked in internal auditing, Whittlesey, in the tax department, and more recently Ernst & Young, remotely in the summer of 2020, for the assurance department. I was also one of the few individuals selected to also participate in their Digital Ambassador Program, which further lead to a full time offer as an assurance associate, as well as the ability to continue to Co-Op/intern in their Financial Services (FSO) department up until I graduated in May.”
Nizami says that UHart also helped him by providing resources early on in his college career. “Many of the faculty and staff here provide students with these key resources (like access to internships) to help you grow and find yourself early on. They are also supportive in being able offer students with career advice and guidance,” says Bilal. This advice and guidance included things like resume boot camps, and other events like mocktails, corporate visit days, and courses like BAR 211.
Upon graduating from Barney School of business with an accounting degree, students are prepared to enter a growing industry. The demand for professional accountants is predicted to grow over the next decade, due in part to globalization and complex tax laws.
“My experience at UHart was very good. I definitely enjoyed the faculty at the business school as well as my peers, whom I was able to continuously learn from. I was also challenged by the curriculum that the Barney school had to offer, but also able to continue to push myself and my professional development throughout my time there,” says Bilal. He goes on to say, “My favorite thing about UHart was the people. I really enjoyed how much my peers were able to support me and challenged me to always be better.”
Through the use of the Career and Professional Development office and the relationships he had with professors, Nizami was able to capitalize on his internship experience transitioning to lasting employment. He was able to “talk with several of the professors in the accounting department who were able to help me navigate my career path as well as advice on obtaining my 150 prior to graduation.”
What advice does Bilal have for incoming Barney students? He says, “Some advice I would give is never stop learning. There is so much to learn in the classroom, but being able to learn new things outside the classroom is just as effective.”
Bilal Nizami '21, Accounting Major with a Minor in Business Analytics, Barney School of BusinessMy experience at UHart was very good. I definitely enjoyed the faculty at the business school as well as my peers, whom I was able to continuously learn from. I was also challenged by the curriculum that the Barney school had to offer, but also able to continue to push myself and my professional development throughout my time there.