From MSM to KPMG
How the Master of Science in Management prepared this alumna for her career at the international firm.
Athena Nolan (MSM ’21) completed her Master of Science in Management (MSM) at the University of Florida this spring. She is now working at KPMG as a state and local advisory consultant. Read on to learn more about Athena and how the MSM prepared her for her career.
Q: Tell us about your background.
Nolan: “In undergrad I was a double major in history and political science. I am originally from Beverly, Massachusetts, and I enjoy painting.”
Q: Why did you join the MSM program?
Nolan: “I decided to join the MSM program because I feel that every person is their own business and it would be a versatile degree to have when I was exploring what I wanted to do with my life. In part, I felt so confused after undergrad, and I felt that this degree from such a fine university gave me so much more direction and real-world application.”
Q: What did you enjoy the most in the MSM program?
Nolan: “What I enjoyed most is easy: the career staff. My advisers cared so much about my success and it was genuine. My grad CAP advisor Perry worked tirelessly with me and would email me and check on me consistently. In addition, Brittany [Tyree] was such an amazing asset and literally rehearsed my interviews the day of my big KPMG interview.”
Q: What is your advice to current undergraduate students who are thinking of doing the MSM program?
Nolan: “Just do it! There are so many things and so many doors that this degree will open for you.”
Q: What internships and other activities did you participate in as an undergraduate student?
Nolan: “In my time as an undergraduate, I was a research fellow for the political science department, and I was also an intern for a state Senate candidate.”
Nolan: “I will be working at KPMG in their Boston office as a state and local advisory consultant, where I will be basically doing public sector-based work with either medical, education, transportation for the states of Massachusetts and/or New York, with the goal of improving user efficiency and reducing costs.”
Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from today?
Nolan: “Five years from today, I hope to see myself in a more managerial position within my company. In addition, I hope that I can begin making an impact on the lives of those who are younger and needed guidance much like myself.”
Q: Tell us three cool things about yourself.
Nolan: “I read president biographies for fun.
I am a first-generation bachelor’s and master’s graduate.
I am an out-of-state Gator.”
