Firm Fellow – Emma Ackland – KPMG

Emma Ackland
KPMG Firm Fellow
Incoming Tax Associate at Ernst & Young (EY) — 360 Careers Program

“My experience at Mendoza showed me how much I value connection, support, and hands-on learning—things that have shaped both my confidence and my career path.”

The Path

Emma first learned about Mendoza during a visit to Lake Forest College, which sparked her interest in pursuing a master’s degree. At the time, she knew her undergraduate coursework alone wouldn’t fully prepare her for the CPA, and she would need additional credits. 

While she strongly considered entering the workforce and completing an online program, that path didn’t align with her learning style. After spending two years in virtual classrooms during COVID, she recognized that she thrived in an in-person environment. “I didn’t learn well online—I knew I needed in-person interaction with professors and classmates,”  she said.

Emma’s decision to focus on tax was shaped by her internship experiences, where she discovered a genuine interest in the field. At the same time, she valued flexibility. “I knew I liked tax, but I didn’t want to be locked in. Mendoza gave me the ability to explore other areas while figuring out my long-term path,”  she shared. That balance ultimately made the program stand out.

The Fellowship Experience

As part of KPMG’s inaugural fellowship cohort, Emma entered the program with an open mind. The experience quickly proved valuable, especially during the recruiting process.

Her mentor, who had experience as both a Notre Dame alum and a recruiter, played a critical role in helping her navigate career fairs and interviews. “My mentor explained how everything works and what to expect, so I didn’t feel like I was going in blind,”  she said. From understanding recruiting timelines to preparing for interviews, that guidance helped her approach the process with confidence.

The fellowship also provided access to unique networking opportunities and exclusive events, allowing her to build connections and gain insight into the profession early on. Overall, it served as a strong foundation as she began exploring career opportunities. 

Career Readiness & Growth

Coming from a small town and completing internships at smaller firms, she initially saw herself following a similar path. However, her exposure to firms like KPMG changed that perspective. Through conversations and networking, she realized that the sense of community she valued in smaller firms also existed within larger organizations—just on a bigger scale. “It made me realize I could see myself there and that it was something I should pursue,”  she explained.

At Mendoza, Emma also developed the skills and confidence needed to take that step. With strong faculty support and practical preparation, she felt ready to enter a competitive environment and succeed.

Community & Experience

Emma knew within her first month that Mendoza was the right place for her. Both professors and classmates played a major role in her experience. Faculty members were deeply invested in student success, offering support both inside and outside the classroom. “They truly care about helping you succeed—not just in class, but in your career and beyond,”  she noted.

Compared to her undergraduate experience, Mendoza offered a unique balance. “It’s a small, connected program within a larger university,”  she explained. “You get strong relationships and support, but also the energy and opportunities of a big campus.”

Looking Ahead

Emma will be joining EY in Chicago as part of the 360 Careers Program in Tax. The rotational structure is one of the aspects she’s most excited about.

“Having the opportunity to explore different areas of tax—and even potentially audit—means I can learn and grow in multiple ways early in my career,”  she said. “It will help me figure out what I truly enjoy while building a strong foundation.”

For those unsure about pursuing an MSA, she recommends taking a step back and evaluating personal goals.

“Think about why you want an MSA and how it fits into your future,” she advised. “Then explore your options and talk to people you trust—whether that’s family, mentors, or students. Those conversations can really help clarify the right path.”