Firm Fellow – Mia Mazza – Deloitte

Mia Mazza
Deloitte Firm Fellow
Incoming Senior Tax Associate – Trust & Estate Planning at Crowe

“What might look like a risk in the short term is often the more thoughtful decision when you’re thinking long-term.”

The Path

Mia’s path to accounting wasn’t traditional, and that’s exactly what made it intentional.

After studying Economics and Chinese at the College of the Holy Cross, where she was recruited to play basketball, Mia began her career in investment banking in New York before moving into private equity. The experience gave her a strong technical foundation and taught her how to operate in demanding, high-performance environments.

She valued the impact of the work and the intensity of the experience, but over time, she began to recognize a disconnect between the career she had built and the kind of life and work she wanted long-term.

“I wanted a career where I could build deeper, more consistent relationships and feel personally invested in the people I was working with.”

While investment banking and private equity sharpened her analytical and problem-solving skills, the transaction-driven nature of the work and the demanding lifestyle pushed her to reflect more intentionally on what mattered most to her. She wanted a path that would still challenge her intellectually, but also allow her to use empathy, communication, and relationship-building in a more meaningful way.

That reflection ultimately led her to accounting.

As she explored programs, Mendoza stood out for its balance of technical rigor, personal connection, and long-term career preparation. Coming from a non-accounting background, the Accounting Immersion Program gave her the confidence that she could successfully pivot into the field while building a strong foundation alongside peers with years of accounting experience.

The Fellowship Experience

As a Deloitte Fellow, Mia approached the experience with intention, using it as an opportunity to gain insight from professionals across the firm.

“What was most valuable wasn’t just the networking—it was the quality of the insights I gained.”

Through conversations with professionals at different levels, she developed a clearer understanding of the accounting landscape and validated her decision to pivot careers.

Those interactions also helped reinforce her confidence during recruiting. “It reinforced that I wasn’t starting over—I was building on a strong foundation.”

Career Readiness & Growth

Mia’s interest in trust and estate planning emerged through a combination of reflection, mentorship, and exploration during the program. She was drawn to the field’s unique combination of technical complexity and long-term relationship building.

“You’re working with individuals and families over time… that requires a much deeper level of trust and connection.”

Her experience at Mendoza played a key role in preparing her for this path. The program not only built her technical accounting knowledge but also shifted her mindset.

“Instead of focusing on the next one or two years, I started thinking about what I want my career to look like over decades.”

Courses, faculty, and real-world applications helped her develop critical thinking skills and approach problems beyond surface-level solutions.

Community & Experience

After coming from a fast-paced, high-pressure finance environment, Mia found a different rhythm at Notre Dame—one that emphasized balance, intentionality, and community.

“I now have a more predictable rhythm… and can be more intentional about how I spend my time.”

The collaborative nature of the MSA program also stood out. Surrounded by peers and professors invested in each other’s success, she experienced a strong sense of support and shared purpose.

Experiences like the Tax Assistance Program further shaped her perspective, reinforcing the human impact of accounting work and the importance of using technical skills to serve others.

Looking Ahead

Mia will be joining Crowe in Chicago as a Senior Tax Associate in trust and estate planning. She is excited to work in a space that aligns closely with both her strengths and long-term goals—combining technical expertise with meaningful client relationships.

Her path reflects a deliberate shift toward a career that prioritizes both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Advice for Future MSA Students

Mia encourages others to think beyond conventional paths and focus on long-term alignment.

“Accounting is the language of business—once you understand it, it opens up so many opportunities.”

For those considering a pivot or an MSA, her advice is to reflect on what you truly want and don’t be afraid to take a non-linear path.

“Just because you didn’t start in accounting doesn’t mean it isn’t the right place for you.”