As part of Scheller’s Countdown to Commencement series, we interviewed a few soon-to-be graduates from our undergraduate, MBA, and Ph.D. programs to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and what they plan to do after Spring 2019 Commencement.
Meet Jordan Samet:
Jordan hails from East Stroudsburg, PA, and is completing his PhD in Accounting. He describes himself as “a man of few words.” He will be starting his new position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign after graduation. Prior to graduate school, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA and his Master of Accountancy at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Indiana.
What were you doing before beginning your doctorate?
Before coming to Scheller to get my doctorate, I was pursuing my master’s degree at the University of Iowa. Prior to that, I was an auditor in a public accounting firm in the Portland, OR metro area.
Where will you be working after graduation?
At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
Everyone I spoke to was friendly and most importantly, genuine and honest.
Who was your favorite professor (and why)?
Brian Church. He was the sweet and slightly grumpy dad in the accounting group. He had an infectious laugh that brought a smile to everyone’s face in the room, even though you weren’t sure if he was laughing at or with you. And he was the most thoughtful and friendly faculty, he would always make time for you and give thorough constructive feedback.
Ajay Kohli. I’ve never experienced an instructor to be able to push my current thought and perspective so far beyond what I thought was capable, while also being the sweetest, nicest person.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into a doctoral program at Scheller College?
Do your homework: (1) know what research is but don’t over sell your knowledge of it, you are coming here to figure that out (2) know what the faculty are interested in (3) know a little bit of what Scheller can offer you and (4) know what you want out of a PhD program.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue your doctorate in business? (A parent? A teacher? A role model?)
My undergraduate advisor Dr. Barbara McElroy at Susquehanna University.
How did the extracurricular offerings at Scheller College help you during your time here?
The official and unofficial PhD student socials were very helpful, especially in the first few years when my social network was small and course work was at this peak.
Anything else you’d like to share that we might find of interest?
I am forever grateful to everyone at Scheller who has supported me over the past five years. From faculty to administrators to other students, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Scheller family helping me along the way.
What is your favorite relaxing/de-stressing activity?
Seeing movies at the Starlight Drive-In Movie Theater.
Fun fact about yourself:
I cry, in the good way, every time I watch or think about Star Wars.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I hope my peers remember me as someone who was always there to be a supportive colleague and wanted them to succeed and be happy.
What are some of your hobbies?
Learning history via podcasts and audiobooks, hiking/camping, bicycle mechanics, working out, old movies.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
- Go to space
- Never forget I’m fortunate