Michigan Tech College of Business Newsblog

Tag: accounting

Business Degrees Add Up to Success for New Grads

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Four soon-to-be graduates stand near a sign that says Accounting in their caps and gowns at Michigan Tech graduation.
From left, accounting majors Jason Pleau, Amber Tuttle, Faith Nayback, and Chris Berard prepare to walk in Michigan Tech’s 2024 Midyear Commencement ceremony.

Nearly 50 College of Business (COB) students marked a major milestone in their lives on Saturday as Michigan Tech staged its 2024 Midyear Commencement ceremony. In the lineup section reserved for graduating business students, four accounting majors were the first to arrive—a fact that surprised none of them.

“I mean, we are accountants,” said Jason Pleau. For Pleau and his fellow accounting graduates, the job opportunities are as predictable as their purported tendency to arrive prepared and on time. The accounting program has a 92 percent job placement rate.

“Once you have your degree, what you can do is pretty broad. You can choose your niche,” said Pleau, who will begin his career at Schneider National, working in internal audit.

The other members of the early bird quartet, Amber Tuttle, Faith Nayback, and Chris Berard, are also embarking on fulfilling careers. Tuttle is already a Michigan Tech staff member, putting her skills to work as an associate buyer in the Purchasing Department. Faith Nayback said she’s headed “to the other end of the U.P.” near Kinross, to work in payroll and tax. Berard is going into audit at PWC in Detroit.Dean Johnson, dean of the College of Business, congratulated all of the graduates and offered some advice.

“We’re proud to have you as COB alumni!” he said. “In the days ahead, remember to thank your family and friends who supported you, make a great first impression at your new venture after graduation, and be a life-long learner—don’t stop educating yourself.”

Tuttle is already taking the Dean’s advice. She plans to go for her Tech MBA.

About the College of Business

The Michigan Tech College of Business prepares tomorrow’s business professionals through STEM-infused, AACSB-accredited degree programs and minors. The college offers nine bachelor of science programs in accounting, business analytics, construction management, economics, engineering management, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing; and four master of science programs in accounting and analytics, applied natural resource economics, engineering management, and the TechMBA®.Questions? Contact us at business@mtu.edu.

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Second-Gen Involvement = Sweet Success(ion) for Family Business

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strawberries
Following a bountiful strawberry season, Heidi’s will bring sweet cherries and blueberries to market. (Image courtesy Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery)

Second-generation family businesses play a crucial role in family-owned enterprises’ stability and growth. As highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, the second generation can make or break a family business’s future. While they inherit a legacy, they also face extraordinary challenges, such as managing relationships, implementing changes, and establishing their own identity. Research from the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell emphasizes that only about 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation. This brings to focus the importance of effective succession planning. Second-generation family business leaders can create a lasting and prosperous tradition by leveraging their inherited wisdom and adapting to market changes. 

Ivy Stoller in front of Husky statue
Ivy Stoller ’23 celebrates earning her Michigan Tech degree. (Image courtesy Ivy Stoller)

As a native Michigander, Ivy Stoller was born in downstate Lowell and made the trip up north to Houghton to pursue her education. Ivy graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, concentrating in data analytics, in the spring of 2023. During her time at MTU, Ivy was active in various clubs and student organizations. She participated in Kappa Sigma Iota (KSI Accounting Club) and was a member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helping with tax returns for fellow MTU students and local community members. Additionally, Ivy was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor society for business students. Beyond academic achievements, Ivy cherished her time at Michigan Tech as a period of personal growth and building lifelong friendships. 

Ivy’s family owns a business called Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery located on 30 acres in southern Lowell. The family farm was founded in 1949 with many functions: raising cattle, running a dairy operation, and growing corn, soybeans, and wheat. Its business operations were started in 2006 by Ivy’s parents in collaboration with her mom’s brother. Later in 2007, the business was sold to Ivy’s twin uncles. Now, since Ivy has graduated, the family plans on changing it to a joint venture between the uncles, Ivy, and at least one of her siblings. 

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Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance by Appointment

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Close-up shot of the Academic Office Building
Appointments for free income tax assistance are available every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through April 12.

The Michigan Tech College of Business (COB) is pleased to again offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a service offered at the University for more than 20 years. Accounting majors will provide free income tax preparation assistance for students and members of the community who could not otherwise afford the services of a CPA tax professional.

Assistance is provided by appointment via Google Calendar only. To schedule a 30-minute session, visit one of the following calendars: VITA, VITA-1, or VITA-2. You may need to check all three calendars for an available spot on a desired date/time. Walk-in and virtual appointments are not available.

Appointments, held in the Academic Office Building, Room G015, are available beginning Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, April 12 during the following times:

  • Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Wednesdays 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

What to Bring

Bring your W-2s, form 1099s, 1098Ts, and any other tax statements to your session. If possible, bring a copy of last year’s tax return.

International students 

Prior to your appointment, complete the Federal Form 1040 using the Glacier Tax Prep software provided by the University, and then bring the completed federal forms to your appointment for assistance with state tax return preparation.  

Questions?

For more information, contact:
Joel Tuoriniemi, accounting professor
jctuorin@mtu.edu | 906-487-1877

About the College of Business

The Michigan Tech College of Business offers undergraduate majors in accounting, business analytics, construction management, economics, engineering management, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing, as well as a general business option. Graduate degrees include the TechMBA®, a Master of Engineering Management, a Master of Science in Accounting, and a Master of Science in Applied Natural Resource Economics.

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