The next step: Meet three Trulaske December 2022 graduates

The Trulaske College of Business is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its December 2022 graduates. In recognition of their achievements, we invited three graduating students, Johnathan Kimble, Camden Stuart, and Pratibha Tripathi, to share their experiences and insights in a Q&A. These three individuals have not only excelled academically, but have also made significant contributions to the college and the community through their involvement in extracurricular activities, internships and volunteering. 

 

Johnathan Kimble

Hometown

Houston, Texas

Degree/Emphasis Area

Receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting in four and a half years through Trulaske’s 150-Hour Accountancy Program

What is your plan after graduation?

Immediately after graduation, I will begin studying for the CPA exam while volunteering with the nonprofit World Youth Foundation, which is an organization designed to serve as a development vehicle to enhance the positive growth and character of underrepresented minority youth. After passing the CPA exam, I plan to travel abroad.

In September 2023, I will join EY in Houston. At EY, I will be in Forensic and Integrity Services, which is an interesting area of accounting for me. I’ll be assigned to one of seven subsets of forensic accounting, such as financial services, anti-bribery & corruption, or life sciences. I had the pleasure of interning twice at EY in Houston during summer breaks, leading me to see the opportunities for growth I can have in the firm and wanting to start full time!

Why did you choose Mizzou?

I really liked the opportunities for growth that Mizzou offers. One thing that really drew me here was the Mizzou spirit – it’s one that’s unique and is centered around a culture of support. Also, I thought a crucial part of the college experience was learning new things and discovering new places, which is how I knew that, although I wanted to start my career in Texas, I needed to go somewhere else for college, to branch out and spread my wings away from home.

What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?

I loved serving on the Mizzou Alumni Association Student Board (AASB). This group puts on many of our Mizzou traditions, including Tiger Walk and First Roar, and bridges the gap between students and alumni. 

One of my roles, vice president of internal relations, allowed me to recruit for AASB. It is so exciting to bring new people into the organization – this year, our new member reveal was held at Mizzou Arena. Current members always pick up new members and take them to a mystery location to be revealed to the full organization. It was really a full-circle moment for me as a member of the exec board, seeing all the hard work finally pay off, because our new class of members is PHENOMENAL.

Do you have a favorite Trulaske faculty/staff member or class?

If I had to choose a favorite professor and class, it would be Accounting Ethics with Professor Elise Bartley. This was a practical and interesting class that was tailored to best benefit the students. I love her teaching style. This was a discussion-based class that I describe as “open-ended,” which I love. The work environment was collaborative and the whole experience helped me gain a better understanding of ethics and how it may not be as simple as people see it. It also allowed students to get a better understanding of what inclusion, diversity and equity is.

I also really want to highlight the phenomenal staff that we have at Trulaske. I have had an opportunity to work with all of them, and it would be impossible to choose just one. The staff members have been such an integral part of, and favorite people in, my college career.

What advice do you have for current or prospective students?

Be intentional about getting to know others. When you ask that “Hi, How are you?,” really mean it and care deeply for those around you. You never know how much the person next to you in the big lecture hall needed to hear that. Also, it’s college, so be open to new experiences and utilize the many resources at Trulaske, such as Business Career Services and Advising.

 

Camden Stuart

Hometown

Moberly, Missouri

Degree/Emphasis Area

I will be receiving my BS BA with an emphasis in marketing.

What is your plan after graduation?

After graduation, I will begin working in sales for World Wide Express.

Why did you choose Mizzou?

I chose Mizzou because I have always been a tiger. I have been coming to Columbia for games since I was a baby and always knew this was the school I was meant to be at.

What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?

There are so many memories from my time at Mizzou, but my favorite has to be being in Homecoming Royalty this year.

Do you have a favorite Trulaske faculty/staff member or class?

My favorite class during my time at Trulaske is Personal Selling.

What advice do you have for current or prospective students?

Cherish every moment you have here and take every opportunity given to you. Life is too short to have regrets, especially at our age. 

 

Pratibha Tripathi

Hometown

Mumbai, India, but Columbia has been home for the last seven years.

Degree/Emphasis Area

Online MS in Finance

What is your plan after graduation?

I plan to take a break and enjoy the holiday season (the last semester was intense). I will take a vacation to India and meet family and friends. Due to pandemic travel restrictions and other immigration-related delays, I didn’t get a chance to visit home in the last four years. I will also keep actively looking for job opportunities.

Why did you choose Mizzou?

There are several reasons. The main reason I chose Mizzou was the variety of programs that it had to offer at graduate levels. I already hold an MBA in human resources, so I wanted to do something in business or finance, and Mizzou offered great options in both. I also liked that on-campus activities and amenities are equally available to online students as well.

Another reason was the 75% tuition assistance benefit that I received as a full-time employee of the university at the time I started. Even when I switched jobs, since my husband works for Mizzou too, I could still get 50% tuition assistance as a dependent.

Lastly, my friends who have graduated from the Trulaske College of Business in the past are all at the best firms and doing very well in their careers, and literally all of them really credit it to the experience and exposure they received while completing their degrees at Mizzou.

What’s your favorite Mizzou memory?

Watching a football game for the first time at Memorial Stadium (I still don’t understand it, but I like the energy and euphoria when Mizzou Tigers are playing and winning) and the Homecoming parade!

Do you have a favorite Trulaske faculty/staff member or class?

Big yes here!

All the current staff members at the Graduate Programs Office are super helpful and approachable, but especially appreciate Audra Jenkins and Ryan Murray. I am  grateful for Audra’s prompt email replies, for her patience in listening through all my chaotic struggles, and for her calming and reassuring smile on stressful days. Ryan was always there to help – and I like his inspiring LinkedIn posts!

My favorite classes and professors were Exploring the Digital Globe (Management 8100) with Associate Teaching Professor Scott Christianson and Investment Banking class with Associate Teaching Professor Melissa Griswold.

What advice do you have for current or prospective students?

I would like to say it is really important to plan your schedule and stay focused. Graduate school is so much hard work and students should not procrastinate and keep their weekly assignments for Sunday night. The list gets endless and becomes overwhelming.

More importantly, don’t hesitate to reach out to advisors and faculty if you are struggling with any concepts or any topics. They are really approachable and happy to help. Everyone really wants to help and see you succeed.