Brianna Wallman began her academic journey at Northern Virginia Community College, where an inspiring accounting professor sparked her interest in the field. That early experience laid the foundation for her transfer to George Mason University, where she is now a senior at the Costello College of Business.
At Costello, Wallman has distinguished herself as a driven and engaged student. She currently interns at EY and was recently honored as a PCAOB scholar—a recognition that has fueled her ambition. “Receiving this scholarship was incredibly motivating and reminded me that my hard work is paying off,” she says. “It truly feels like others are rooting for me by investing in my future, and that support inspires me to one day do the same for others.”
Inside the classroom, she has embraced academically rigorous opportunities for significant personal and intellectual growth. Faculty members—like Fatou Diouf, an instructional assistant professor in information systems and operations management at Costello—pushed her to expand her knowledge and confidence. “Professor Diouf held us to high standards, and while her class was definitely challenging, it was also one of the most engaging I’ve taken,” she says. “I even found myself considering business analytics as a backup major if accounting didn’t work out.” In addition, she found business law especially engaging, further broadening her academic interests.
Wallman’s involvement in Beta Alpha Psi, George Mason’s accounting honors organization, has been another key influence. Initially nervous about securing internships and job opportunities, she found encouragement among peers who were navigating similar paths. “I went to many networking events, which helped me build real connections with mentors, partners, and managers in the industry and led to my internship with EY today,” she explains. The organization has helped her find direction and supported her professional growth.
Beyond campus, Wallman volunteers with Junior Achievement, teaching middle school students how to budget and make informed financial decisions—an experience that allows her to apply her skills while giving back to the community.
Currently an audit intern, she’s excited to become a CPA and launch a career in public accounting. The internship experience—and the variety of work it involves—has reinforced her decision to switch her area of focus from tax to audit. However, she is keeping her options open. “So many impactful leaders come from accounting backgrounds, and while I’m not exactly sure where this journey will lead me, I love that this path can open many doors,” she says.
With a strong academic foundation, real-world experience, and a passion for helping others, Brianna Wallman is well on her way to making a meaningful impact in the accounting profession.
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from the faculty at the Costello College of Business. Their encouragement has played a huge role in my academic journey and has helped build my confidence in doing hard things," says Brianna Wallman, a senior studying accounting at George Mason University.