When he first received the email informing him that he was a recipient of the PCAOB scholarship, Tyler Ngo was convinced that it was too good to be true.
It was not until Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant area chair and instructor of accounting at the Costello College of Business, reached out to him that he realized how legitimate it was.
Looking back, it amuses him to think about how he basically chose accounting by chance after deciding that he was no longer interested in pursuing computer science. “I actually kind of did a coin flip between finance and accounting,” he says. “It landed on accounting, and when I did 203 with Professor T, I thought it was really fun and decided to give it a go.”
Although new to the accounting field, Ngo brought with him his work ethic and proactive learning mindset to succeed in his studies.
At the core of his approach is a commitment to giving his best effort and a willingness to take risks without fear of being wrong. “Nobody likes to raise their hand for some reason. I’ll raise my hand. I’ll answer the question, even if I get it wrong," says Tyler Ngo, current Accounting student at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.
Having attended the same secondary school from seventh through twelfth grade, he was accustomed to a familiar and comfortable classroom environment, surrounded by many of the same peers year after year. Like many freshmen, he experienced some initial uneasiness when transitioning to the college classroom. However, he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and is now enjoying the rewards of his dedication and hard work.
As he continues to build his foundation in accounting, Ngo is focused on mastering the fundamentals before determining which specialization aligns best with his interests. His upcoming internships with Grant Thornton and KPMG will give him valuable hands-on experience, allowing him to explore various areas within the field.
Energized by the wide range of career paths available in accounting, Ngo is keeping an open mind as he explores which direction best suits his interests and strengths. As of now, he thinks that a large international firm would be a great fit for him. “I’ll be able to meet new people from the different offices, and that might lead to unprecedented opportunities, like I could end up meeting someone who says my skillset would be great for XYZ, and then, all of a sudden, I’m in something that I never would have thought of or enjoyed,” he says.
Giving back is important to Ngo, as he’s currently involved in gathering food and donations for elderly members of the Vietnamese community in Northern Virginia. In the future, he hopes to expand his impact by leveraging his accounting expertise to serve them. Whether it’s through offering pro bono financial services or helping individuals navigate complex financial systems, he is passionate about using his skills to create meaningful change.
Just a few years ago, Ngo would never have imagined accepting two accounting internships. His proactive approach to learning empowers him to excel in any subject he pursues. As he continues to explore the career paths that most appeal to him, he remains committed to putting forth his best effort in every opportunity.