Jana Aly began her studies at George Mason University as an undeclared major. A first-generation college student with a strong aptitude for mathematics, she explored courses in the Costello College of Business, initially considering finance. However, it was during an accounting course that her career aspirations began to take shape. “The more I took accounting, the more I realized that I actually enjoy it, and it’s more than just math,” she says. “Every aspect of business relies on accounting.”
Now a senior, she credits an introductory course taught by Leila Austin, an instructional associate professor in business foundations at Costello, with helping her find direction. “She was a really engaging professor, and she gave me so much good advice and guidance, and that led me towards the path of business,” she says. The first accounting course that ignited Aly’s passion was taught by Peggy Tsirigotis, assistant area chair of accounting at Costello. Connecting with Tsirigotis proved to be a pivotal moment, leading to two teaching assistant positions and ongoing mentorship that Aly deeply values.
Serving as a teaching assistant for MBUS 300 and Accounting 203 has deepened Aly’s expertise in accounting and reinforced her understanding of the material. “Being a teaching assistant, you have to really know the material,” she says. The experience not only strengthened her academic knowledge but also revealed a new passion. Previously uninterested in academia, Aly found the role so rewarding that it reshaped her career goals.
“I would hopefully like to start teaching, preferably at [George] Mason, because I really have enjoyed my experience at [George] Mason, and so many of the professors that have had such an impact on me have come from public accounting and are now like part-time professors,” she says. “You learn more from them given that they have a different perspective and they’ve had success in their other careers.”
— Jana Aly, current Accounting student at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University
During the past academic year, Aly served as vice president and event coordinator for the NABA chapter at George Mason University. In this role, she collaborated with recruiters to host events that highlighted company cultures and career opportunities. These experiences enabled her to build valuable industry connections, gain professional insights, and grow in confidence—culminating in an audit internship with KPMG, her second role in the accounting field. The internship proved so successful that it resulted in a full-time job offer from the firm.
Aly chose George Mason University in part for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the strong connections the university maintains with accounting firms and recruiters. Some of her most rewarding academic experiences have included site visits to these firms, offering valuable industry exposure. Her internships have increased the impact, giving her insight into a range of sectors. “First, I was in financial services, and now I’m real estate and hospitality,” she says. “I think just seeing that kind of made me realize that I would like to start my career in public accounting, just because there’s so much that it exposes you to.”
Despite her natural introversion, Jana Aly has actively pursued opportunities both in and out of the classroom, gaining clarity on her passions and career direction. Her experience at the Costello College of Business sparked a strong interest in teaching, which she hopes to pursue after earning her CPA and establishing a career in public accounting. As the first in her family to graduate from college, Aly has embraced each opportunity with an open mind, discovering new passions and talents along the way.