September 18, 2023
Livia is a student in the Master of Management and Professional Accounting (MMPA) program at IMI. She has a unique educational background; prior to starting the MMPA program, Livia completed a degree in Cello Performance at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University. In 2019, she toured Canada and Spain as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Since starting her studies at IMI, Livia has received a PwC Fellowship, and she was also a winner of the MMPA’s 2021 Audit File Contest. As part of the MMPA’s co-op program, Livia had the privilege to work in the Tax Group at Crowe Soberman LLP for both of her placements. Outside of work and school, she is an avid long-distance runner, and she recently participated in the 2023 Boston Marathon.
Tell us about your non-traditional background and how it led you to the MMPA program
The MMPA program recognizes and celebrates the strengths of students with diverse educational backgrounds. Along with the outstanding faculty and the 100% paid co-op placement program, this was a major factor that led me to the MMPA program.
What was your favourite part about studying at IMI?
My favourite part about studying at IMI was the people - my professors and fellow classmates were very inspiring and great to work with!
You’ve really excelled in the program thus far – do you have any advice for prospective and future MMPA students to set them up for success?
The MMPA program requires that its students work hard and devote a significant amount of time to their studies. However, with the right tools and dedication, it can definitely be done! For prospective students, I would suggest that they are always aware of the weekly schedule and aware of deadlines. In the MMPA program, I found it helpful to start assignments/studying sooner than I thought I needed to - this really helped me complete my tasks on time.
Qualifying for Boston must have taken a great deal of dedication and discipline. How do you find time for your hobbies and interests?
I was able to do the MMPA program and still have time for my interests/hobbies by making a weekly schedule, knowing the schedule really well, and sticking to it no matter what. To prepare for the Boston Marathon, this often involved waking up around 6:00am to run before my morning classes, or running as soon as classes were done for the day. This type of discipline allowed me to have enough time to study, while also allowing me to pursue my interests outside of school.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This fall I am starting my career at a Public Accounting firm. In five years, I see myself either still working in Public Accounting or industry.