Jessica Reimer

MY JOURNEY

I chose to pursue a degree in Business Administration because of the wide range of opportunities it offers and the versatility of the field. From early on, I was drawn to understanding how organizations operate, grow and make decisions. I was interested not only in the financial side of business, but also in how different functions work together to create success. 

I discovered my interest in accounting through my lower‑level accounting courses. Those classes quickly confirmed that I had found the specialization that suited me best. I enjoyed the analytical and problem‑solving aspects of accounting, along with the attention to detail and structure it requires. Rather than feeling like a task, studying became something I genuinely enjoyed. Choosing accounting has been rewarding because it aligns with both my strengths and interests, while continually motivating me to grow professionally and academically. 

MY SFU BEEDIE EXPERIENCE

As a transfer student, I initially knew very little about networking or how to get involved on campus. One of the first opportunities I pursued was the BASS Mentorship Program, which played a significant role in helping me adjust to Beedie and become more confident professionally. Through the program, I learned the importance of networking, building professional relationships and presenting myself effectively in professional settings. 

I also participated in the ASA Community Tax Volunteer Program, where I was able to apply the accounting concepts I learned in class to real‑world situations by helping individuals prepare their taxes. It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen both my technical accounting knowledge and my communication skills while giving back to the community. 

Attending BASS events was another important part of my experience. Through networking opportunities such as the office crawl, I was introduced to KPMG and gained insight into the firm's culture and work environment. That experience inspired me to pursue opportunities with the company, and later that spring I received an offer for a summer internship. 

HIGHLIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS

One of the most meaningful experiences during my degree was studying abroad at Bocconi University in Milan. I chose to go on exchange because of the wide range of international opportunities available through SFU, as well as the financial support offered to students. Studying at a highly regarded international institution and taking courses such as fashion management allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, experience a new culture and develop a broader perspective on the world. 

Another highlight was participating in the hackathons in BUS 336 and BUS 373. These experiences challenged me to analyze datasets, solve business problems and present recommendations as part of a team. Winning the BUS 373 hackathon was especially rewarding and reflected the teamwork, communication and analytical skills we developed throughout the process. 

I also participated in the Peak case competition and the BUS 202 case competition during my first year as a transfer student. At the time, I knew very little about case competitions, but those experiences pushed me to grow quickly. They helped me build confidence, strengthen my presentation skills and gain a better understanding of how business decisions are made in practice. 

LEARNING IN ACTION

Many of the concepts I learned in my accounting courses directly relate to the work I am doing in my audit internship at KPMG. Having a strong understanding of financial statements and financial reporting has helped me connect classroom learning to practical experience and better understand the purpose behind different audit procedures. 

More importantly, my coursework has reinforced the importance of accuracy, attention to detail and critical thinking—skills that are essential in both accounting and audit. 

NEXT STEPS

The next step for me is completing my final year and graduating this spring. After that, I plan to continue growing professionally and work toward obtaining my CPA designation. 

In the long term, I hope to build a career either in public practice or industry. One of the things I appreciate most about accounting is the variety of career paths available, and I’m excited to continue exploring where my experiences may lead. Wherever I end up, I hope to be in a role where I am constantly learning, taking on new challenges and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.