How Hadja Bayo and Kendall Pierson Are Kickstarting Their Auditing Careers

Want to know what the Rice Master of Accounting experience really looks like? Current students Hadja Bayo and Kendall Pierson offer a firsthand perspective. From rigorous courses and networking events to weekly cohort happy hours and Partios, their stories reflect how the MAcc program is preparing them for what’s next.

Meet Hadja Bayo

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MAcc student Hadja Bayo is a graduate of Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. She received a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in finance and played basketball while pursuing her undergraduate degree. Originally from Round Rock, Texas, she came back to the Lone Star State to study accounting at Rice Business.

After studying business, Bayo began considering accounting — but her undergraduate school didn’t offer the credits required to take the CPA exam. She knew a MAcc would help prepare her for her career goals. “I wanted more experience in accounting to build on my business degree before pursuing a career in the field,” says Bayo.

 

 

Meet Kendall Pierson

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Houston native Kendall Pierson is also beginning her accounting career at Rice, after earning a BBA in Marketing (with an emphasis in digital marketing) from the University of Georgia. Before entering the MAcc program, she gained experience as a digital marketing intern with the University of Houston’s Enrollment Services team — and even worked at a local bakery for a stint to honor her love of baking. 

“After graduating with a marketing degree and reflecting on what I wanted my future career to look like, I knew I wanted more,” says Pierson. “Shifting my focus to a MAcc seemed to better align with my skills, personality and future goals.”

Insights From Hadja & Kendall

Why did you choose Rice Business?

During her time at Beloit, one of Bayo’s friends made a similar pivot from business management into accounting. “She pursued her MAcc at Rice after graduating and had only good things to say about Rice Business. Plus, I knew I wanted to come back to Texas,” says Bayo.

When Pierson began researching MAcc programs for her transition to accounting, Rice immediately stood out for its tight-knit community and career outcomes.

“The MAcc-specific networking events and panels with professionals help tremendously with getting your foot in the door, which is helpful for someone like me who didn’t major in accounting,” says Pierson. “Meeting the program director, Benjamin Lansford, was also a deciding factor — he is truly the most welcoming and genuine person.”

How would you describe the Rice Business culture?

“The culture in the MAcc program is one of the best parts of the program — it’s built on collaboration rather than competition, and you feel like you’re all in it together,” shares Pierson. 

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“The consistent support not only enhances the academic experience but also creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond the program. Being able to lean on others provides reassurance, motivation and confidence, even when the workload starts to ramp up,” she says.

Has anything surprised you about the Rice MAcc program? 

“One thing that surprised me is how much real-world experience the faculty bring to the courses,” Bayo shares. “Many of my professors have years of experience in auditing, tax and more. I’m currently taking Auditing with Kelly Drakey, and I can tell she uses her experience to tailor the materials for what we can expect in our next role — including how to apply AI.”

What does a “day in the life” look like for you?

“I usually like to start my mornings with a long walk before my classes — the loop around Rice campus is my go-to. After that, we have one or two classes in the morning and one class in the afternoon, with a break in the middle,” says Pierson.

“Our last class ends at 2 p.m. every day, but I like to stay after with study groups to get ahead on school work or workout at the gym across the street. In the evening, I enjoy going to Rice sporting events, like volleyball and basketball games, or attending the MAcc Happy Hour Tab and Partios on Thursday.”

What is your next career goal, and how has the program prepared you for it?

“In October, I’m going to start working at PwC as an audit associate,” says Bayo. “Leading up to that, I’ll be focusing on graduation and taking the CPA exam. The Rice MAcc program has been especially helpful in preparing me for the CPA, because the courses cover a lot of specific topics that I’ll be tested on. Rice has also helped me learn a number of habits that I know I’ll carry into my next role, like time management, study habits and organizational skills, which will help me start off on a strong foot.”

The Rice Business MAcc serves as a launchpad into accounting, combining technical depth, faculty mentorship and strong firm connections to ensure students are prepared for the demands of top-tier public accounting roles. Learn more about the Rice MAcc curriculum, top-tier faculty and close-knit community.
 

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