College of Business: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Quinn Harris
Tax Advisor
Ernst & Young LLP
(3 years of tax experience)

"Prior to entering into the University of Illinois' MS Tax program, I had been out of the field of tax for a number of years and wanted to get back into it without starting over or taking a large step back in my career. The MS Tax program was the bridge that brought me back into the world of taxes. I gained the detailed technical knowledge I needed from the courses while also networking with and learning from the experiences of my fellow classmates. This program brings the prestige of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to Chicago, making it ideal for the busy working professional who desires to advance in the field of tax. The MS Tax program provided me with the necessary tools and professional network to be successful as a tax advisor."

Lina Ivanova
Senior Tax Consultant
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
(3 years of tax experience)

"The Illinois MS Tax Program is by far the most challenging and professionally rewarding experience that I have had since I first decided to embark upon a career in tax. The Program's focused, practically-oriented coursework gave me additional technical knowledge and further developed my practical skills, both of which prepared me to tackle more serious assignments and undertake greater responsibility within PwC. Although it has been only a little over a month since graduation, I have found that I am much more confident and prepared to better understand and anticipate my clients' tax and business needs. I am certain I am now a better tax advisor because of the Program."

Becky Kiser
Manager
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
(15 years of tax experience)

The MS Tax Program at ILLINOIS is unlike any other. It was the only intensive program that had classes on Friday and Saturday which allowed me to maintain a regular client workload. As I live more than 100 miles outside of Chicago, I found that the downtown location was easily accessible and the timing of the classes was perfect. In addition, since the program was only one year, it was easier on my family so that I could focus on studying for a shorter period of time rather than taking a few classes over several years. The relationships that I have established with fellow professionals and faculty were an unexpected and welcome addition to the program. It was definitely worth the time and effort to invest in this program.

Christian Lam
Senior Tax Accountant
Potash Corp.
(7 years of tax experience)

"The Illinois MS Tax Program is very unique. It not only provided an excellent credential, but also equipped me with practical, essential, & up-to-date tax knowledge. The adjunct faculty makes this program truly special. As experienced tax professionals, they have the ability to explain complex tax concepts in a simple and understandable fashion. As a result, I am now able to bridge these tax concepts and their consequences to complex tax matters. The program has given me a valuable tool to excel as a tax professional."

Ron Shudrowitz
Senior Associate
KPMG LLP
(5 years of tax experience)

"In today's dynamic environment, it is extremely important to have a sound grasp of taxation principles, as well as, an understanding of the business environment in which we find ourselves. The Illinois MS Tax Program did an excellent job of bridging these two concepts. Not only did I develop a stronger understanding of taxation principles and theoretical concepts from the exceptionally talented faculty, but I also found that the diverse backgrounds of the other professionals in the Program greatly contributed to the top-down, global approach to education that the University of Illinois has pioneered. I am more prepared to tackle the real-world issues I face everyday and definitely believe that the program has given me the tools and perspective needed to become a better tax advisor.

Ryan Wickert
International Tax manager
Komatsu America Corp.
(8 years of tax experience)

"Mastery of any subject occurs both in and outside the classroom. The MS Tax Program at ILLINOIS has, without question, fulfilled the classroom part of that equation. I can take all I have learned over the course of this intense one year program and use that knowledge to advise senior management on tax issues that affect the landscape of our business. The MS Tax Program not only did a great job of exposing me to areas of tax in which I don't normally operate, but it also gave me the tools needed to continue sharpening my craft for many years to come. Equally important, I leave the program with great friendships born from the rigor that only those that have gone through this program can appreciate."