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Pictured is Jessica Calzi, a staff accountant for Schneider Downs who earned a B.S. in accounting and B.F.A. in dance from Point Park in 2014. | Photo by Chris Rolinson

Meet Jessica Calzi

Job title: Staff Accountant
Employer: Schneider Downs
Degrees earned: B.S. in Accounting and B.F.A. in Dance
Graduated: May 2014
College activities: Student Accounting Association and Dance Club
Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.
High school: Williamsville East High School
Now living in: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Dance, yoga and playing with my dog

How did you land the position of staff accountant at Schneider Downs?

When I was a junior in college, it came to my attention that Schneider Downs was hiring an intern for that following summer. Accounting was my back-up career path so I decided to apply in order to get a feel for what it was like. I ended up getting the internship and following the internship was offered a job.

Tell us the path you are on for your C.P.A. license and how Point Park has helped you.

I've passed all four parts of my C.P.A. exam so now I am completing my working hours requirement. I need 1,600 hours and I believe I'm about halfway there. Point Park's classes helped me learn a lot of what I needed to know for the exam.

Why did you decide to double major in accounting and dance?

Dance was initially what I wanted to pursue after college. I chose to also major in accounting because I wanted to have another career option if dancing didn't work out. After interning at Schneider Downs, I realized I really enjoyed accounting more than I originally thought I would. That's when I decided to make accounting my primary career.

What were some of your favorite experiences at Point Park?

Dance club has a banquet at the end of every year and I loved going to those. It was always a lot of fun to dress up and have everyone in the dance department get together. There were also other enjoyable events at Point Park. It was always fun to go to these and meet new people.

What are your career goals?

For now, my main career goal is to obtain my C.P.A. license and fulfill my working hours requirement. Following that I would like to get my master's degree and additional certifications. I would also like to start teaching dance regularly at a local studio as a way to keep dance in my life.

Final thoughts?

Attending Point Park was a great experience. It taught me a lot not only in terms of schooling, but also in life. It helped shape who I am today and I am very thankful for that.

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More About: Rowland School of Business, Schneider Downs, success story, Downtown Pittsburgh, accounting, Student Accounting Association, alumni, internships