Kaci O'Grady '25 | Net Gains: Maximixing Every Opportunity

For Kaci O'Grady '25, the journey from her hometown in Maine to Emmanuel College's campus in Boston represented more than just a geographical shift—it marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in her life.

Standing on Clemente Field during her campus tour, taking in the stunning views of the Prudential and John Hancock Tower, Kaci knew she had found her future home.

"From the moment I started learning more about the school, I discovered a tight-knit campus atmosphere where professors genuinely know their students, which would make me feel valued right from the start," she says. The urban setting provided an exciting step outside her comfort zone while remaining close enough to feel connected to her roots. "It wasn't just about the excitement of the city—I felt that at Emmanuel, I could truly grow, learn, and belong."

While Kaci arrived at Emmanuel with an open mind about her future career path, it was her freshman year financial accounting class that sparked what would become a lasting passion. "After taking my first financial accounting class as a freshman, everything began to click," she shares. "I was captivated by the way numbers could tell a story—each equation felt like a puzzle waiting to be solved, linking theory with real-world financial scenarios."

The influence of Emmanuel's faculty played a crucial role in nurturing this newfound interest. Professor Guida's stories of international experiences opened Kaci's eyes to the global possibilities within accounting. Professors Bonneau and Marchand, drawing from their extensive experience as CPAs, helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. "Professor Marchand, in particular, has a remarkable ability to connect classroom concepts with the dynamic, fast-paced nature of public accounting," Kaci notes. "Her guidance has been invaluable, especially as I prepare for my first CPA exam this summer."

Determined to push beyond expectations, Kaci set her sights on securing a position with a Big Four accounting firm. She strategically built her experience through internships, starting with a winter 2023 Audit position at CohnReznick during her sophomore year, followed by a summer role at BerryDunn in Portland. These experiences culminated in a summer 2024 internship at EY's Boston office, where she found her professional home. "It wasn't just about the prestige of a Big Four firm," she explains. "It was about joining a community that's eager to support your growth and challenge you every day."

Beyond academics and professional development, Kaci embraced campus life fully. "I believe in immersing yourself in numerous opportunities that can help add exciting challenges," she says. She began as a member of the women's soccer team, where she learned valuable lessons about discipline and teamwork. Later, she transitioned to working at the IT help desk, which "quickly became like a second home, pushing me to test my limits and form lasting connections."

Her academic excellence earned her induction into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society, a distinction reserved for juniors in the top 10% of their class. As one of only eight members selected from her class, this recognition from both the Department of Business and Economics highlighted her outstanding achievements.

Looking ahead, Kaci's plans reflect the balanced approach she developed at Emmanuel. While preparing to launch her career at EY and study for the CPA exam, she plans to maintain her practice as a certified yoga instructor. "I see this next chapter as a perfect blend of professional growth and personal fulfillment, inspired by the supportive community and incredible experiences I had at Emmanuel," she shares. "I'm ready to step out of my comfort zone, say yes to new adventures, and keep learning and growing every step of the way."