April 01, 2017

Jamie Malachowski ’09 grew up observing the workings of her family’s restaurant business, which included keeping a close eye on the books.

Susquehanna University alumna Jamie Malachowski ’09

Jamie Malachowski ’09

Acting on a love of numbers, she enrolled in a college accounting course while she was still in high school, and soon decided to pursue a career in accounting herself.

Malachowski’s college search criteria was specific.

“I only pursued accounting programs that would enable me to obtain 150 credits within four years, were AACSB-accredited and placed accounting graduates with top firms,” she said.

Most accounting majors at Susquehanna complete the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA examination within four years, which saves a year of tuition and allows them to start their careers sooner. At most schools, you need five years and a master’s degree to get the 150 hours.

The Sigmund Weis School of Business is accredited by the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a hallmark of excellence in business education earned by less than 5 percent of the world’s business schools.

Students and graduates of Susquehanna’s accounting program land in some of the nation’s top firms, including Deloitte, MetLife, Moody’s, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and Prudential.

“SU felt like home as soon as I arrived on campus to visit,” she said. “One of my most instrumental mentors was Associate Professor Jerry Habegger, who I still consider a mentor today. His guidance and advice were tremendously helpful in assisting me in choosing my first job after graduating.”

Currently a global senior internal auditor at DuPont, Wilmington, Del., Malachowski was recently honored with the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) Young Leader Award, which recognizes PICPA members under the age of 40 who demonstrate a commitment to the accounting profession through active PICPA or community service.

“SU prepared me for professional and personal success in countless ways,” Malachowski said. “The liberal arts and business school curriculum provided challenges and opportunities for me to sharpen my critical thinking skillset and business acumen. Additionally, SU provided tremendous leadership opportunities where I was able to grow, learn how to truly ‘reach for the stars,’ and figure out the type of leader I continuously strive to be.”