Meet Ian

Name: Ian McCarty

Class of: 2025

Program: Bachelor of Science in Accounting w/ a minor in Finance

"Those who donate to support scholarships are doing an incredible service by investing in the next generation."


What do you like most about SNHU?

The thing I like most about SNHU is the people. The faculty and student body are down-to-earth and it makes campus a really comforting environment. 

How do the scholarships and financial aid you receive make it possible for you to attend SNHU? Specifically, how have scholarships made a difference?

Scholarships have made an enormous difference for me. It gets harder to finance my education each year as my savings dwindle. Scholarships have helped keep my family financially stable as I chase my dreams.

What would you say to those who donate to support student scholarships?

Those who donate to support scholarships are doing an incredible service by investing in the next generation. As the cost of college increases, it becomes harder for students to succeed. Donors like you make it possible for students like me to accomplish our goals.

Why did you choose Southern New Hampshire University?

I chose SNHU because it is affordable and offers a quality environment to pursue my goals. The faculty are very accommodating, and the students I’ve met throughout my journey have become great friends. 

What was your hope in receiving a college education? How has your experience been different than what you’d imagined?

I hoped to receive a college education to secure a good job. My experience has far exceeded my expectations. I’ve gotten a great internship, which I hope will lead to a full-time position, and I have met some incredible people along the way. SNHU has fantastic career services for individuals on my career path, and taking advantage of these resources has helped me a lot.

What inspired you to choose your area of study? What is your dream job?

I was inspired to choose accounting because of my work experience and the mentors I had in high school. It aligns well with my natural abilities, and I find the work both challenging and exciting. My dream job is to become a CFO or a Partner at a CPA firm someday, and I am confident that with continued hard work, I will achieve my goals.

Who at SNHU (professor, coach, advisor, etc.) has been the biggest influence on your college experience? What lessons did that person teach you?

Professor Murphy has been the most significant influence on my SNHU experience. His expertise in accounting and ability to engage with students resonated with me deeply. I value his opinion, and his guidance in course decisions has been just as valuable as his classes.

In what ways have you been involved at SNHU (campus organizations, job, sports, etc.)?

I am involved in SNHU as a Learning Fellow and as the Treasurer of the Ultimate Frisbee team. These activities have helped me improve my resume while having fun learning new things.

What do you find most challenging? How do you deal with this?

Balancing school with work and social activities is the most challenging part of my educational journey. It isn't easy to maintain a record of academic excellence while trying to earn money and have fun. I think each student needs to find a balance, and it has been a moving target for me throughout my educational journey.

What are you proudest of?

I am proud of the progress I have made toward my career. I went into college ready to work hard, and so far, that work has paid off in the form of a fantastic internship.

In what ways do you want/hope to stay involved as an SNHU graduate?

I hope to stay involved as a graduate by maintaining connections with my classmates and by attending alumni events in the future. Hopefully, I can reach a point where I am financially secure enough to donate to student scholarships. They've made a massive difference in my life, and I hope to pay that kindness forward someday.

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