Mount Saint Mary College alumna Kelsey Farrell (’21, MBA ’22) isn’t a fan of the slow lane. After completing a five-year track for her undergraduate degree in Accounting and her Master of Business Administration in just four years, she jumped seamlessly into her current role as a Senior Associate at PKF O’Connor Davies. Kelsey is currently in the final stages of earning her CPA license, having already cleared three out of the four sections of the exam.
We recently spoke with her to discuss her academic trajectory and her advice for students looking to fast-track their own professional journeys.
How did the Mount help prepare you for working at PKF O'Connor Davies?
The Mount really helped lay the foundation for me both academically and professionally. During grad school, I was able to intern with PKF O’Connor Davies, which eventually led to a full-time offer, and I’ve been with the firm ever since. It’s also been great to see that a number of partners and coworkers here are fellow Mount alumni (shout out Miranda Fennessy and Kylie Shaefer). Seeing how successful they’ve been really shows how strong and supportive the Mount community is.
What professors helped you out the most when you were a student, and how?
I give a lot of credit to Professor Neirouz Watad [Accounting], Professor Tracey Niemotko (who now teaches at Marist University), and Professor Michael Fox, [Law, Acting Dean and Chair of the School of Business]. I wasn’t originally an Accounting major, but after taking Intro to Accounting with Professor Watad, the way she connected with us and explained the material made me realize this was something I truly enjoyed. Professor Niemotko helped strengthen my understanding of advanced accounting and shared her knowledge and real-world stories. Professor Fox guided me along the way and made business law both understandable and enjoyable. They were all instrumental in helping shape my career path and truly care about their students’ success both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for laying the groundwork!
What have been some of the most rewarding challenges you’ve faced in your career so far?
One of the most rewarding challenges has been seeing how much I’ve grown from my internship to where I am now. When I first started, I was a shy 21-year-old who didn’t know much about working in a professional environment, which I’m sure many can relate to. Since then, I’ve learned more than I ever expected, gained confidence in myself and my abilities, and continue to grow every day. The transition from college student to full-time professional can be intimidating, but having the right mentorship and support makes all the difference.
Speaking of mentorship, what Mount mentorship experiences still influence your approach to leadership and problem-solving today?
The professors at the Mount genuinely care about mentoring their students and helping them grow into successful professionals. So when you see that every day, it sticks with you and makes you want to share your knowledge and motivate others around you. My classmates also challenged me to think critically, ask questions, and value different perspectives, which taught me that learning is something that never stops.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer for standing out and succeeding in a competitive global market?
Always stay curious and be willing to learn. Ask tough questions, take initiative, and be open to new challenges. Having a strong work ethic and being willing to step outside your comfort zone can really set you apart.
What would you say to a student looking to follow your path?
For anyone thinking about pursuing the CPA or any challenging goal, don’t give up. The process isn’t easy, but pushing through challenges makes you stronger and you will be so proud of yourself for accomplishing something that once seemed impossible. Also, don’t forget to enjoy your college experience. Trust yourself, trust your professors, take advantage of every opportunity, and enjoy the view.