Syracuse University

Student Spotlight

Brandon Richardson, Accounting and finance, class of 2010 Patterson, NJ

brandonrichardson.jpg


Why did you choose SU?
I wanted to attend SU since my junior year of high school. I attended the summer college program for high school students and fell in love with the campus and atmosphere. Attending this program also helped me hone my skills and decide my future profession. If the summer program evolved me that much after six weeks, I could not imagine four years, so I applied to Syracuse.

What has been your most meaningful experience so far?
Being a resident advisor. I have been an RA since my sophomore year and have met so many people throughout my college experience. I may sometimes feel overwhelmed, overworked, and underpaid, butI would never trade the experiences I had as an RA and benefits that have come with them. The residents have taught me responsibility and accountability. I learned time management skills, how to be professional, organized, calm in high-pressure situations, and many other skills that will help me in my future profession and life in general. Being an RA has also opened many doors, so in addition to being a resource to my floor, I can be one in the Syracuse community.

What's the secret of your success at SU?
Balance. You have to have a balanced life to be a successful student at SU. I follow my planner like I read my bible. I am very involved on campus and my academics are always a priority, but I always take time for friends and myself.

How have you changed since you have been here?
I have grown immensely since I came to SU. My journey at SU has been the most trying and most rewarding experiences of my life. Even when I think about the time I joined The Black Celestial Choral Ensemble, I see growth. I started out as a quiet tenor and now I am the director trainee. Also, I learned the value of independence. Learning to depend on myself, to support myself financially, and encourage myself are skills that I will never lose. The change that I have seen in myself is undeniable.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I have an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP(PwC) for the summer, then I will attend graduate school, hopefully here at SU. I want to get my Masters in Science in accounting with a concentration in taxation. I will then take the CPA exam and start full time with PwC.