Turning dreams into plans
Graduate Profile: Liam Kirschbaum
On his way to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Liam Kirschbaum feels confident Governors State University (GovState) prepared him to meet that goal.
As an Accounting student, Liam found no shortage of support at GovState and believes that regardless of program, students will find someone more than willing to stand in their corner and back them up throughout their journey. Now a GovState Honors College graduate with his bachelor's degree, Liam is looking forward to the next step beyond Commencement.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to Governors State University?
Liam: Governors State University had everything I was looking for in a University: small, personal class sizes, fantastic faculty, a campus close to home, and an AACSB accreditation for its College of Business. GovState offered excellence with affordability, and it has never failed to deliver on that promise.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs/activities were you involved with?
Liam: I have been involved in club leadership for a number of clubs but have taken the most care with my role in AFE Club, our university's accounting, finance, and economics club. I have been co-president of the club since fall 2022. I have also been treasurer of the GovState Honors College E-Board, treasurer of Reconstructed and president of Beta Gamma Sigma.
GovState Newsroom: What song will always remind you of this time in your life?
Liam: The music of alt-J will always be connected to this time of my life. When I was little, I took my first college level course at JJC through a program called "Kids College". Despite being in a class of adults, I sat right at the front of the class, just ecstatic to be one of the "grownups". My favorite band at the time was alt-J and the first album I played driving to GovState was "An Awesome Wave". It has always felt as though alt-J has grown up with me.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Liam: I dream of achieving stability and success for me and the family I hope to have in my future. I believe that a degree in accounting is an extremely strong step towards realizing that dream, granting me not only access to a diverse job market that is always in need of workers, but also helping me build an invaluable basis of knowledge in the language of business and finance.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Liam: GovState gives back what you put into it. Spend time on campus, get involved in clubs and club leadership, attend networking events, and push yourself to sell yourself. If you are engaged and dedicated to achieving your dreams, GovState, its administration and faculty, will be right there with you helping you get there.