Mary Buksa, ’24, will be following in her mother’s footsteps as a graduate of Purdue University Northwest (PNW). The Munster native is set to earn a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from the College of Business.
When Buksa began her academic journey at PNW, she was a Business Information and Analytics major.
During her first semester, she took an introductory accounting course after which the professor suggested she look into accounting as a major. “Needless to say, I never looked back,” says Buksa.
A four-year member of the Finance and Accounting Club, Buksa is proud the organization was named Student Organization of the Year in 2024 during her tenure as president.
While at PNW, she was a campus ambassador and actively involved in several organizations, including the Economics Club and Women in Business. She also served on the College of Business Student Advisory Board, the Community Standards Board and the Grade Appeals Board. In addition, she regularly participated in Intramural sports, specifically volleyball and sand volleyball.
Recently accepted into PNW’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, Buksa will be pursuing her graduate degree while working as a graduate assistant in Undergraduate Admissions. She already has a job lined up with a global accounting firm once she receives her graduate degree. Long-term, she would like to return to PNW and teach, bringing her real-world knowledge and experience to future PNW students.
What did you like most about PNW?
“Definitely the opportunities – being able to get involved and participate. There’s always something to do, it’s up to you to take advantage of those opportunities. Also, the professors are always there for you. They realize students want internships and jobs and they’re able to help you find those opportunities.”
What did you like most about the Accounting program at PNW?
“The professors do a great job of highlighting the different opportunities in the accounting field beyond just public accounting. They brought in different speakers and alumni to talk about their experiences and career paths, which gave us a better understanding of what we could do with our degree.
There are also opportunities to get more involved, like with the Finance and Accounting Club and the accounting mixers. The material that we are learning is practical and I was able to transition a lot of what I learned in class to my internships.”
How do you think your involvement in campus organizations and activities helped define your success at PNW?
“I really think being involved was a huge asset. I was able to grow my network by getting involved in a wide range of things. It was also important to be known as someone who was involved, reliable and showed up when needed. Gaining leadership experience, working with different groups of people and on teams will definitely help after graduation.”
Did you have a pivotal experience while attending PNW?
“I met Julie Wiejak, the executive director for undergraduate admissions, a month and a half into my first semester at PNW. I was working an event when I met her and she commented that I would be a good fit as a campus ambassador. That was the point everything started to fall into place for me – I started to get involved on campus and meet new people.”
What words of advice would you share with prospective students looking to attend PNW?
“Come in with an open mind and get involved. Putting in that effort to make connections and get involved on campus will make a huge difference with your experience at PNW.”
Was there anyone at PNW who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
Deanne Shimala
Clinical Assistant Professor of Accounting and Finance
“I’ve learned so much from Professor Shimala in the courses I’ve taken with her. She is the person who invited me to join the Finance and Accounting Club. That was a pivotal moment and led to a leadership opportunity for me. She’s been able to see me grow, from a shy and quiet student to who I am today.”
Raven Chant
Assistant Director of Admissions – New Student Initiatives and Events
“Raven has been my direct supervisor for the past three years (as a campus ambassador) and has made a positive impact in my life. She’s always been welcoming and someone I am able to reach out to if I have any problems.”
