For Jake Black, a 2020 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), it was Husson’s internship program and the influence of a well-
known faculty member that helped launch his career.
“I remember taking my intermediate accounting classes from Professor Emeritus Dewey Martin before he retired from Husson,” said Black “One day, when I was studying at the library, he came in and said he’d heard of an open position at BerryDunn.”
“Apparently, BerryDunn needed an audit intern. He asked me if I would like him to put my name in for it. I said ‘yes,’” continued Black. “I went down and interviewed for the position and got hired. After completing the internship my senior year of college, they offered me a full-time job. I was hired by BerryDunn as a staff auditor right out of school.”
Since then Black’s professional contacts have continued to present him with career growth opportunities. “The president of the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA) is David Stone, an audit manager at BerryDunn from their Portland office who I connected with during my internship. He was on the MECPA Board prior to me. When he became the Society’s president, a position open up on their Board of Governors. He recommended me and I became a member of the board in the summer of 2022.”
As a member of the board, Black does a lot of advocacy work for the profession. For example, he’ll go to high schools and colleges, talk about the profession and answer any questions that prospective students might have.
“When I go to high schools, I tell students that every business, regardless of whether you’re not-for-profit or for profit, has accountants on their payroll,” said Black. “They’re essential to the operation of every organization. It can be a fast-paced environment, particularly in public accounting, and it’s interesting because you’re constantly working with different groups, coworkers, and clients. You never get bored.”
Even though Black has gone far since graduating, he still feels a close connection to Husson University. “I feel like I’m a part of the Husson family,” he said. “I’ve spoken at an Accounting Society meeting on campus. I stay connected with Bobby Duron and Dewey Martin. It’s like there’s an open door policy. I always feel welcome when I come to campus.”