Rai Fleming, MAcc '23

Rai Fleming, MAcc ‘23,  grew up in Detroit and loves calling the state of Michigan home. After graduating from Michigan Ross with her BBA, she set her sights on a career in accounting and knew that the MAcc one-year master’s program would help get her where she wanted to go. The best part? She could stay right where she was. 

Finding her Place

A first-generation college student, Rai says she didn’t have a lot of knowledge about the world of higher education. She applied to a couple of colleges close to home, but didn’t know which one would be a good fit for her. Through some influence from her friends, she put the University of Michigan on her radar.  

“I had never even been on a college campus before,” Rai said. “But a lot of my high school classmates who I consider to be really smart were going to Michigan and I thought, ‘maybe that is somewhere I need to be.’”

 The amount of financial support available to her at U-M is what eventually solidified her decision. 

“That’s an amazing thing about this school; the network of donors are so willing to give to students who show that they are serious about their academics. That had a lot of impact on my decision,” Rai said. 

Rai quickly found her place and her passion at Michigan Ross. 

From a young age, she had a love for math and using numbers to find solutions to problems. While in high school at Cass Tech in Detroit, she participated in a paid summer internship program to gain career experience working at one of the organizations owned by Ilitch Companies. It was through this internship that she discovered an interest in business, though she wasn’t sure the exact direction she wanted to go. 

“When I took my first accounting class at Ross — Accounting 300 — I really connected with it,” Rai said. “I saw there were specific methods and strategic systems, and I thought, ‘Ok, this makes sense, I love this’, and that’s when I started to lean toward a career in accounting.”

Taking the Next Step

After landing an internship with a Big Four accounting firm in Detroit during undergrad, Rai was eager to gain a deeper understanding of the field. With the goal to pursue her CPA, and needing the 150 credits to sit for the exam, Rai knew MAcc would give her that opportunity. 

“When my internship was over, I wanted to know more,” Rai said.

I knew a MAcc was important for the direction I wanted to take my accounting career because the graduate program takes learning to a completely different level. Enhancing my knowledge in the field is something that is very important to me. And, it was a bonus that I didn’t have to leave Ross to get it.

Building a Social Network 

Rai’s connection to Michigan Ross has been strengthened through her involvement in extracurricular activities and through the relationships she’s formed with the members of her MAcc cohort. 

She recounts the EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C. as a memorable trip that set the foundation for her learning experience — both for her future career and for the opportunity to get to know her classmates. The four-day symposium takes place at the beginning of the term and allows students to gain a deep understanding of current compliance standards and what influences public policy.  

“The symposium was the first time we were together as a cohort and we really created a great environment that’s carried on throughout our time in the program,” Rai said. “It makes for a better experience when you open your mind and try to learn from more people, because in accounting nothing is stagnant, we have to keep learning.”  

Beyond the classroom, Rai’s cohort often gets together for football tailgates and social events organized by the E-board. “Knowing your classmates outside of class is really important because you feel more comfortable and connected and it allows you to build a strong network with many different people,” Rai said. 

Learning While Teaching

Rai has found additional value in her work tutoring undergraduate and high school students as a mentor through the Academic Success Center and as a Graduate Student Staff Assistant. She also works with MREACH, providing high school students insight into the college application and financial aid process. 

“I love tutoring undergraduate students. When I’m mentoring people, I feel like I’m learning myself. I have to know what I’m talking about in order to teach them and it’s great practice for when I’ll need to explain complex information to future clients,” Rai said. 

The Michigan Ross Difference

Rai says the support she’s received from her advisor, the Career Development Office, and many others at Ross has played a pivotal role in her experience.  

You can tell that professors and staff really care about student success. They’re always there when you need them. I think that’s why a lot of Ross students are successful when they graduate, because we have a great foundational support system while we’re here.

Rai is glad she listened to her friends and knows she made the right decision. 

“The network I’ve created with my fellow students and mentors has provided so many opportunities that I didn’t know I would have,” Rai said. “I’m really proud of the atmosphere and environment at Ross, it makes me love Michigan even more.”