Jelena Majkic

MS Accounting Class of 2012

Undergrad University of Novi Sad

How did Bentley help you get to where you are today in your career?

Bentley is a great school, and professionals and firms in Boston area (and further) acknowledge the fact that Bentley produces well-rounded professionals with strong educational base and great motivation to succeed. Things I learned while at Bentley were of great importance to me, and still are, as well as the connections I made during my graduate program and connections I made after graduating based on the fact that I went to Bentley. My MSA degree from Bentley opened many doors for me, and gave me credibility in many professional conversations I've had over the years.

What are the top three skills you gained in your program at Bentley?

• Critical thinking and skepticism. To trust but to also always verify, and to apply multiple lenses when trying to understand and solve a problem. I find myself applying these skills on a daily basis in my work.
• Communication and empathy. As accountants, we don’t just do jobs in a bubble isolated from everyone else. What we do and how we do it impacts other people, and we have to be cognizant of that, put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and talk through issues with them. We need to help them solve problems through an open and honest partnership.
• Negotiation. Being able to understand what motivates other people, knowing how to read people and their reactions, and when and how to push your agenda or when to take a step back/down. A lot of times we are not even aware that we are negotiating, at work or at home, waiting in line to buy lunch, etc. which is why this skill I gained and nurtured at Bentley is so important to me. I always try to think of a big picture, and negotiating small and big things will ultimately help me achieve my goals.

"I became an accountant and part of a family."

What would you tell someone considering your program at Bentley?

I would tell anyone who is considering pursuing a degree (MSA or really any other) at Bentley, to go for it. Make the investment in yourself and position yourself for both professional and personal success. Bentley is a great school with amazing educators that will work with you to ensure you are getting the most of this experience. It won’t just give you the tools and skills you need for professional growth, but will give you a family, a strong support system that will be there for you if and when you need it.