OCC transfer Alec Albanna named to "25 Under 25" list by Mike Ilitch School of Business

There was a time, accounting major Alec Albanna says, where he wasn't sure what he wanted to go to school for or what he would be doing post-graduation. Now, a new grad from the Mike Ilitch School of Business and president of its chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi honor organization, Albanna is set to be working at Plante Moran post-graduation. He recently was named to the Ilitch School's "25 Under 25" list honoring students who have achieved academic and professional success under the age of 25.

"Just a few years ago there was nothing on my radar as to what I could do in school, or even if I could get a job after school," says Albanna, "After coming to Wayne I was blown away by the different opportunities that I have."

Albanna transferred to Wayne State in the summer of 2017. Wayne State University was recommended to him as a transfer destination by one of his accounting professors at Oakland Community College. Albanna says that transferring to Wayne State was a "very smooth process."

While transferring was easy for Albanna, getting to the school wasn't. "It was really my first time coming down to the city, so it was a little scary," says Albanna, "I was trying to find my way around, I definitely got lost trying to find (the) Prentis (Building). I thought it was really cool, it looked awesome and I knew I was going to enjoy my time there. It was a really good first impression."

Albanna became president of Beta Alpha Psi, where he now helps others find direction in their careers. "It's geared toward helping people in accounting and finance look at the different opportunities they have and expose them to different networking opportunities," he says. "Overall our biggest goal is to help kids get internships that will lead them to full time offers."

He also has volunteered at organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Salvation Army and the Sunshine Children's Home in Maumee, Ohio.

Albanna credits Wayne State for getting him his dream job at Plante Moran, which he began as an intern at 2018 and will be working at as a public accountant in 2020. Albanna says that Wayne has been very helpful in his early professional career.

"The faculty, especially the accounting faculty, are amazing, they really care about your future," says Albanna, "They go above and beyond to ensure you're the most prepared and marketable candidate around. I think firms really love Wayne State accounting students in general. I can see a trend where more of these firms will be recruiting from Wayne State."

By Jacob Stocking, Educational Outreach communications associate

The Transfer Student Success Center is part of the Office of Educational Outreach, which leads initiatives for all off-campus programs and courses. Follow us @WSUTSSC.