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Meet JSOM Student Urooj Arif
Urooj Arif, an MBA Flex student currently pursuing her master’s in accounting, sees coming to UT Dallas as the realization of a long-term dream.
“I always wanted to have a graduate degree. For me, this degree is a lot more than just a certificate or just an educational accomplishment. And it’s not just my dream but the dream of my parents and my whole family.” Urooj says.
Urooj feels her time at UT Dallas has opened new pathways for her. While she juggles a full schedule between work, academics, and raising her two children, she expressed immense thankfulness for the opportunity to learn and study.
“Education in general is a very valued journey for me. I grew up in a society where there was a lot of discrimination. Girls were not allowed to get higher education. When I came to the US and saw the equality and the opportunity I have here, I just feel like I have so much to cherish and so much to give back. And I just feel so grateful to be on this journey.” Urooj says.
Urooj sees more doors opening in the future and says she may go on to explore pursuing a PhD.
Choosing UT Dallas
While researching business schools, Urooj found herself attracted to the rich diversity of JSOM and UT Dallas. Students from across the globe come to JSOM to further their education, and JSOM aims to build an inclusive experience for people of all backgrounds.
Coupled with the business school’s impressive national ranks and the easy commute from her home in Dallas, Urooj believes the decision to choose JSOM was simple and opportune.
“I feel like it was written for me. It was destined for me.” Urooj says.
Life on Campus at JSOM
Urooj stays involved in student organizations like the Institution of Internal Auditors and the National Association of Women. She has enjoyed attending campus networking events and organizational events where accounting and business professionals come share their career journeys with students.
“They share how they succeeded in certain areas and how they failed. I’ve learned a lot from their experiences. I feel like they’re all my mentors to some extent.” She says.
It was through these various organizational events that Urooj became exposed to the field of audit, which she feels very passionate about. Her new knowledge has helped her gain special reverence for the field and offered her insight into her career path.
Faculty Help Along the Way
Urooj believes that students find success in part thanks to the support of great faculty, and she speaks highly of her female professors.
Recalling her first classes with professor Mary Beth Goodrich, Urooj says, “One thing that really stood out to me, coming from a non-accounting background, I never felt that I did not know much. She really treated me equal to any professional in accounting. I felt very respected being in her presence. She really just talked to me as an equal.”
Urooj sees both professor Mary Beth Goodrich and professor Kathy Zolton as valuable mentors, and looks forward to celebrating more academic victories with them.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success
During her studies, Urooj has faced a steep learning curve. Sometimes she feels intimidated by new and difficult material but commits her best to every course and requests assistance when she needs it.
She acknowledges that asking for help can be tough but encourages her fellow students to feel comfortable seeking support.
“Don’t hesitate in asking help and asking questions and showing your vulnerable side. Be humble in seeking knowledge. It’s okay if I don’t know. I will learn.” Urooj says.
Going into her Intermediate Financial Accounting II class, Urooj initially felt unsure. She’d heard the course was hard and that even students with professional accounting experience did not do well. Determined to make the most of her opportunity to learn, Urooj studied well and asked for help from professor Zolton throughout. By the end of the course, Urooj was thrilled to receive an A.
Looking to the Future
Up next on Urooj’s academic and professional journey is a summer 2023 internship with audit, tax, and consulting firm RSM. Urooj regards RSM as her dream organization for an internship and credits the Career Management Center at JSOM with helping her land the role.
She gives special thanks to Royce Jones and Elizabeth Chavez for their assistance getting her resume ready and doing interview preparation.
Wisdom for Fellow Students
Urooj believes in making the most of her opportunity to learn at JSOM and she wants to encourage other students to feel secure using the resources on campus.
“There is help, and there are great people who are very much willing and welcome to offer help.” Urooj says.
For Urooj Arif, a strong work ethic and a humble willingness to learn from others have acted as the formula for her success. She urges her fellow students, “If we work our very best, and we can sleep saying to ourselves, ‘I did the best I could,’ and we pray and we seek help, then 99.9% of the time we do get success at the end.”
