Building a Career in Tax at Gonzaga University

From international student to Deloitte Tax Consultant, Tien Tran turned her passion for accounting into a standout career with the help of Gonzaga University’s Master of Science in Taxation (M.S. Tax) program. Reflecting on her experience, she shares the mentorship of Gonzaga’s faculty, and her advice for future tax professionals.

Why did you decide to return to school for a master’s degree?

I decided to enroll in the Master of Science in Taxation program at Gonzaga because I majored in accounting as an undergraduate and experienced firsthand the quality of education and support that Gonzaga provided. Returning for my master’s degree felt like a natural next step in my academic and professional journey. I also wanted to pursue the CPA license, and the M.S. Tax program allowed me to fulfill the 150-credit-hour requirement while gaining a deeper understanding of taxation.

Why Gonzaga and why the M.S. Tax program?

I transferred to Gonzaga from a local community college as an international student from Vietnam. Gonzaga became a major part of my journey in the United States and, in many ways, became my second home. Being thousands of miles away from my family, I found a community where I felt like I belonged and where I was supported in pursuing my goals and dreams.

Gonzaga's accounting program is well established and recognized for the quality of its education and the opportunities it provides students. I am very grateful for the foundation Gonzaga gave me and the experiences that helped prepare me for my career.

I chose the M.S. Tax program because I had taken several required tax courses as an undergraduate and found that I genuinely enjoyed learning about tax rules and the intricacies of how they apply in different situations. Tax is such a broad and constantly evolving area, and I wanted to go beyond the fundamentals and develop a deeper understanding of the various applications of taxation. The M.S. Tax program gave me the opportunity to do exactly that.

What do you currently do for work and how did the program set you up for success in your role?

I am currently a Tax Consultant at Deloitte. The M.S. Tax program definitely helped set me up for success by providing me with a strong foundation in tax technical knowledge as well as transferable skills that I developed throughout my time at Gonzaga. The program challenged me to think critically, work through complex tax issues, and apply what I learned to real-world situations. Those skills have been valuable in my role and have helped me transition into a professional tax environment with confidence.

Have you taken the CPA exam and if so, how did the program prepare you to do well?

While pursuing my master's degree at Gonzaga, I set a goal for myself to pass all four sections of the CPA exam before I graduated. I was fortunate enough to accomplish that goal, passing all four exams on my first attempt.

The M.S. Tax program played an important role in preparing me for the exams. The depth of the coursework gave me a strong understanding of many of the tax and accounting concepts covered on the CPA exam, while the rigor of the program helped me develop the discipline and study habits needed to be successful.

What was your experience with the faculty like?

My experience with the faculty was very positive. The professors were supportive and genuinely invested in helping students succeed, while also challenging us to understand the material at a deeper level and make the most of the program.

They were approachable both inside and outside the classroom, and I always felt comfortable asking questions or seeking additional guidance during office hours. Their knowledge and willingness to support students made a meaningful difference in my experience at Gonzaga.

What would you say to anyone considering Gonzaga's M.S. Tax program?

I would highly recommend Gonzaga's M.S. Tax program to anyone considering pursuing a career in taxation or looking to further their accounting education. Gonzaga's accounting and tax programs have a strong reputation both regionally and nationally, but beyond the academics, what stood out to me was the support you receive throughout the program.

For me, Gonzaga was more than just a place to earn a degree. It was a community that helped me grow personally and professionally and gave me the foundation and confidence to pursue my goals. If you are looking for a rigorous program where you will be challenged, supported, and prepared for a career in tax, I would strongly encourage you to consider Gonzaga.