Delnaz Amroliwalla ’23, MS ’24, has taken the lessons she learned about understanding the principles of accounting and the science behind tax forms on Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus — and transformed them into real-world experience at Marcum LLP, a firm with 37 locations throughout the United States, as well as in China, Ireland and Grand Cayman.

“This opportunity has given me the opportunity to experience the professional world in a way that college students generally don’t get exposed to until later,” said Amroliwalla. “At Marcum, I have learned how to apply the skills that I learned in classes, as well as cultivate new skills through experiences and observing my coworkers.”

At the firm, Amroliwalla completes a myriad of responsibilities including filling out tax returns, completing Excel projects and working with clients.

As part of the fellowship, she received a generous tuition stipend this semester — with the option of applying for a second semester — as well as hourly compensation for her work. She also has the opportunity to talk with firm leaders about career opportunities following graduation.

During most years, there are two Quinnipiac students working as fellows at the firm — usually a second-year and a third-year undergraduate student.

Amroliwalla chose to attend Quinnipiac as a result of its unique 3+1 accelerated dual-degree BS/MS program.

“It was the biggest factor in choosing where I went for college,” she said. “Quinnipiac is one of the top universities for job placement and internship opportunities. The university has built a strong foundation for me as an accounting student because the business core is inclusive to every major in the School of Business as well as different industries.”

The Marcum fellowship is a tangible example of the unique, market-driven learning opportunities the university offers its students, School of Business Dean Holly Raider said.

“This fellowship opens the doors to our students — not just to the opportunity of working at one of the nation’s leading accounting firms — but also to invaluable networking opportunities,” said Raider, who is also a professor of management. “Opportunities like this demonstrate the value of the growing number of partnerships the School of Business enjoys with organizations throughout the Northeast and beyond, opportunities that ensure our students are competitive candidates for career success.”

The Marcum fellowship was spearheaded by Joseph Natarelli ’86, managing partner of Marcum’s New Haven office and national leader of the Firm’s Construction Services practice, and an active member of the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council, Raider noted.

“I am extremely grateful for his commitment to our students — as well as the commitment of our council in general — and for providing them with opportunities that will put them on a fast-track for success,” she said.

Passionate partners like Natarelli provide Quinnipiac students with invaluable professional experience as well as networking opportunities, Raider said.

“The Marcum fellowship at Quinnipiac is part of our firm’s commitment to encouraging the next generation of business leaders to pursue accounting degrees while nurturing greater diversity in our profession,” Natarelli said. “An important component of this commitment is awarding these outstanding students internships with Marcum so they have the opportunity to gain true hands-on experience before they graduate.”

Jill A. Koehler, associate dean for career development in the School of Business, praised Marcum for the partnership.

“Fellowships are an opportunity to do something extraordinary in the pursuit of professional, academic and career goals and will certainly help students to stand apart,” she said. “In addition, the fact that the fellows were selected from a group of their peers as being highly sought after candidates is sure to impress.”

The accelerated dual-degree BS/MS in accounting program positions students to launch careers immediately upon graduation in four years, and provides a streamlined route to help them meet the 150-hour education requirement to become CPAs.

The Quinnipiac School of Business is accredited by AACSB International — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — putting it in the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, the accounting program is ranked by AACSB.