Major: Accounting (BA)
Minor: Finance
When Niraly Patel ’22 first arrived at the University of Lynchburg, she didn’t know what to major in, but after a few accounting classes, she knew that’s what she wanted to make a career in.
“I love learning the rules, the logic, and the reasoning behind the concepts, even on days where my balance sheet doesn’t balance,” Niraly says.
“I [was] extremely grateful to be a part of the College of Business. It has truly transformed me as an individual. I have learned so much and my professors are the best. They work closely with you to ensure that you do your best and grow into a professional who is ready to take on the world. Not only that, but they truly care for their students. If you are contemplating applying, I say just go for it! It could be one of the best decisions you ever make.”
A first-gen and commuter student, Niraly was also heavily involved on campus. Originally from Forest, Virginia, she was a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association, Garam Masala, the Student Managed Investment Fund, the PASS program, and other honors/academic societies. She was a 2021-22 Sommerville Scholar finalist.
At the same time, her family also inspired her determination and passion to succeed.
“In all seriousness, my parents immigrated from India and sacrificed everything so they could build a better future for their children. Their determination and passion to succeed is something I admire as a child and continue to admire, and it motivates me to work hard and remain resilient. In a way, I am wired to always do my best in all aspects of my education, but a love for learning and academics is the core behind my academic successes.”
Now, she is a senior assurance staff member at Ernst & Young (EY) in Richmond.
