Welcome to the IRL, where we’re getting… real.
Hear from real accountants with real stories about what they’ve learned throughout their journeys. From self-doubt to self-discovery, these accountants show that there’s no one “type” of accounting professional and that every path is worth celebrating.
This time, we asked three accountants to reflect on the moments that tested their confidence, the lessons that helped them push forward, and how those experiences shaped the professionals they are today.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong or needed that reminder to keep going, this one’s for you 👇
Tell us about a time you faced doubt or challenges in your accounting journey, and how you overcame them.
👱🏽♀️Name:
Yana Hajtol
💼 Title:
Tax Experienced Senior Associate
📍Location:
Fort Lauderdale
When I was choosing a career, I picked accounting because I was good at math, but I quickly realized math is just a small part of the profession. In my first upper-level accounting classes, I remember thinking, “Why did I choose this?” Even after my first internship, I felt overwhelmed by all the new concepts, programs, and ways of thinking. I worried I would never know enough or be able to advise clients, and I was terrified of public speaking.
What helped me push past my doubts was realizing I did not have to know it all from the start. Working with a supportive team, sharing knowledge, and gaining experience with clients in industries like restaurants, hotels, and real estate showed me the value I could bring. I assumed accounting would be boring and behind a desk all day. I could not have been more wrong. Accounting is about problem-solving, communication, and understanding the stories behind financial data. It is about understanding how a business works, connecting with clients, and figuring out how to best serve them.
The profession has helped me grow personally as well, overcoming public speaking fears and building connections. Now I make a point to support students and new accountants through mentorship, career fairs, and intern trainings. There is no one type of accountant. I work with a diverse team, serve a variety of clients, and love what I do. I am so glad I pushed through the doubts and found a career I truly enjoy.
👩🏻Name:
Esther Pujol Rodriguez
💼 Title:
Industry Specific Services Senior Manager
📍Location:
Washington, D.C.
When I started my career journey, there wasn’t a soul within 500 miles I could turn to for support. Now, I try to be supportive to students who are looking for guidance. I enjoy being a mentor for college students through BDO’s mentorship program. By being there for others, I hope to bring others the balance that I lacked early on.
I am the first and only person in my family to attend university, which I did within a decade of arriving in the U.S. In that time, I learned a new language, adapted to a new educational system, graduated top of my class in high school and community college, and transferred to a university far from home.
At Florida State University, I served as president of the Phi Theta Kappa alumni chapter, was a leader in the Accounting Society, and directed the FSU Book Exchange. Despite outward success, self-doubt crept in. When my grandmother passed at the end of my junior year, I struggled to focus and felt completely alone. I even considered quitting, but visualizing myself in a business suit heading to work motivated me to keep going.
I took a summer semester off to recover, reconnect with family, and regain energy. Returning in the fall, I felt like a new student, ready to push forward. I graduated with an accounting degree, passed the CPA exam on my first try, and have never looked back. The journey taught me resilience, the value of support, and the joy of helping clients. Today, my vision has come true, and I love what I do.
🧔🏻Name:
Alex Noriega
💼 Title:
Supervisor
📍Location:
New Jersey
I often asked myself whether I was truly cut out to be an accountant.
Those doubts began in my sophomore year of college during Intermediate Accounting I, a wake-up call about what it would take to succeed. I needed at least a “C” to stay in the program. At first, I thought, this will be easy, but reality proved otherwise. While I did well on assignments, I failed the midterm. After meeting with my professor, I was advised to consider switching majors and reminded that passing the final was essential to continue.
With little guidance and Intermediate II ahead, I seriously thought about switching to finance. But I’ve never been one to quit. I studied hard and managed to pass, just barely. Still, with two years left, I wasn’t sure if I had chosen the right path.
By senior year, I had no internship experience, no job prospects, and no clear direction. Should I pursue a master’s degree, study for the CPA, or start job hunting? When I heard about an upcoming college fair featuring accounting firms, I decided to give it a shot. I polished my resume, bought a suit, did my research, and prepared. A few conversations led nowhere, but then I nailed the interview with Wilkin Guttenplan and landed an internship.
During the internship, I found a genuine interest in both tax and audit work. I received a full-time offer and couldn’t wait to start. You might think the doubts stopped there, but they didn’t. My first year was tough. I struggled to learn quickly, received constructive feedback, and even failed the CPA exam. I wondered, had I made the wrong choice? Was I really cut out for public accounting?
With mentorship, a supportive team, and a focus on an industry I enjoyed, everything began to click. The question shifted from "Can I do this?" to "How far can I go?" Seven years later, I became a supervisor at the same firm and couldn’t be happier with my career choice. Now, I help recruit and mentor others, offering the kind of advice I once needed myself.
There’s no single “right” path. If you work hard, stay resilient, and take chances, the right opportunity will find you.
