It was a proud moment for INTO CSU staff when Jasir Sulaiman Mayat received his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting during recent graduation ceremonies.
The day was made all the more special by the fact that Mayat was the first INTO CSU Undergraduate Pathway student to graduate.
Mayat arrived at INTO CSU from Karachi, Pakistan, in August 2012 to begin the Undergraduate Business Pathway. From the moment he arrived, he was determined to make the most of opportunities in the U.S.
“INTO CSU provided me with a lot of resources to adjust,” Mayat said. “What was really important was that soft landing I had during my first year, which really set the tone for my undergraduate program at CSU. If it weren’t for INTO CSU, I would have had a much rockier start at college.”
Prestigious internship
Mayat’s next move will be to head to San Francisco, where he start an internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the most prominent U.S. accounting firms.
“I’m most proud of the fact that I got an internship with PwC,” he said. “That’s one of my biggest accomplishments. With its extremely diverse employee workforce and client base, it is a perfect fit for me.”
Mayat will return to CSU in the fall to begin work on a master’s in accounting.
“I’ve had my fair share of options in terms of where to go,” he said. “I got into a lot of good schools that are known for their programs in accounting. However, I keep getting drawn back to Fort Collins. The number one reason is the people – I’ve never met a friendlier, more accepting group.
“I’ve been able to accomplish a lot here because I’ve been able to be myself – I love that about the community of Fort Collins. The College of Business has amazing professors who are making headway in their research and providing a lot of feedback to the accounting community. I want to be under the tutelage of these professors and learn from them. I have also been offered an accounting assistantship for next year.”
Fully involved student
Mayat has been an exceptional student at both INTO CSU and the university – not just academically, but also in terms of his participation in multiple organizations on campus. His accolades and roles include becoming a Track 2 Honors Student and Global Village Student of the Year.
Jasir worked the front desk at Parmelee Hall from midnight to 8 a.m. on weekends so he could further his involvement in the Global Village community, while focusing on his studies. He became a Global Village mentor and program coordinator. He also held roles as the speaker, treasurer and then president of the Global Ambassador’s Program, an organization which he says is close to his heart.
“The program provides cultural awareness in the Fort Collins community,” he said. “It was really important to me in terms of providing presentations about Pakistan, sharing stories about my background, and showing people that it’s not always how the media shows it.”
To continue his professional development in accounting, Jasir worked as a SLiCE accounting assistant and INTO CSU accounting and finance student assistant.
‘Bright future’
INTO CSU finance manager Ty Melton said: “I have had the pleasure and honor to know and work with Jasir for the past year and a half. He has been a complete team player, always willing to help out, and eager to learn more about the real world of accounting. Jasir has a bright future in front of him, and I am proud of his achievements.”
“Jasir’s energy, initiative and accomplishments continue to impress the many people he has come to know. His impact on the students and staff of INTO CSU are numerous and remarkable,” added Robert White, INTO CSU assistant director of advising.
