Iffat Rabbani moved to Eugene last September with nearly a decade of professional experience and a clear sense of purpose. Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, she began her career at a public accounting firm, later transitioning to a local bank, and finally to HSBC. Along the way, she earned both an MBA and the ACCA, a highly respected UK-based professional accounting credential.
When her husband received an offer to pursue a PhD in computer science at Oregon State University, Iffat saw an opportunity to take her career international. She chose the University of Oregon’s Master of Accounting program to prepare for the CPA exam and to gain a deeper understanding of accounting practice in the United States.
“The MAcc program felt like the perfect fit,” she says. “Everyone I spoke with was incredibly welcoming, and I felt confident the program would prepare me for the U.S. job market.”
Iffat has found the applied nature of the curriculum especially valuable. Faculty draw on their own professional experience to connect theory to practice, reinforcing coursework with real-world insight. With a strong background in accounting and finance, she appreciates how the program builds on prior experience while sharpening professional skills.
“The MAcc curriculum prepares graduates to be efficient and professional from day one,” she says. “It sets students apart.”
She is drawn to accounting for its influence and responsibility within organizations.
“Accounting is more than preparing financial statements,” she explains. “We have access to sensitive information and can use it to help guide strategic decisions.”
Beyond technical knowledge, the program has helped Iffat navigate U.S. professional norms, including networking and recruiting, which differ significantly from her experience in Bangladesh. Events like Meet the Firms expanded her network and introduced her to potential employers.
“Here, relationships and networking matter so much,” she explains. “Learning how to build connections and understand the system was a big adjustment.”
Outside the classroom, Iffat is settling into life in Eugene with her husband and their young daughter. She enjoys exploring the area, from Sahalie Falls to the Oregon Coast, and spending evenings watching films in different languages.
“My life completely changed when I moved here,” she reflects. “The program and the people made the transition easier. There is a real sense of support.
After graduation, Iffat hopes to join a mid-sized public accounting firm in Oregon that values both career growth and work-life balance. For now, she remains focused on the CPA exam, building her network, and putting down roots in a place that already feels like home.
—Megan Jessup-Varnum, Lundquist College Communications