Greg Sommers
Professor, Director Masters in Accounting Program
SMU, Dallas
Dallas, TX USA
“You need to recognize the accomplishments you have had rather than focusing on the challenges that lie ahead.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Didn't get into the college I planned and so changed my major to Business.
Found Accounting was pretty straight forward for me so I majored in it.
Started work for a sole proprietor doing school district audits.
Moved to a medium-sized local firm where I was in line to be a partner.
Big curve ball! Realized I did not want to be a partner and started looking for the right path.
Discovered I wanted to get into education and began graduate studies.
Became a professor, teaching and doing research.
Moved into the role of program director. What a great choice!
Education
High School
Immanuel High School
Immanuel High School
Career
Professor, Director Masters in Accounting Program
Love helping students learn and develop.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Business
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
My work involves teaching, but also service aspects. Definitely no two days are alike! There is advising of students who always raise new challenges or encounter new things. Additionally, there is working with others in a wide variety of roles to address issues of curriculum and other issues. Finally, there is a mentoring that continues in keeping connected to alumni as they move forward in their careers. This allows me to help both current and former students by helping with networking.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Balance your efforts to acquire technical knowledge and professionalism / communication skills.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"The biggest discouragement was from those who told me the road would be hard and I needed commitment. While good to be aware of this, at times they said it to challenge my desire and prepared me for the road ahead."
Challenges I Overcame
Work-Life Balance
