Pal Shah

Pal Shah is an honors accountancy and finance major from Schaumburg, IL

Hometown: Schaumburg, IL

High School: James B. Conant High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2026

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, I always knew I wanted to do something related to business. My dad owned an accounting firm in India, so I was around accounting from a young age and saw how important that work was. Because of that, I became interested in accounting and finance. Today, I am pursuing that same path as my major in college, and I hope to become a CPA in the future and continue building a career in the accounting field.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in accountancy and finance. I chose this path because I enjoy working with numbers, problem-solving and understanding how businesses operate. Accounting and finance play a big role in helping organizations make smart decisions and stay financially strong. I also like that this field offers many career opportunities and allows me to work closely with businesses and people. Studying these majors is helping me build the skills and knowledge I need for a successful career in the business world.

Have you conducted an internship? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes, I got my internship through networking and being involved in student organizations at NIU, especially Beta Alpha Psi. By attending career fairs and firm events and connecting with professionals, I learned about different opportunities in accounting. I completed a federal tax services internship at RSM US LLP in Chicago, where I gained hands-on experience working with tax teams and learning more about the profession. I will also be completing another internship with KPMG, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, which I am very excited about.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship gave me real-world experience and helped me understand what working in the accounting field is like. I was able to work with professionals, learn how tax projects are completed and see how teams collaborate to solve problems for clients. It also helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills and apply what I learned in class to real situations. Overall, the experience helped prepare me for my future career in accounting.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about my experience at NIU is how many opportunities there are to get involved and grow. Through different organizations, leadership roles and networking events, I have been able to meet so many supportive people and learn a lot outside the classroom. I did not expect to build such strong connections with students, professors and professionals, and those experiences have helped shape both my personal and professional growth.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
One of the ways I made some of my closest friends was through my classes during my freshman year, as well as my roommate and the people on my floor in the residence hall. The friends I made during that time are still some of my closest friends today. We have been through many ups and downs together, and I truly believe these are genuine connections that will last for the rest of my life. I always say they will definitely be at my wedding one day. I have also built many strong friendships through Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and my sorority, alpha Kappa Delta Phi (aKDPhi), where I connected with students who share similar goals, values and experiences.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Yes, I have been involved in several student organizations during my time at NIU. I serve as the vice president of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and the treasurer of my sorority, alpha Kappa Delta Phi (aKDPhi). I was also involved in the Indian Student Association (ISA) and was briefly part of the Asian American Resource Center (AARC). Through these organizations, I have been able to develop leadership skills, meet people from different backgrounds and build a strong community on campus. Being involved has helped me grow both personally and professionally and made my experience as a Huskie much more meaningful.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Several NIU offices have helped me feel supported and successful. My academic advisors and Career Services have guided me with classes, internships and career opportunities. The IT department is always very helpful and quickly resolves any technical issues. I also work at the OneCard office, which I really enjoy because we help students with their needs every day. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office has supported me with scholarships based on my academic standing, which has helped me continue my education without paying everything out of pocket, and the Office of the Bursar has also been helpful whenever I had billing questions.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors at NIU has been Meghann Cefaratti. She taught one of my courses, and I really appreciated how supportive and encouraging she was toward her students. She explained the material clearly and created a comfortable environment where students felt confident asking questions. She has also helped me outside of class and has always been someone I could talk to about anything. I feel like I can rely on her for advice, even with personal decisions, which made a big impact on my experience at NIU.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has helped me stay engaged with the material and better understand the topics being taught. It also gives me the chance to ask questions, participate in discussions and learn directly from my professors. Being in class also helped me connect with other students who are like-minded and focused on their goals, which has led to great study groups and friendships.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the East Lagoon. I am drawn to it because it is very peaceful and beautiful, especially when the weather is nice. I often go on walks there with my friends, and sometimes we even have bonfires nearby. There are also many events that happen around the lagoon, which makes it a fun place to gather and spend time with others. It’s a great spot to relax, enjoy nature and make memories with friends.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would advise students to choose a college where they feel they can grow both academically and personally. Look for a school that offers strong programs in the field you are interested in, but also one where there are many opportunities to get involved in organizations, internships and campus events. It is also important to find a community where you feel supported and comfortable, because those connections can make your college experience much more meaningful.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it gives me the knowledge, skills and opportunities to build a successful future. It allows me to grow both personally and professionally, meet new people and learn from different experiences. For me, college is also a way to create better opportunities for myself and make my family proud.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I manage my time by staying organized and planning ahead. I use a planner and my calendar to keep track of my classes, work schedule, meetings and deadlines. I try to finish my schoolwork early so I can still spend time with my friends and family. Staying organized and prioritizing what needs to be done helps me balance all my responsibilities.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus through email from NIU, social media and by being involved in student organizations. Many of the groups I’m part of share information about events and opportunities, and I also hear about things from friends and classmates. Being active on campus helps me stay updated and take advantage of different opportunities.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I like spending time with my friends and taking walks around campus, especially by the lagoon. I also enjoy going to the Holmes Student Center to bowl or play pool with my friends. Sometimes I like doing creative activities like painting or journaling. These things help me take a break, clear my mind and come back feeling more refreshed and focused.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work at the OneCard office on campus, where I help students with their ID cards and answer questions they may have. I enjoy the job because I get to interact with many students and help them with their needs. In my free time, I enjoy hobbies like going to the gym, golfing, painting and journaling. I am also part of the NIU golf team because I enjoy playing golf. I also like spending time with my friends, whether it’s playing mahjong, hosting game nights or just hanging out together. These activities help me relax and balance my busy schedule.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Another special part of my NIU experience was participating in the Miss Asia competition on campus, where I was honored to win the Miss Asia 2024 title. Through this experience, I have been able to help spread awareness about Asian culture on campus and have given speeches to share my story and represent my community. It has been a very meaningful part of my time at NIU. I have also enjoyed giving back by volunteering at the Huskie Food Pantry and at Feed My Starving Children. These experiences have helped me grow as a leader and have made my journey at NIU even more rewarding.