Rachel Kassing

Marian University of Indianapolis, Byrum School of Business

“Leads with positivity and the determination to make the most of every opportunity to succeed.”

Fun fact about yourself: My senior year of high school, I was the captain of both the girls’ soccer and basketball teams. It helped that I graduated with only 24 fellow classmates!

Hometown: Maryville, IL

High School: Father McGivney Catholic High School

Major: Accounting and Finance

Minor: N/A

Favorite Business Course: BUS 325 (Student Consulting: The A-Team)

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

• Presidential Ambassador (2018-2021)

• Student Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admission (2018-2020)
• Honors Academy Treasurer (2018-2019)
• Dean’s Advisory Council Member (2017-2021)
• New Mexico Alternative Break (Tohatchi, NM)
• Monza-Indianapolis Sister City Program (Monza, Italy)
• Watermark Group Endowed Scholarship (2020)
• Financial Executive Institute Award (2018)
• Saint Mary Academic Full-Tuition Scholarship (2017)
• Business Leaders Scholar Scholarship (2017)
• Dean’s List: All Semesters (2017-2021)

Where have you interned during your college career?

• RSM (Indianapolis, IN) – Tax Intern
• Ameren (St. Louis, MO) – Internal Audit Intern

Where will you be working after graduation? It has yet to be decided, but I plan on working and living in Indianapolis!

What company do you admire most? This may be a peculiar answer, but I really admire Chick-Fil-A. I admire them not only because of their delicious food, efficient business model, and stellar service, but also because of the way that they treat their employees with the utmost compassion and respect.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? It was how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable! I am not naturally someone who enjoys presenting or tackling an ambiguous project. Through my years in the Byrum School of Business I have grown accustomed to stepping outside of my comfort zone and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is okay to be a little scared of the things that make us uncomfortable. However, it is crucial to take small steps to conquer those fears and continue to grow.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Be open to where you will find your fit. Although I entered college as an accounting major and am now graduating with that same major, I think it is important to remind students that everyone’s academic journey looks different. It is more than okay to change directions along the way and figure out what works best for you. This is why it is so important to get real world experience early. Whether you shadow a position you are interested in or get coffee with someone who can give insight into a position, put yourself out there! This can only help, not hurt, so do it early and often.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? It was the wide range of opportunities and experiences available. Before college, I had a pretty narrow idea of what a business major could do with their degree. I would have never imagined all of the different opportunities that my classmates have had during college and will soon have outside of it. I love the idea that there are infinite possibilities awaiting me and I cannot wait to see where I end up!

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of earning the St. Mary Academic Full-Tuition Scholarship to attend Marian University. This award validated so much of the hard work and stress that went into becoming the person that interviewed for the scholarship. Looking back on this achievement now, I cannot help but feel extremely grateful for all of the opportunities that earning a full-tuition scholarship gave me. My college experience has been filled with so many amazing experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today, and none of it would’ve been possible without this scholarship.

Which classmate do you most admire? One of the first people that I met in the business school was Mary Crumlin. Mary is one of the most hard-working, dedicated, and driven people that I know. We started in BUS109 together, Byrum’s version of Shark Tank, and ended our tenure as classmates in Advanced Corporate Finance. Throughout all these years, there has never been a time where Mary wasn’t willing and able to help out a fellow classmate who wasn’t getting a concept or needed a little extra help on an assignment. Mary, thank you for pushing us all forward! There is no doubt in my mind that you are going places!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents come as a package deal and are who I most want to thank for my success. Growing up, they always encouraged me to be anything I wanted to be. Little did they know that I wanted to be them! In May I will be graduating with degrees in Accounting and Finance – taking after my two biggest role models. Thank you for supporting me in anything I have ever done and showing me what it means to lead by example. You both instilled in me strong values that will allow me to succeed wherever I am planted. I would not be anywhere without both of you and cannot thank you enough!

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. Pass the CPA exam within a year of graduation
2. Find a company/position where I am truly fulfilled

What are your hobbies? My hobbies include hiking, traveling, listening to podcasts, reading, baking, going to new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. I especially love to explore new places with my family and friends!

What made Rachel such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2021?

“Rachel Kassing is a true leader in every sense of the word. Rachel leads, not only in the classroom, but all over the Marian University campus where she serves as a Presidential Ambassador. I had the pleasure of having Rachel as a student in two of my federal taxation courses. Rachel was always curious to learn more, often asking thoughtful and engaging questions. This curiosity not only helped Rachel expand her knowledge, it helped everyone in the classroom, including myself to learn and improve. Rachel truly strives for excellence in all that she does. Her contributions during her four years at Marian have been recognized by her peers, faculty and through the receipt of multiple awards. Rachel is truly an invaluable addition to the Class of 2021.”

Denise Gates 
Assistant Professor of Accounting
Byrum School of Business, Marian University

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