UAlbany Alum Rodriguez Credits Massry Faculty, EY Partnerships With Career Growth
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 3, 2025) — University at Albany alum Marvin Rodriguez's journey from a single-parent household to a top accounting position in New York City began with exploring the programs offered at the Massry School of Business and through the University's Living-Learning Communities. Today Rodriguez is a shining example of why UAlbany has been recognized for the second consecutive year with Insight Into Diversity's Inspiring Programs in Business Award.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Rodriguez first started thinking about applying to UAlbany while taking part in the Virtual Enterprise program at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.
“I collaborated with classmates to run a virtual company alongside other schools, selling products in a simulated business environment. This experience sparked my interest in accounting and led me to learn more about UAlbany and the Massry School of Business during my college application process,” said Rodriguez, who earned a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting from UAlbany in 2019 and a master’s degree in taxation in 2020. “After visiting the campus, I was drawn to the atmosphere and recognized the opportunities the University could offer.”
While at UAlbany, Rodriguez took part in the World of Accounting program through the Living-Learning Communities, which connected him with students who shared similar career interests through seminars with professionals at the Big 4 and midsize accounting firms. Rodriguez parlayed this experience into three internships with EY, which for more than a decade has partnered with UAlbany on numerous programs to equip students with critical skills and real-world business experience.
In 2025, UAlbany has once again been recognized by Insight Into Diversity with its Inspiring Programs in Business Award for its EY Trajectory Program, which specifically provides students such as Rodriguez with semester-length internships where they learn to analyze information about security risk analysis. In the case of Rodriguez, these internships eventually led to a full-time offer to work for EY upon graduation.
“Looking back, I realize that the skills and lessons I gained at UAlbany — whether from a class, an interaction or a failure I bounced back from — shaped my journey,” said Rodriguez. “As a Latino from a single-parent household and a first-generation college student, the Massry School of Business gave me the opportunity to work at one of the world’s top accounting firms. This was made possible by the University’s strong reputation and the trust these firms have in UAlbany graduates.”
"Marvin's story is not unlike many others at UAlbany. Massry School students have benefited significantly from the unwavering support of alumni and corporate partners like EY," said Massry School of Business Dean Paquita Davis-Friday. "EY stands out because of the many ways it supports students, like the LEAD and Trajectory programs, the World of Accounting Living-Learning Community, and through the Student Emergency Fund. I couldn't be prouder of Marvin's success or more grateful for the wonderful example that our alumni and friends at EY have set.”
Rodriguez was guided on his journey by faculty members such as Director of Accounting Programs Mark Hughes, and associate professors Ingrid Fisher and William Riccardi.
“Professor Hughes was always available from day one and connected me with great mentors that played a key role in my success at the School of Business. Professor Fisher believed in my potential and offered me opportunities like being a PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) Scholar and a graduate assistant for the EY LEADs Program, which helped cover the cost of my graduate education and eased my family's financial burden,” continued Rodriguez. “Professor Riccardi left a lasting impression with a speech on the first day of class, warning us that his courses would be the hardest but most rewarding. His words were true. I spent countless hours in his office, not only learning accounting but also gaining inspiration from his own journey in the field.”
The EY LEADs program, for which UAlbany was recognized by Insight Into Diversity in 2024, helps to retain second and third-year underrepresented students pursuing accounting careers by providing robust academic and career support at essential points in their college studies. Students can work with two graduate assistants, who provide dedicated office hours and undergraduate course-specific study sessions while completing their graduate accounting degree programs (including preparation for accounting licensure examinations).
EY LEADs students receive regular mentorship and guidance from experienced EY leaders, who provide guidance with career-building activities such as resume writing and personal branding. Each student who actively participates in the program receives financial support as well, including a $250 scholarship for books and consideration for one of five $1,000 academic scholarships for demonstrated superior leadership and engagement.
"Marvin's experience vividly exemplifies why the University at Albany ranks among top institutions for social mobility," said Sam Caldwell, vice president of inclusive excellence and equity. "Our commitment to the public good includes supporting students from all backgrounds and is a key factor in making UAlbany one of the nation’s leading diverse R1 institutions — a place where all students, including first-generation students like Marvin, can thrive academically, advance in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities."
Rodriguez worked for EY upon graduation through June of 2024, rising to the position of Tax Senior II – Tax Accounting and Risk Advisory, before he joined Chemtrade as a senior tax analyst. His advice to students who want to follow in his footsteps is simple: Embrace the journey with all of its highs and lows, and stay focused on your purpose and why you began.
“For me, the ‘why’ has always been my family. I wanted to be the first accountant in my family and show others that it’s possible,” said Rodriguez. “I’m just a kid from Brooklyn who dreamed of working in those towering buildings in Manhattan, helping my mother, and making a difference for future accountants.”
Rodriguez has since gone on to speak at panels and professional seminars for the Massry School of Business as both an alumnus and graduate student.
“It’s a privilege to inspire and motivate the next generation of business professionals. None of this would have been possible without my journey at UAlbany,” said Rodriguez.