Priya Joshi

When Priya Joshi first immigrated to Canada, she was convinced she wanted a science degree. It didn’t take her long, however, to realize this was not her calling. “After upgrading [my education], I knew science was not my field. I knew it would not encourage me to do something good,” she says.

For Priya, her priority always comes back to using her skills to do something good. One of her professors encouraged her to consider accounting because of her natural ability to problem solve and be analytical. Suddenly, it all clicked. “In accounting, I can use my skills plus knowledge to do something good in the world,” she says.

But Priya isn’t waiting until she’s done university to start. In addition to working part-time and maintaining a high GPA, Priya joined the MacEwan University Accounting Club in her very first year.

She participated in the club’s initiative to help low-income community members and fellow students file their taxes. She enjoyed this so much, the next year, she volunteered to lead the tax clinic team. Now, as Vice-president of Operations for the club, she oversees all events and projects.

One of Priya’s biggest inspirations: Her mom. “My mom always says, ‘Simple living and high thinking.’ So that’s what I’m following right now,” says Priya. “She’s my biggest inspiration.”

Priya’s tip for students trying to balance it all: It’s all about organizing. Use a Google calendar and map it all out, including your rest time. Don’t sacrifice your rest!

Q&A with Priya Joshi

What does being named a Capitalize Campus Star mean to you?

This honour means a lot to me, and it will motivate me to work more and contribute more. Being a Campus Star will inspire me to be a better advocate for the profession. My achievements will also make my family and friends proud of me.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for their help or inspiration? What would you tell them?

Thank you so much to my family, professors, friends, and those who support me and believe in me. Especially my mom, who inspired me to do hard work. She always says to pray and trust the path and yourself. The day will come when I achieve what I want and make her proud.

How do you strive to be a role model for other students on campus?

I competed in the KPMG Ideation Challenge on behalf of MacEwan University, where I collaborated with other university students to find a solution to the COVID-19 business challenges.

During my first year of university, I joined the accounting club to give back to the community. I also lead the accounting club training sessions, which includes new member training.

Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to announce the inaugural class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the entire 2021 class!