From Fargo to the Big Four
How College of Business graduate Tonya Berg turned hard work, scholarships and meaningful connections into a career at Deloitte.
Before graduating from NDSU, Tonya Berg had already accomplished what many accounting graduates spend years working toward. She passed all four sections of the CPA exam, graduated debt-free, earned multiple scholarships and accepted a position with Deloitte — the world’s largest accounting firm.
Those achievements weren’t the result of one defining moment. They were built through years of hard work, meaningful relationships and making the most of every opportunity at NDSU’s College of Business.
Starting Close to Home
Growing up just minutes from campus in north Fargo, Berg knew she didn’t have to leave home to receive a world-class education.
“A quality education was right in my backyard,” Berg said. “I proved to myself that I didn’t need to move away or spend a fortune on my education to start my career at one of the top accounting firms in the world.”
After arriving at NDSU, Berg pursued degrees in accounting and management information systems, intentionally pairing the two disciplines to prepare for the evolving world of business. Along the way, she customized her education through business analytics coursework, additional tax classes and internship experiences that allowed her to apply what she was learning in the classroom.
Stepping Outside Her Comfort Zone
One of the most impactful moments of Berg’s college career came when she attended Meet the Firms, an accounting and finance career fair hosted in Barry Hall. The event connected her with employers and opened the door to internships that ultimately shaped her career.
“It took a lot of encouragement from others, and sometimes the motivation of bonus points, to attend networking events,” Berg admitted. “Today, I’m comfortable communicating directly with clients’ top accounting personnel without second-guessing myself.”
Preparing for the CPA Exam
Before graduating, Berg accomplished something few accounting students achieve: passing all four sections of the CPA exam.
She credits her College of Business education for making that possible.
“The material covered in my classes closely aligned with the CPA exam,” Berg said. “Because I had worked hard to truly understand the material, studying was often more of a refresher than learning something completely new.”
Scholarships and hard work also played an important role.
“The scholarships I earned gave me the financial flexibility to dedicate an entire summer to passing two sections,” Berg said. “Putting in the work upfront also allowed me to take a lighter course load during my final semester so I could focus on passing the remaining two sections.”
Faculty & Alumni Who Made a Difference
Berg says one of the greatest strengths of the College of Business is the people who invest in students’ success.
Accounting lecturer Nancy Emerson challenged her to advocate for herself, pursue excellence and recognize the value she could bring to organizations. Emerson spent hours helping her prepare for the CPA exam.
“She encouraged me to think beyond what I assumed was the default path,” Berg said. “Her classes helped me see how accounting applies in the real world and how accountants create value when they have a seat at the table.”
Outside the classroom, scholarships connected Berg with accomplished alumni like Bill Kane, a former partner at EY (Ernst & Young). During Deloitte’s recruiting process, she connected with Evan Flint, an NDSU accounting alum and Deloitte audit senior, who offered an honest perspective on life at the firm.
“Take full advantage of NDSU’s network of faculty, alumni and industry partners,” Berg said. “These are people who genuinely want to see you succeed and are willing to open doors for you.”
Beginning Her Career
Following graduation, Berg accepted a position with Deloitte, where she was drawn to the firm’s culture, investment in technology and opportunities to work with clients across multiple industries.
As an auditor, she’s excited to continue learning how businesses operate while helping organizations produce reliable financial information.
“I don’t take for granted that I get an inside look at how business processes actually work and the decisions behind them,” Berg said.
Advice for Future Students
Looking back, Berg says one lesson stands out above all others: take advantage of every opportunity NDSU has to offer.
“Apply for scholarships, attend networking events, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself,” Berg said. “One connection can completely change the trajectory of your career.”