Student Spotlight: Manoela Kawasaki '26

Manoela Kawasaki is a senior accounting major from Marlborough, MA. She plans to graduate this spring, after which she will begin a full-time role with PwC and sit for the CPA exam.

How did you choose Isenberg and UMass Amherst?

One of the biggest reasons that I chose Isenberg and UMass Amherst is because I was invited to be a part of the Dean’s Academy. I was also looking for an inclusive and diverse community to be a part of for the next four years of my college career, and I felt that UMass fit the bill.

What have been your favorite classes and experiences at Isenberg so far?

My favorite class at Isenberg was Accounting 221, which I took with Professor Bradley Bennett. It was extremely well taught and helped me build a solid foundation in accounting. Another experience that has been extremely meaningful to me has been working with fellow women in accounting and faculty advisors to create a new RSO at Isenberg called the Alliance for Women in Accounting (AWA). I am the co-president of AWA.

Have you had any jobs or internships during college?

I’ve interned with PwC over the past two summers. This past summer, I worked as an Advance Advisory Intern in Deals for PwC’s Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services (CMAAS) Practice. In summer 2024, I worked as a Start Intern.

What are you planning after graduation?

I have accepted a full time offer as a deals associate in the CMAAS Practice at PwC for 2026. I will also be taking the CPA exam!

If you could go back and give your first-year self some advice, what would you tell them?

I would tell my first-year self to seek opportunities outside of my comfort zone. Those experiences have helped me learn so much about myself and my interests, and they’ve also expanded my network in ways I never expected.

Do you have a mentor from the Isenberg community who has helped shape your experience?

Bradley Bennett has been a great mentor over my time as an Isenberg student. He has introduced me to a lot of experiences that have been formative to my experience at Isenberg thus far.