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By Ashley Rabinovitch
Recently graduated from Shaw University, where they were football teammates and fellow business and accounting schoolmates, Asaad Shaw (MAC ’22) and Jaleel Scroggins (MAC ’22) are firmly committed to learning at Jenkins Master of Accounting Program at North Carolina State University.
As they look forward to starting their masters program, the two students point to childhood experiences that set the stage for their future careers. “One of my aunts is an accountant, and growing up I was fascinated by the idea of helping other people manage their money,” Shaw recalls. “As I got older I found that I really enjoyed helping my mom with our family budgets and investments.”
Scroggins also had several family members with an accounting background, which he said sparked a spark in him to pursue the topic. “My family liked to call me the ‘human calculator,’ he says. “Whenever they had a tricky math problem or a financial question, I would do the math in my head. But throughout my studies, I discovered that accounting is more than math. It teaches you key lessons in critical thinking and honesty that translate into all other aspects of life.
A balancing act
As student athletes, Shaw and Scroggins faced unique challenges as they sought excellence both on the court and in the classroom. “It was not easy to maintain a strong GPA while giving so many hours to football,” admits Scroggins. He recalls a time when the team had to leave for an away game a day earlier than expected. Scroggins was finishing a group project for one of his accounting classes, and the group had already planned to meet while he was on the bus.
“I still remember that feeling of being on the road, trying to mentally prepare myself for the game while actively contributing to my accounting project,” says Scroggins. “Luckily my teammates were understanding and stayed quiet during the bus ride so I could call through Zoom. Through all of these types of challenges, I am proud to have persevered with the support of my friends and family.
Likewise, the experience of being a student-athlete has played a central role in Shaw’s personal and professional development. “Playing football isn’t just about football,” he says. “It’s an exercise in self-discipline, balance and time management. Now that I am leaving football to pursue my MAC, I have the opportunity to apply these lessons in a new context.
Find parallels
Scroggins and Shaw can identify clear parallels between football and accounting. “Attention to detail is crucial on the pitch, from understanding the nuances of a game to listening to what our teammates are doing,” notes Scroggins. “This ability to focus and manage many moving parts at once is also essential in accounting. If you miscalculate, there can be major consequences.
Shaw points out that football and accounting rely heavily on teamwork. “Whether you are working in the field or in a company, you are constantly adapting to the actions of those around you,” he says. “In both contexts, you have to learn to integrate different perspectives into a cohesive action plan so that your team can achieve its goals. “
Building a better future
As they take the next step in their professional journey, Scroggins and Shaw are eager to support the local community. “I want to meet as many people as possible, especially since I am working on my dream of becoming a private accountant in my own practice,” says Asaad. Ultimately, he plans to combine his love of adventure with accounting, traveling the world to help businesses manage their financial needs.
Scroggins also strives to be attentive to those around him, especially as he moves to a new academic environment. “I always ask questions and want to make sure I keep this curiosity alive throughout my time in the MAC program,” he shares. “Our classroom interactions with teachers are a starting point for me and my peers to continue to learn on our own, and then use that knowledge to help the people around us. It is important to stay curious. This is when learning happens.
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