Seton Hall and Withum Celebrate Success of CPA Pathway Apprenticeship’s Second Cohort, Renew Partnership for Third Year
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Seton Hall University and Withum are proud to celebrate the success of the second
cohort of the CPA Pathway Apprenticeship Program, now six months into their immersive professional experience.
As part of one of the first such industry partnered programs in the country, the apprentices gain invaluable real-world accounting exposure and earn a salary, while completing their final credits for CPA eligibility. Seton Hall and Withum are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership for a third year, further strengthening their commitment to preparing future accounting professionals.
“This program is a game-changer for accounting students who want to gain hands-on experience while working toward their CPA certification,” said Danielle DiMeglio, program director and accounting faculty lead at Seton Hall. “Our collaboration with Withum provides apprentices with mentorship, exposure to real client work, and an opportunity to develop skills that will set them apart in the profession.”
The CPA Pathway Apprenticeship Program offers a unique “learn while you earn” model, allowing students to fulfill CPA licensure requirements while working full-time in a dynamic accounting environment. Participants gain experience in tax, audit and advisory services, collaborate with Seton Hall faculty, and receive mentorship from Withum professionals—all while earning a salary and preparing for the CPA exam.
Students in the first cohort have begun passing parts of the CPA exam, and those in the second cohort have begun sitting for the exam. This year, it was also a pleasure to see students from the first cohort return to Seton Hall as recruiters during career fairs and club meetings to foster the accounting pipeline and share their success stories.
This year’s forward-thinking cohort includes Britney Guzman, James Pavlik, Alena Tran, Alexander Tran, Mary Herron, Cory Barrera and Natalie Marquez.
Theresa Richardson, chief talent officer at Withum, highlighted the impact of the program. “This partnership allows us to nurture top-tier talent and provide an immersive experience that prepares students for long-term careers in accounting. The success of the first two cohorts has demonstrated how powerful this model is, and we’re excited to continue offering this opportunity for future students.”
With the rapid evolution of the accounting profession, the program also integrates discussions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and other emerging technologies, ensuring apprentices are prepared for the industry’s future demands.
“As the accounting profession continues to evolve, it is critical that students gain both technical expertise and exposure to the latest industry advancements,” said Joyce Strawser, dean of the Stillman School of Business. “This program reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to innovative education and our mission to produce highly skilled, ethical business leaders.”
Mark Holzman, chair of the Accounting Department, reinforced the program’s role in addressing the national accountant shortage. “This apprenticeship model not only prepares students for the CPA exam but also equips them with the practical skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-changing accounting landscape. We are proud to continue this program for a third year and look forward to seeing it grow.”
Ottaviana DeRuvo, Engagement and Retention specialist at Withum, emphasized the impact on student success. “Seeing the transformation of our apprentices over the past year has been incredible. They enter the program as students and leave as confident professionals ready to contribute to the field. The continued success of this program is a testament to the power of experiential learning.”
Looking ahead, Seton Hall will repeat an accounting bootcamp this summer as the capstone project, where they hope to attract high school students to the major and university.
With Cohort 2 well underway and a third year officially confirmed, Seton Hall and Withum remain dedicated to shaping the next generation of accounting leaders. As the demand for skilled accountants continues to grow, the CPA Pathway Apprenticeship Program stands as a national model for integrating academic learning with hands-on professional experience—paving the way for future CPAs to thrive.
Categories: Business
