Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA Prepares for a Promising Career in Accounting
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA, a double major in finance and accounting, secured multiple internship opportunities that have set him on a path to success.
With prestigious companies such as PKF O’Connor Davies and Ernst & Young (EY) on his resume, Faughnan is preparing for a bright future in the industry.
“The most distinctive advantage I have gained from my experience at Iona is having personal connections with my professors who want to see me be successful,” he shared.
These connections proved invaluable when Faughnan was introduced to the Gaels Go Further Program, a mentorship initiative that pairs students with successful alumni.
“Through the Gaels Go Further Program, I have an alumni mentor who guides me through difficult career decisions,” Faughnan said.
His practical experience has been equally transformative. Faughnan spent the summer as an audit intern with Ernst & Young, where he honed his skills in data analysis and financial reporting.
“In my current internship with EY, I analyzed data and used software to complete engagement tasks. I also evaluated and tested internal controls over financial reporting,” said the Hopewell Junction native.
“I am also learning how to utilize tools such as PowerBI and Alteryx to quickly gain insights on data and find solutions to underlying problems.”
Faughnan’s internship at EY has solidified his passion for accounting. As he transitions into the next phase of his academic career, he plans to earn his MBA in Business Analytics and study for the CPA exam.
“I hope to continue my path in accounting and become a full-time auditor by the end of next year,” he said.
His achievements also extend beyond the classroom.
In July 2024, Faughnan was named the MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year, the first swimmer in Iona history to receive this prestigious award.
“I decided to attend Iona because of its close community, proximity to New York City and the positive culture on the Men’s Swimming & Diving Team.”
With a strong foundation in both academic and practical experience, Faughnan credits Iona for preparing him to thrive after graduation.
“Iona prepared me for the job market by giving me a rigorous curriculum in both my majors and supportive career counseling,” he said.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.