It takes a certain kind of person to leave a resounding impact on a student, motivating and inspiring her in a way that changes the trajectory of a career.

Lisa Haller, MSA’17, a government pricing analyst at Eli Lilly and Company, was lucky enough to find that person during her time in the Kelley MSA Program at IUPUI.

“While I enjoyed all of my classes and professors, Diane Sturek’s classes are the most memorable,” Lisa says of the Kelley lecturer in accounting and a recipient of teaching and “favorite professor” awards.

It was one class, in particular, that triggered a new-found interest for Lisa—internal auditing. Prior to her auditing course with Diane, Lisa didn’t have much exposure to or experience with the accounting specialty. In fact, she recalls feeling nervous before signing up for the accelerated summer course. But once she began studying the subject, and witnessed Diane’s burning passion for auditing, she was hooked.

“Many professors just lecture with slides, but Diane integrates real-life scenarios and cases, confirming our understanding of the concepts,” Lisa explains. “But what confirmed my own passion for internal auditing was a team project through which we analyzed a real company.”

That project was a game-changer for Lisa, for it exemplified the detail and discipline you must have when completing auditing projects.

Students in Diane’s class analyzed financial ratios, performed in-depth research, and presented their work to company executives. Lisa says that class highlighted the superlative teaching practices at Kelley, going far beyond a lecture and delving deep into a priceless experience.

Following Lisa’s journey through the Kelley MSA Program at IUPUI, she’s found new friends, a new mentor, and a new passion.

“I’m now considering a career in internal auditing. With an advanced auditing course, the MSA, and CPA to my name, I’m fully qualified for the job, and I believe the sky is the limit.”