Balancing Books and Banking: Local Alum Finds His Path
When Brandon Cuellar '26 graduated from Nashua High School South in 2022, he had a clear vision for his future: to pursue a career in business while gaining hands-on experience. He knew he wanted to build a strong foundation in accounting—one that would give him the flexibility to run his own business or take on high-impact roles in the financial world. But with the added challenge of working full-time, he needed a university that could accommodate both his professional ambitions and academic goals.
That’s what led him to U91ɬÂþ Manchester.
“I chose U91ɬÂþ Manchester because it provided me with a flexible opportunity to receive a higher education while working full-time and gaining experience through professors and industry professionals,â€� Brandon says. “With U91ɬÂþ Manchester being a mainly commuter school, I can drive in for my classes, learn and complete the work during my free time from my job.â€�
Discovering a Passion for Accounting
Initially entering as a general business major, Brandon quickly found his niche in accounting. He was drawn to its ability to shape the success of an organization, offering a clear picture of a company’s financial health and opportunities for growth.
“I took intro to financial and managerial accounting and picked up the material quickly,� he explains. “I became fascinated with how accounting informs the state of a business and where improvements can be made.�
As he explored the field further, he realized that accounting’s versatility and career potential aligned perfectly with his long-term aspirations. Now, he has his sights set on earning his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, a credential that will open doors to a range of high-level financial roles.
From Classroom to Corporate: A Future at PwC
One of the defining moments of Brandon’s time at U91ɬÂþ Manchester came when he landed a coveted internship at , one of the largest accounting firms in the world. The opportunity arose thanks to the real-world learning experiences woven into his coursework.
“I took a Business Communications class at U91ɬÂþ Manchester, and it helped me so much in my search for internships and career opportunities,â€� he says. “I learned more about my field, got interview tips and refined my resume. Thanks to all that preparation, I was able to secure an internship at PwC, and I feel like that will be a huge asset in my future job search.â€�
Brandon will begin his internship this summer—an opportunity that will give him firsthand exposure to the fast-paced world of corporate accounting and provide him with valuable industry connections.
A Close-Knit Learning Community
Beyond the coursework and career-building opportunities, Brandon says the tight-knit community at U91ɬÂþ Manchester has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience.
“Unlike traditional colleges where you might be in a lecture hall with 100+ students, our smaller class sizes make for a more comfortable and engaging educational environment,� he shares. “I can ask questions, build connections with my professors and even seek professional advice. They’re experts in their fields, and they’re always willing to help.�
The blend of in-person and online classes has also allowed Brandon to maintain a 40-hour workweek at a bank while occasionally working overtime—a balance that would be difficult to achieve at many other universities.
Looking Ahead
With two years left until graduation in 2026, Brandon is laser-focused on his CPA exam, his upcoming internship and the opportunities that lie ahead. He credits U91ɬÂþ Manchester’s flexibility, faculty support and career-driven education for setting him up for success.
Interested in a future in business? Learn more about the business and accounting programs at U91ɬÂþ Manchester and how they can prepare you for a career in any industry.