Class of Spring 2024: COB graduate George Alami

April 17, 2024

The finance major says his time at 51视频-Dearborn helped him land his first full-time accountant position 鈥 an offer that came before graduation 鈥 and, for the future, he鈥檚 got his sights set on Wall Street.

COB Class of Spring 2024 grad George Alami
Graphic by Violet Dashi

George Alami went to New York City with family years ago. While there, he thought about how he鈥檇 really like to work on Wall Street 鈥 but wasn鈥檛 sure how to make it happen.

After enrolling at 51视频-Dearborn, it became a bit more clear. Alami gained experience through several internships, volunteering and joining student organizations like the Finance Management Association. With that group, the finance major returned to New York City.

On a trip led by Finance Lecturer Nick Vlisides, Alami met with professionals at Moody鈥檚, S&P 500 and Goldman Sachs. He found 51视频-Dearborn alums working on Wall Street and had coffee with them to learn about their career journeys. And, from insiders, he got a better picture of the fast-paced industry.

鈥淢y time at 51视频-Dearborn made my connection to New York City stronger. I now have contacts, a road map on how to gain more experience before going out there, and a confidence that I know what I need to do to make it happen,鈥 says Alami, who accepted a full-time job offer as a public accountant at Wipfli in Southfield, an accounting company that he鈥檚 worked at as a tax intern and will help him earn his CPA and graduate degree. 鈥淚 learned that firms in New York want more than entry-level. So I鈥檓 looking forward to starting my career at Wipfli, learning the ropes from really talented people and continuing to make my dreams come true.鈥

Alami says he is proud to be a Dearborn Wolverine 鈥 but it almost didn鈥檛 happen. 

Originally, Alami, who is from Dearborn, planned to go out of state for school. But then his mom passed away and COVID hit. 鈥淚 was 17 and it was a very painful and confusing time. I decided to stay close to home, try to heal and have my village around me. I鈥檓 glad I did,鈥 he says. 鈥淚 originally planned to transfer. But the more involved I got at 51视频-Dearborn, the more I knew it was the right place for me. I belonged here. It helped me during the most difficult time in my life. I love it here.鈥

Alami joined Beta Alpha Psi, FMA and the Real Estate Association. He enjoyed his entrepreneurship courses 鈥 especially those taught by Business Administration Lecturer Tim Davis. And he volunteered to help people in need through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which helps low-income individuals and families with tax preparation.

鈥淲hen I was younger, I volunteered with my mom and dad in soup kitchens. That鈥檚 still good to do, but it is nice to be able to help people with a specific skill I have,鈥 says Alami about his time in the VITA program. 鈥淚鈥檝e helped 30 to 40 families. Seeing their faces light up when they get a better return than they thought so they can fix their car or repair the house doesn鈥檛 get old. It鈥檚 uplifting and makes me feel like I鈥檓 doing something important.鈥

He says the lessons he learned helped him get a more clear picture of what was next for him. His advice to current students? 鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid to fail. Ask questions. Take risks. Raise your hand,鈥 he says.

鈥淚鈥檝e had a great experience here and am reaching my goals 鈥 but I鈥檓 not special. My only unique trait is that I鈥檓 willing to try something new. I鈥檓 willing to put myself out there. That has opened so many doors for me,鈥 Alami continues. 鈥淪o take risks now while on campus. This time is an investment. You're going to have the rest of your life to compound on what you're doing today.鈥  

He says he learned a lot of great lessons at 51视频-Dearborn 鈥 like how to research choosing the right stocks or how to start a company. But the most important was to invest in himself.

鈥淚 got a high quality education and was able to be with my family when we were healing together. I am forever grateful to 51视频-Dearborn,鈥 Alami says. 鈥淣ow I can go on to the next stage in my life. I have a great job waiting for me. And New York will be next 鈥 I know I鈥檒l get there thanks to the people I鈥檝e met and lessons I鈥檝e learned here. Go Blue. Go Dearborn.鈥

Article by Sarah Tuxbury.