Minot State University
09/20/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 08:36
Onward: An interview with Ezra Hagerott
By Veronica Corey
Communications and Marketing Specialist
MINOT, N.D. - From balancing soccer balls, scholarships, and spreadsheets, Ezra Hagerott, a Minot State University accounting and finance major, is no stranger to winning-both on and off the field.
The Glendive, Montana, native moved to the Magic City at 5 years old. In the summer, he would live with his grandparents to play with the Magic Skills soccer club in Bismarck and has been playing ever since. With a 3.8 GPA, a spot on the President's Honor Roll every semester, and a trophy case filled with MVP and All-State soccer titles, Hagerott sets himself up for success in a whole new field.
The Minot State junior has had a unique opportunity to get a head start in his career by working at First Western Bank & Trust (FWBT) as a teller and now as an accountant.
Between soccer practice, coursework, and his job at FWBT, Hagerott carved out time to sit down with University Communications to share his journey at MSU and his promising future in accounting and finance.
What brought you to Minot State, and why did you choose accounting as your major?
EH: What brought me to Minot State was me living in Minot close to my whole life. I've always heard good things about their programs and didn't want to move far away from home. I chose to do Accounting and Finance because my grandma is an Accountant, and my grandpa was a business owner. I took a couple of accounting classes in high school and really enjoyed them. I also chose to major in finance because I spoke with an MSU alumnus (Cameron Stone), and he recommended that I do double majors. It was only a couple extra classes to double major, so I took his advice.
How did your experience as a teller at FWBT prepare you for your current role as an accountant?
EH: Working as a teller for close to a year helped me learn how to speak to customers and how to work with my co-workers. They helped me understand First Western's system and not to be afraid to ask questions when I'm not sure of something.
What does it mean to you to have secured an accounting position while still in college? How did you manage to achieve this?
EH: I am incredibly grateful and honored that I was chosen for the accounting position at First Western while still acquiring my degree. I think what helped me achieve the position was working hard in school and getting good work experience. What also helped was making good connections in First Western and getting to know everyone as well as possible.
What specific aspects of accounting do you find most interesting, and how has your coursework at MSU contributed to your understanding of the field?
EH: What I found to be the most interesting thing about accounting is how business is conducted, along with how accounting has become more of a science; if you're off, there's always an answer to why. Some other things I found interesting were the laws in business and the tax code. The MSU courses have helped me understand my field, and I enjoy learning all the new material. If I ever have questions, the professors are very easy to get ahold of and help me out.
What have you learned about the banking industry through your work experience that you might not have known just from your studies?
EH: While working at First Western, I learned how important customers can be to a company, along with every coworker involved. Something I have found very helpful is gaining real-world experience that I can apply to my studies. Working as an accountant and learning accounting at the same time helps support both roles. Being an accountant makes learning new material easier and vice versa.
As a soccer player, how do you balance the demands of your sport with your academic and professional responsibilities?
EH: I am extremely fortunate that First Western and the Men's Soccer Club are flexible with schedules. What I do to balance the activities is not procrastinate my schoolwork and work efficiently. This allows me to not stress about school. It helps me focus more on work, practice, and going out with friends.
Has being an athlete influenced your approach to your studies or your job? If so, how?
EH: Being an athlete has influenced how I do my schoolwork and my work at my job by simply putting in the work to become better every day and working hard no matter what. Things like that over time won't go unnoticed.
Looking ahead, how do you see your career in accounting evolving after graduation?
EH: I can't tell what the future will be, but the experience I'm getting at First Western is valuable. I've always enjoyed everything I've done in both accounting and finance, so I'm open to the opportunities presented.
Do you have any specific goals or ambitions for your final year at MSU, both academically and in soccer?
EH: My academic goal is to get as many connections as possible and keep getting good grades. Ultimately, I want to attain my degree and get my Certified Public Accountant license. With soccer, not just my goal but the team's goal is to win Regionals and go to the National Tournament.
What has been the most rewarding part of your experience at MSU so far?
EH: The most rewarding part at MSU is getting to meet so many new people every day, whether it's faculty, a student, or someone new on the Men's soccer team, along with all the events that MSU life has put on to help us enjoy our time at Minot State.
What advice would you give to other students who are looking to secure full-time positions in their field while still in college?
EH: The best advice I can give is to work hard in school and speak with people who can help you contact businesses. I have personally talked with Randy Conway; he was a huge help in helping me decide on my career path and contact businesses around Minot.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 09/20/24